The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
"Masterpiece" is the first children's book for Pastor Bruce Goettsche. Bruce has authored over a dozen adult Christian books, but states "I wanted to write some books that encouraged Christian character in children."
Bruce said a lady from his church suggested he contact Dana Blythe, a La Harpe native, to assist him with illustrating the book. When Bruce asked Dana about "art", she replied "Art, who?" She was caught off guard and didn't realize he had an interest in her art ability.
Dana said this was her first attempt as an illustrator, but her mom and sisters encouraged her along the way. "My mom and sisters always wanted me to do something with my artistic abilities and I'm finally happy to have the opportunity!"
"My house is full of children's books and I have 3 kids that always gave me their unbiased opinion."
Dana said it took about six months to complete the project and she worked as fast as her kids would let her. She is a busy mom with a fourth grader at La Harpe Elementary and two boys still at home.
Dana said she mostly used colored pencils on the project and her daughter, Ainsley, assisted with the illustrations.
"The pictures on the walls are her rabbits she drew, the books on the bookshelves, and the little characters on the earth."
Dana added her personal touch in almost all of the art in the museum. "The barn is at my great grandparent's farm and I took this picture of it years ago. The picture named Ethel and Glen's old love is my great grandparents and one of my all time favorite pictures.
On the last page is a picture of Mark Twain Lake, somewhere my family and I spend a lot of time in the summer."
Dana is very grateful for this opportunity and states "Bruce did a great job portraying how we are all God's masterpiece and how to treat others. He's got an outstanding way with words."
The book was published in November, 2019 and copies are available for purchase at the Union Church or through Amazon. The book is also available to check out at the La Harpe Library.