This Saturday, Feb. 4, award-winning children’s book author and illustrator Nancy Cote will be appearing at both Barrington Books locations to promote her latest picture book, "Leonard’s Beard".  From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Cote will be reading and autographing copies of her books at the bookstore’s original location in Barrington (184 County Road), and from 3 to 5 p.m. you can catch her at Barrington Books Retold in Cranston at Garden City Center.   

Nancy Cote has illustrated over three dozen books from her cozy in-home studio on the Taunton River in Somerset. She has also written and illustrated nine books of her own including Leonard’s Beard, and her two-book series, "Watch the Cookie!" and "Watch the Birdie!" starring Mousey, a brave and loyal friend.

“As a creator of children’s books, I find inspiration everywhere, especially through the people and places that I am most familiar with,” explains Cote, who also credits her large family as creative inspiration. “My newest book, Leonard’s Beard, is a perfect example of how a writer taps into their familiar surroundings.”

The idea for Leonard’s Beard, began on a windy day in the fall when leaves were falling from the trees. Cote jokingly remarked to her husband that there was no need to rake them, since they would all end up in their neighbor’s yard at the bottom of the hill. “Suddenly, I envisioned my neighbor, Leonard Hindus — who wore a large unruly beard — standing in his yard with leaves and debris trapped in his beard. My imagination took hold as I visualized not only leaves, but objects of all kinds, landing in that big red beard.”

Leonard’s Beard tells the story of a writer who becomes so consumed with his work that he forgets to live his life. When a strong wind blows some strange items into his beard, it reminds him of the things he used to enjoy, including his friends and family. Told in a bouncy rhymed verse, with fanciful illustrations, Leonard’s Beard is fun for children but carries a substantive message that adults can enjoy and empathize with.

The story of Leonard parallels Cote’s own struggle to balance work and a social life. “I love how this particular story is relatable to all ages,” said Cote. “Kids love the preposterous nature of the story and older readers can reflect on the message of how we all sometimes need to come down to earth and enjoy life and be who we really are.”

Cote also chose to go with a slightly different illustration style for Leonard’s Beard, using mixed media instead of her usual straightforward paintings. “I love mixed media and felt that this story was the perfect one for me to break out and expand my approach to illustration,” says Cote. “I used acrylics, photographs, pencil and combined them digitally and manually.”

The result is a whimsical book for all ages that carries an uplifting message. “It doesn’t have to take a windstorm to remind you to be yourself,” Cote concludes, “but sometimes it helps!”

Laura LaTour is an avid reader and former bookseller. She is currently working as a freelance writer and publicist. Tell her your stories at: Laura@LaTourCreations.com.