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| Baraboo author Pam Quinlan has released a paperback version of the first book in her Spring Pond series, A Sunny Day at Spring Pond, based on Durward’s Glen Retreat Center in Baraboo. (Contributed photo) |
BARABOO — Book one of the new children’s Spring Pond Series, A Sunny Day at Spring Pond by Baraboo author Pamela R. Quinlan, is now available in paperback version.
Quinlan developed her idea for her children’s books while volunteering as an outdoor tour guide at Durward’s Glen Retreat Center in Baraboo.
Based on Durward’s Glen
Each book is set at Spring Pond and includes animals like those found at Durward’s Glen. The central character Herman the Turtle actually belonged to Quinlan’s son.
The turtle was released into the pond 15 years ago. Quinlan observed visitors looking for Herman in the pond as she talked about him on her tours.
“I believe he is still in the pond,” says Quinlan.
There are 41 books in the Spring Pond Series. Among a cast of 72 characters with colorful personalities, Mr. White Paws the Cat, Huey the Hummingbird, and Owen the Owl are some of Herman’s closest friends.
Messages for children
Some stories are funny while others are serious. All have important messages for children.
Change of seasons, holidays, storms, and glen daily occurrences are addressed.
Because Durward’s Glen is a Catholic historical site, some of Quinlan’s books have religious themes, including Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Good Friday, and the Feast of Corpus Christi.
“I hope my books will inspire people, especially families with children, to come to Durward’s Glen,” saaid Quinlan, who did her own photography displaying beautiful pictures of the glen.
“My series of books have been prepared to share enlightening experiences that reassure children of the goodness and beauty of nature,” she said.
Editor Mary Uhler from the Madison Catholic Herald edited Quinlan’s books. Chris Dreyer, an award-winning graphic designer from Dreyer Design, Inc., who lives near Durward’s Glen, collaborated with Quinlan because of his familiarity with the setting as well as his love for nature.
So far Quinlan also has three e-books A Sunny Day at Spring Pond (an abbreviated version of the paperback), A Snowy Day at Spring Pond, and A Stormy Day at Spring Pond available at Amazon.com
The paperback version of A Sunny Day at Spring Pond is available through Quinlan’s Web site pqcompany.net as well as at local gift shops, book stores, and book signings she will have in the area.
Quinlan plans to publish the paperback version of A Snowy Day at Spring Pond soon.
Book signings
Quinlan’s current schedule for book signings includes:
- Ho Chunk Casino Convention Center — Saturday, April 14, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 15, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Durward’s Glen Ice Cream Social — Sunday, April 22, 12:30 to 3 p.m.
- Durward’s Glen Craft Fair, Saturday, May 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Syttende Mai Arts and Crafts Fair in Stoughton, Saturday and Sunday, May 19 and 20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Durward’s Glen is located at W11876 McLeisch Rd, Baraboo. For more information, go to its Web site at www.durwardsglen.org