United Way of Freeborn County to release its 10th book
Published 9:29 am Tuesday, March 29, 2011
The United Way of Freeborn County will celebrate the release of its 10th book at a book signing on April 16.
The book, “Apples: 1, 2, 3,” was written by William King, of Albert Lea. He will sign books, answer questions and meet fans during the Family Fun Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 16 at the Northbridge Mall.
“He put a lot of time and effort into this book,” United Way of Freeborn County Executive Director Ann Austin said. “It’s worked out so wonderfully well.”
Austin said the book’s subject ties in well with the community’s focus on health and wellness. The book follows describes and shows with photos how apples are grown.
“Kids think apples come from the grocery store,” King said.
King got the idea for the book after talking with a teacher who told him that some kids don’t know that chickens lay eggs and just thought eggs come from the grocery store. King thought it would be fun to show children how apples are grown and all the work that goes into growing apples before they are brought to the store.
“Kids nowadays know what things are but not where they come from,” King said.
His said his favorite part of the process of making the book was seeing it completed and working with others to create it. He said he’s most grateful for all the people who helped him with the book, and he hopes it inspires children to read.
The books will be read and distributed by volunteers during the week of April 11 to all kindergarten through third-graders in Freeborn County.
Austin said the United Way would like to thank Arrow Printing for publishing the book and the local businesses who sponsored it, including Albert Lea Medical Center, Alliant Energy, Wells Fargo and Freeborn Mower Cooperative Services. This is the 10th year Alliant Energy has sponsored the book.
The books photos are by Rachel Ringham of Lake Mills, Iowa.
Anyone interested in reading at the schools can contact the United Way office at 373-8670 or visit their website at www.unitedwayfc.org/volunteer and search “Reading at Schools.”