Cincinnati Book Publishing is proud to present the first of a fantastical children’s book series Fuzzy Bear: An Imagination Tree Story. The special debut book was written by Felicia McElhaney and illustrated by Debbie Van Leeuwen to celebrate their new grandchild coming into the world. Fuzzy Bear takes you into a world of imagination with everything from a cow doing yoga to a llama in a toga! With playful illustrations and flowing poetry, this book is bound to be a bedtime favorite for children and parents alike. Readers will be delighted by all the special characters they will meet and all the colorful surprises along the way.
Felicia McElhaney self-published her first book, The Float Away Bear, at age ten. During the COVID pandemic, the resident of Covington, Kentucky began writing stanzas and holding virtual story-times for her co-workers’ children. Before she knew it, Felicia wrote a full-length children’s book. Her poetic, whimsical style delighted readers and listeners. She hesitated to publish without an illustrator to add that special magic to her words. Almost three years after completing her story, it was announced that she would soon be a grandmother! Wanting to make this book come to life for her first grandchild, Felicia approached her co-grandmother, and the two of them brought Fuzzy Bear to fruition.
Debbie Van Leeuwen is an experienced muralist from Lexington, Kentucky whose work can be seen in the Lexington Children’s Hospital. Debbie has been making art for children for over a decade, comforting parents and young patients alike. While creating the art for Fuzzy Bear: An Imagination Tree Story, Debbie found exceptional consultants in her neighborhood children who gave her feedback on each fun-filled character. Debbie and Felicia both agree that this special book is “made with children, for children.” Fuzzy Bear is a testament to Felicia and Debbie’s creativity and unique friendship. Most importantly, it is a testament to the love they share for their grandchild.
