Local Author, Artist, Teacher and Mother Jennifer Stables, has debuted her latest children's novel called Greenie The Wheat King.

Jennifer Stables Art Work, and her student's art on the table next to hers.

The Okotoks Library was full of beautiful paintings, paper mâché projects, wire art, and busy smiling and happy children; excited to be in the company of their favorite teacher and author.

Greenie the Wheat King is a book about a family of mice and a green grain elevator named Greenie.

Stables says the novel is an ode to life, in rural Alberta.

"Greenie the Wheat King is a story that I've held in my heart for over 30 years.  It's a story about a grain elevator in a small village in Southern Alberta, the village of Burdette." Stables says "What it really is, is a tribute to rural life in Western Canada and a heart-song of the prairies."

Greenie was a real grain elevator in Burdette, and one day Greenie burst open.

Stables and her sisters watched, as grain spilled out over the tracks.  

Their father was quite the story teller himself, Stables says, he used the event as inspiration, which is what inspired her.

"One morning we woke up and the grain elevator had actually burst open, this became a very fascinating story for us as kids. My dad used to make up stories about Greenie at night, so I've actually been wanting to write a book about Greenie for almost 20 years now, and it's just taken me this long to actually put it together."

Stables illustrated the novel herself as well, using paintings of the scenery, the trains and of Greenie himself.

She uses her artistic talent to pursue her love of working with children, and teaches at the Okotoks Art Gallery.

The Children from her most recent class, learned how to create art from the Prairies. Stables says, it was the best feeling to see their art on display right next to hers.

"I am so proud! It's just wonderful, they've really put their heart into it and reflected on the work they did to come up with some really thoughtful pieces." Stables says "To see their work right next to mine; It really brought together so much of my passion into one event."

Jaime-Brett Sine, is the Education Program Specialist for the Town of Okotoks, she says Stable's students just love learning from a real professional artist.

"The imagery she uses in her books, and in her paintings really, really, appeals to kids."

Sine says she hopes to keep Stables on board at the Okotoks Art Gallery to teach children's art classes, for more information on how to enroll your child in one of her classes, you can visit okotoksculture.ca.

To order Greenie the Wheat King or visit Jennifer Stable's Website, click here.

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