April 27, 2023
By Hope Schmidt, POL Intern
What is more comforting than a warm cup of coffee? How about enjoying that cup of coffee with author Shannon Cook as she reads her new book?
In celebration of Earth Day, author and former teacher Cook will read her debut picture book, I Made the Earth, April 30 from 3:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Sorso Coffee in Pickerington.
Before becoming an author, Cook taught English and theater for 12 years at Pickerington High School Central.
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Cook also writes devotions for her church, Grace Fellowship, and intends to publish her middle-grade historical series, The Girl of Hope, soon. Her weekly blog, Focus in the Fog, is entering its fifth year.
Cook, along with her husband Ryan and their four children live in Pickerington.
Amazon, describes I Made the Earth as an “Earth-Day inspired picture book set in the eyes of God. Each rhyming verse describes something beautiful or unique about our planet that God has created. From waterfalls and jungles to coral reefs and beaches, Shannon highlights the importance of God’s special creations. With this comes urgent reminders for readers to do what they can to take care of our big blue home. By the closing page, readers are also taught that through creation, each reader can learn about God.”
I Made the Earth includes projects to show children how they too can make a big splash on Earth Day. It also includes fun facts about the Earth!
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Illustrator Richard Watson’s breathtaking artwork ties perfectly with Cook’s descriptive writing. But don’t just take it from me – 17 reviewers awarded I Made the Earth 4.9 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Reviewer Beth Shively wrote “What a special book! Beginning to understand creation is such an important building block for children as they begin to understand the Bible and their faith in God. The storyline is one that will stick in my granddaughter’s mind as she requests to have it read to her over and over and over and over…lol. The beautiful pictures keep her attention as she points out and names all of the creatures. I am really looking forward to more books from this author!”
If you would like your own copy, I Made the Earth is available at Amazon on the Kindle platform for $4.97 or you may purchase the hard cover book for $19.74. The Humble Crate Artisan Marketplace in Pickerington Village also sells copies.
The April 3 book reading is part of Sorso Coffee’s “Story Time” – local authors share their books with children while parents enjoy the newest coffee in town.
Sorso’s owner, Robin Nevin said that Story Time will be held the last Sunday of each month.
“I may add some mid-week events over summer for the kiddos too!” Nevin said.
Located in the Sycamore Shopping Plaza at the corner of Refugee and Pickerington Roads, Sorso just celebrated its Grand Opening on April 21 and is planning more events.
“We will be hosting local, small businesses in our shop from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. the day before Mother’s Day (May 13),” Nevin said. “Come out and shop from the local business owners and grab the perfect gifts for all your spring gift giving needs. We will be highlighting the vendors as the event gets closer.”
