Sunday, Nov. 08, 2009

Eagle-watching inspires retired teacher to pen 'Wacky' children's book

Peggy Marlin was eagle-watching up Alton way when an idea hatched that turned her into a children's book author.

"My husband and I and dear friends have been eagle-watching for 15 to 20 years," said Peggy, of Collinsville. "One year, we saw a little fuzzy bird, an ugly litle thing. My friend asked, 'What kind of bird is that?'

"It's a wackydoodle.' I made it up. It evolved from that."

What evolved is a children's book by the same name.

Peggy, a retired first-grade teacher, came up with a story about characters that nest on the Mississippi river banks near Alton.

There's Wacky, the little fuzzy bird; Sippi, an eaglet named after the Misslssippi River; and Zoar, a mighty eagle.

"I got that from a friend who didn't say 'soaring.' He always said 'zoring.'"

In the story, Wacky thinks he's an eagle. The other birds let him know he's not. After the eagles leave for the season, Wacky repairs and cleans their nests and raises an eaglet they left behind. When the eagles return, they see how Wacky cared for their nests and their offspring.

"It teaches about friendship and acceptance and a little bit about work ethic," said Peggy, 60, the mother of two and grandmother of six who taught most of her 34-year career at Maryville Elementary School.

She hopes "Wackydoodle" sparks an interest in children to go eagle-watching, too.

Maybe they'll catch Peggy's enthusiasm.

"I think eagles are so majestic to look at. Their wingspan. To watch them soar overhead and dive down and get fish."

She usually makes three trips along the River Road in December and January.

"One is with the grandchildren. We start at the lock and dam and go all the way to Pere Marquette.

"Now, it's becoming a game. The most we've counted (on one trip) is 121; the least is 22. Last year, we counted 109. In a nesting area near the (Clark) bridge, we counted 22."

She suggests keeping your eye above the cliffs and in the trees. "They like to perch on high branches to see the fish below. Look for their white heads and tails."

Peggy lived in Alton until third grade.

"We'd sit and listen to the calliopes on the boats as they'd go up and down the river."

In her book, she made sure illustrator Mary Connors incorporated towboats and the Clark Bridge into Wackydoodle's artwork.

Peggy wrote the story several years ago, putting it on a back burner until she retired. She e-mailed children's authors whose books she'd used in my classroom about finding a publisher. They recommended self-publishing a first book. She decided on Author House.

"I've sold about 300 through word-of-mouth, friends and relatives."

She receives high praise from those who matter most.

"It's the best book I ever read," said grandson Mason Friesner, 16, the oldest of Peggy's six grandchildren.

"It's a huge accomplishment," said daughter Carrie Stinnett. "It's something she wanted to do for a long time. I'm very proud of her."

Peggy will be back in the classroom -- sort of -- as the honored guest at reading nights at Renfro, Glen Carbon and Maryville elementary schools during November.

Since retirement two years ago, she fills her time with family, taking care of grandkids, scrapbooking, and writing.

"I've got a second one, a rhyming book for grandparents and grandkids," she said, on a rainy morning as her 3-year-old granddaughter, Sofia, climbed into her lap. "It's called 'A Wonderful Day with Sofia Rae.'

"If I write another one, it will be 'Noisy Boys,' about my five grandsons. If you are here very long, you'll know why I call it 'Noisy Boys.'"

"Wackydoodle," a softcover with color illustrations, is available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, AuthorHouse.com and by e-mailing Peggy at pegmarlin@yahoo.com. Through Peggy, the book costs $8.50.

She will sign her book from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 10, 2010, at Pere Marquette's lodge during its eagle-watching festival.

About Peggy

Favorite authors and books for children: Robert Munsch ("The Paperbag Princess," "Love You Forever" and many more) and Jan Brett ("The Hat" "The Mitten," "The Three Snow Bears," "Gingerbread Baby" and more). Of course, we do our share of Clifford (the Big Red Dog) books with grandkids and Franklin (the turtle) books. These are books I love to share. With little bitty ones, 'Pat the Bunny.'"

What she's reading: "Always Looking Up" by Michael J. Fox

Favorite movie: "Forrest Gump"

Favorite restaurant: "I love to go to Sidney Street Cafe in St. Louis."

Dish she's known for: "Steak fondue, and teriyaki. I have a family recipe that's been passed down for three generations."

Pastimes: "I love to hike in the mountains, eagle watch and be with my grandchildren. We've been going to Breckenridge, Colorado, for probably 15 years. I love to identify wildflowers. We go with our best friends, Peggy and Brad. I like to make cards, and do scrapbooking. We have a little club that's does that."

Advice to teachers: "Let each child know he is special and has something to offer. Each child has his talent and strong point. Find what they are interested in and do everything you can to bring that out in them."