Eat Pancakes/Decorate an Apron and Hat
Children will be able to decorate their own chef hats and aprons, and there will be pancakes for the first 50 people in attendance from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, December 9 at Katie O’Neill’s Fine Art Studio 835 Via de la Paz.
The festivities will celebrate the release of author and illustrator Danielle Gillespie-Hallinan’s comedic children’s book, “Moose Mischief: A Pancake Surprise!”
Gillespie-Hallinan, a former reporter for the Palisadian-Post (2007-2012), will read her book and talk about how she wrote and illustrated it.
Her main character, Cooper, has the clever idea of making his mom breakfast for her birthday, and his friend the moose offers to help. The moose claims he’s the very best chef, but is he really? Kids will find out if Cooper’s mom is happy about the surprise awaiting her in the kitchen!
With no formal art training, Gillespie-Hallinan began taking classes from local artist and teacher Katie O’Neill eight years ago. Her goal was to illustrate this children’s book.
O’Neill guided Gillespie-Hallinan through the process, and O’Neill’s son, Gus King, was the model for Cooper in the book.
“I could not have completed my first book without Katie’s instruction and encouragement,” said Gillespie-Hallinan, who initially met the art teacher while covering the grand opening of her art studio in 2010. “I am forever grateful to her.”
The author also recently completed “Moose Mischief: Alaska’s ABCs Learning Workbook,” featuring uppercase and lowercase letter activities.
Gillespie-Hallinan also hosts the Moose Mischief YouTube channel, where she teaches kids about our amazing world through art, science and craft projects. Visit: moosemischief.com.
Danielle Gillespie-Hallinan, who used to work at the Palisadian-Post under its former editor Bill Bruns, is launching her children’s comedic book at Katie O’Neill’s Fine Art Studio.