(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A local mom is giving Mrs. Claus a turn in the spotlight this Christmas in a new children’s book.
Like many good writers, Amy Dziewiontkoski found inspiration from her surroundings. In this case, her then-three year old daughter Maren last year.
“She declared that she wanted to cancel Christmas because she hated Santa and was scared of him. And so I said, that's fine, we'll become a Mrs. Claus household,” Dziewiontkoski said.
Mrs. Claus not only delivered gifts to their Roscoe Village home last Christmas, but is the star of Amy’s new book.
“This isn't a slight to Santa. Santa still has a place at the table. It's not bashing his work at all. It's just showing that there is another character that plays a part in the Christmas story.”
“Mrs. Claus Does it All” is sprinkled with positive messages for kids.
“I made sure that those traits were in the book, right. That it talks about her being brave, her being smart, her having a can-do attitude.”
She put that spirit to the test during the seven months Dziewiontkoski had to write and illustrate the book.
“I couldn't figure out how to draw hands, so I put mittens on everywhere, knowing that I wanted to try and get this launched and ready to go by July 25.”
As punctual as packages under the tree, the new book came out on time.
It was also the first book she ever published.
“I was fortunate enough to be on maternity leave with my youngest daughter when I really had a little bit more time to dedicate to this, you know, when she was sleeping.”
She’s been reading the 28-page self-published book at local bookstores and says she’s blown away by the response it’s gotten.
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