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Castle Pines author publishes children’s book

Article by Lisa Crockett; book cover courtesy of Anthonette Klinkerman

Castle Pines author Anthonette Klinkerman’s new children’s book, “Battle of the Grandmas” is now available.

Local author and teacher Anthonette Klinkerman has released a new children’s book titled “Battle of the Grandmas.” Based on real-life experience several years ago with her daughter and a host of generous relatives, Klinkerman wrote a whimsical, rhyming story about a little girl who wants the gift of time, not more stuff.

Klinkerman’s manuscript was well received by various East Coast publishers; one in particular showed real interest but ultimately passed since they don’t publish books for children. And so the manuscript sat in a drawer while Klinkerman decided what her next step would be. Early this year, spurred on a New Year’s resolution to market her manuscript again, she decided to take a new approach.

“I decided to go with a publishing company in Parker called Outskirts Press,” said Klinkerman. “It’s sort of a hybrid publisher; the book is self published, but they have established distribution channels, so the book can be purchased via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other booksellers.”

Excited at the prospect of finding a publisher for her book, Klinkerman went in search of an illustrator to bring her words to life on the page. As an English teacher at Eagle Academy – a Douglas County school for non-traditional high school students – Klinkerman knew that the school district had a vast, untapped reservoir of student talent. After placing a Craig’s List-type ad on a school district message board for teachers, she met Justin Acquavella, a senior at Legend High School in Parker.

“I gave Justin the manuscript and he produced a drawing so perfect it brought tears to my eyes,” said Klinkerman.

And so, a collaboration was born and Klinkerman and Acquavella spent the summer perfecting the story. Klinkerman was able to provide real-life models – her daughter Madeline and her very-generous grandmothers– for inspiration. Acquavella drew detailed, intricate drawings appropriate for a book about a girl who has an over abundance of toys in her possession.

The story ends on a happy note, with surplus toys being delivered to a children’s hospital and the main character happily spending more time with loved ones.

“That really is the message of this book,” said Klinkerman. “What’s really important to a child is the time you spend with them.”

Klinkerman’s book is available through various booksellers online, and will officially “launch” at the Christmas Book Festival on November 27 at Proof NiteClub, 7800 East Hampden Avenue, Denver, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free; a portion of sales from the event will be donated to “Sense of Security,” a local breast cancer charity.

Klinkerman isn’t new to the world of book publishing – she’s already published a book titled Courtesy Bootcamp, which is a companion to seminars she teaches to area businesses and other groups on how to improve communication, productivity, and relationships through the use of good manners.

Klinkerman is also a frequent contributor to Your Hub, and a former writer for The Castle Pines Connection.

“I love writing words that influence people,” said Klinkerman. “The power of the written word is alive and well. I love knowing that I can write something that will make someone else laugh, cry, or think.”

To purchase a copy of the book, please go to www.outskirtspress.com/battleofthegrandmas. Also, be sure to “Like” the Facebook page “Battle of the Grandmas” for up-to-the-minute information.

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