© 2014 The Texas Lawbook.
By Patricia Baldwin
Lifestyle Writer for The Texas Lawbook
It was a bear of a task, and not too lawyerly. But Kerry McGill of the Austin law firm Greer and McGill persevered. He perused illustration after illustration – about 200 in all – until he found the perfect portrayal for the cover of his children’s book, “Bear’s Flower.”
“I never anticipated it becoming a book,” the attorney says of the poem he wrote four years ago for his then 10-year-old daughter, Ireland. He just knew he had to find a way to tell her how he felt after his 17-year marriage ended in divorce.
And he did tell his daughter just that, through rhythmic prose and stunning illustrations. The book tells the story of a bear who takes care of a beautiful flower throughout the harshest conditions of life – and comes out unscathed. The story is intended to comfort parent and child alike as they confront the forces of life, such as divorce, separation or death.
In fact, it was his daughter who suggested they share the story through a book. His older son, Greyson, now a student at the University of Oklahoma, has written an analysis of the story for the self-published book’s website.
His narrative notes, “Bears and fathers may sometimes seem tough and harsh, but this father bear is courageous and cares for his young always.”
Heidi Harmon, a publicist hired by Trafford Publishing, says the book has been getting attention because of “the story behind it.” It seems that a football coach and lawyer, who finds fame as a children’s author, makes news.
And there might be more attention to come. Andrea Ogonosky, a licensed specialist in school psychology, has designed a “study buddy” workbook for “Bear’s Flower” that is suitable for elementary and middle school students.
“When I initially read the book, I was impressed by the use of symbolism to describe the raw emotions that are experienced when a family is going through a divorce situation,” she says. “The messages of love, hope, forgiveness, anger and fear are so necessary for children to accept and articulate as they work out their own feelings.”
She and McGill recently promoted the dual products at a meeting of the Texas Library Association.
Ogonosky added, “It is my hope that parents, counselors and psychologists find this guide helpful as they read this wonderful book with children.”
McGill says he was used to writing legal briefs, but that this project was different. He says he incrementally learned to combine prose and artwork to communicate a message. He hopes he might write additional books to address other youth issues, such as bullying and self-esteem.
As for the daughter for whom the book was written? Well, she is somewhat embarrassed by all the attention Dad is getting because of her. After all, she is now a teenager. ‘Nuff said.
For more information, visit www.bearsflower.com.
Do you have a special avocation, pro bono project or other interest to share? Please email patricia.baldwin@texaslawbook.net.
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