Gift for daughter now a kids’ book

Published 10:52 am Wednesday, June 18, 2014

When a precious earring goes missing, a little girl and her bloodhound pup are on the job, leaving a trail of chaos in their wake. The mystery unravels in the first edition of The Adventures of Kaylin and Sadie Series. “The Case of the Missing Earring” is now available at Amazon.com.

Inspired by the imagination of a little girl, the book began as a birthday gift for her daughter, Kaylin Hester, said Dana Hester, Brookhaven native and author of the book series.

“After watching Kaylin interact with her first puppy Sadie, we were heartbroken to have to find her a new home,” said Dana. “I wanted a way for Kaylin to remember Sadie forever, and I thought what better way than her very own book.”

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“In the book I also wrote a letter to Kaylin,” said Hester. “I know at her tender age she won’t understand, but I also know as a mother how special it will be when she is an adult and maybe even a mother herself.”

Hester decided to share the story with a few friends, and with their encouragement, she looked into getting the book published. The first step was finding an illustrator. Hester searched freelance.com and found Tracy Countz.

“It was a very fun project, and I am so honored that I got to be the one to help Dana bring her story to life,” said Countz.

Countz is a Mississippi illustrator who spent 25 years at corporate job, before she decided to work for herself. Countz established Moon Diva Illustration and Design, which helps children’s book authors bring their stories to fruition.

Hester’s imaginative storytelling combined with Countz’s whimsical illustrations created “The Adventures of Kaylin and Sadie: The Case of the Missing Earring.” This is the first of many adventures to come.

“I plan to do one a year for my daughter’s birthday,” said Hester.