District Five elementary school librarian becomes published book author

IRMO, SC – It was a lifelong dream for Laney Cobb. After spending most of her career surrounded by children’s books, the Dutch Fork Elementary School librarian now has one of her own to put on the bookshelves.

Locally published by C&K Publishing Company and illustrated by a Midlands artist; “Cricket’s Capers” tells the story of an energetic, cheese-loving Yorkie who wanders away from her home and is rescued on a busy highway by a little girl and her mother. Through the love of her former owner, the little girl who saved her and a caring veterinarian; cricket ultimately finds adventure, happiness and new friends. The book is available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble’s website and Cobb’s website laneycobb.com

In this Q & A, Cobb shares her reasons for publishing a book, the challenges she faced and advice for other educators wanting to write books of their own.

Q: As a media specialist you’ve probably read thousands of books and helped students find books that are right for them. What made you want to write a book of your own?
A: I have been a classroom educator for 22 years and a media specialist the past six years. I read lots of books to students daily and know what it takes to capture their attention and spark their imaginations. They like a good story and a positive message like all readers. So, knowing the elements in a book which engage students, motivated me to finally put all my ideas on paper and share my manuscript with publishing companies.

Q: There are some really unique aspects of the book. What do you like best about the book, and what makes it stand out among children’s books?
A: Well, first there’s a song that goes along with it that is available online. Young readers respond to rhyming and to being able to perform the books… Another really cool thing about the book is that it’s based on a true story. Five years ago, we found Cricket on the side of the road near Dutch Fork Elementary School. You’ll have to read the story to see what happens, but in the end Cricket is happy and so are the people who love her.

Q: Getting a book published can be a challenge for first-time authors. How did you navigate the process?
A: I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. After weeks of no responses from publishers, I was starting to feel like I should just give up when Walter Dean (author of the children’s book “Leo the Lion Learned to Roar”) came to the school to visit his grandson and asked to read my manuscript. The very next day, he called me and said “Laney this is beautiful. I called my publisher, and he wants to meet with you.” …I got the book in December, and I’ve even done a book signing… but the thing that I’m most proud of is that the students here love it. We can’t keep it in the library. It’s always checked out.

Q: You wrote this book because you love reading and developed a passion for reading at an early age. Why is it important to grow a love of reading in young students, and how do we do that?
A: Educators say it all the time: Reading is fundamental, and it really is the foundation for all learning. When children love to read they become lifetime learners. For me, a love of reading started early. My mom always read Dr. Seuss to me, and I loved him. Having a children’s book of my own makes me feel like I’m now contributing to creating a love of reading for my students.

Q: What would you say to other educators who may want to write a book but are hesitant about starting the process?
A: If I could do it, they can do it. All readers want to read a good story…and who better to know what students want to read than teachers? The important thing to do is to start the process, and at least make the effort. I never thought I would be an author, although I always wanted to be. But because I said one day ‘let me just put my ideas on paper and see what happens,’ I have seen my lifelong dream come true.

Click here to hear music from the book.