Local author Lois Jasmer recently read her new children’s book “Little Harry Rabbit and the Yeahbut” to students at Kent Valley Early Learning Center (KVELC).
Donning rabbit ears, Jasmer went back to the site that helped inspire her to write the book and read the story to about 100 kindergarteners and preschoolers.
Jasmer previously worked at the school as a lunch and recess supervisor, in addition to riding the bus with kindergarten students and working in the school’s office. KVELC hosts the kindergarten and pre-kindergarten classes for Kent and Neely-O’Brien Elementary Schools.
“It just seemed like a great place to debut my book, especially since it was written with many of the students in mind,” Jasmer said, adding that she hoped teach and inspire the children she had worked with at KVELC.
When asked where the Yeahbut came from, Jasmer said her friend would constantly correct Jasmer when she would use the term, “Yeah, but” in their conversations. Tiring of the corrections, Jasmer told her friend that Yeahbuts are mythical creatures with big eyes, big ears, big fluffy tails, purple in color and the size of mouse.
From there the story flowed from Jasmer’s imagination, and with a bit of inspiration from the kindergarteners, the plot and the lessons unfolded.
“I wanted to not just entertain but to teach children that parents don’t just ask them to do things for no reason,” Jasmer said. “They are trying to keep them safe and healthy. On the other side of the coin, I wanted parents to realize what good little children they have, if they just take the time to listen.”
Jasmer will read the book to other children’s groups in the Seattle area this summer and the fall. Her book can be purchased on Amazon.com. For more information, email Jasmer at Yeahbutdaddy@gmail.com.
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