Local children's authors to host book-signing at El Campo Museum

A book signing party featuring four local authors with their new books is being held Saturday at the El Campo Museum from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The authors, Ginger Smith Hollis, Rachel Ondrias, Ann Ryan and Kaylyn Miska, will be on hand to read their books, too. Readings will be held every 30 minutes beginning at 10:30 a.m.Visitors are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite storybook character or in a Halloween costume. Children can also trick or treat throughout the Museum. Cookies and punch will be served for refreshment.

Hollis, formerly of El Campo, now lives in Navasota. She has loved writing since she was a small child.

"I've always felt like books were the greatest gift you could give a child," Hollis said. "Getting to be the author of children's books is a dream come true for me. I feel so blessed that God has provided me with this opportunity to inspire and teach children."

Ondrias, born and raised in Wharton, teaches 1st grade at Myatt Elementary. Her goal is to continue writing stories that children and adults can enjoy for many years to come.

"It is a dream come true for me to be able to say that I am a published author. I have been writing and make-believing since I was a child. Now I get to touch children's lives in a positive way through my imagination and words."

As a life-long resident of Bay City, Ryan has always loved to be creative. Her talents of making Halloween and dancing costumes for her girls evolved into a business of painting children's furniture and accessories. She has written poetry for invitations and special occasions, as well as a poem for Relay for Life. When her husband Paul became ill a few years ago, she chose to stay at home with him. It was then she was encouraged by her family to write a children's book featuring some of the characters and drawings she had used on her furniture.

Miska of Wharton is a teacher and has always had a strong love for literature. As a child she spent her summers reading lots of books.

"A book can take you to a magical place of happiness and adventure where you can feel safe, free and happy," she said. "It has always been a dream to write a children's book. My first book, A Happy Hot Pink Hyena Day, has been a very exciting opportunity for me. It is my hope that children will be filled with hope and confidence that they too can reach whatever goals and dreams they hold in their hearts."