The Marion County Public Library (Fairmont) is hosting a book-signing event with WV native and Marion County retired public school teacher, Etta Zasloff, who now resides in Rhode Island. On Saturday, October 20, 2018, 1:00-2:00 p.m, the author will sign her children’s book, Beginning With Xs and Os: The Evolution of the Alphabet. She will also have books available for purchase, as well as answer questions about her self-publishing and marketing process. Admission is free.

Beginning With Xs and Os: The Evolution of the Alphabet is a story told in verse with full page, modern and bright illustrations drawn by Sam White of Providence, RI. His personified letters bring life to the story and appeal to the alphabet learning set. Every letter has a story of tragedy, conditions, or personal choice that spark the formation of new letters, woven together to create an epic tale of the origin of the alphabet. With themes of resilience, determination, and creativity, the 68 page book targets children ages 6-9, but entertains a broader audience, including adults. Etta Zasloff and Beginning With Xs and Os: The Evolution of the Alphabet recently received the Gold Award for Humor from the Human Relations Indie Book Awards.

Midwest Book Review says, ”. . . Exciting, enthusiastic letter pictures suggest the lively play of letter shaping and evolving, while the comic verse and story line injects notes of the fantastic, even the ridiculous, to the tale. Perhaps no one should take “The Evolution of the Alphabet” literally, but there is no doubt that it is an intriguing and amusing proposition from A to Z. Could you make up a better story?”

Beginning With Xs and Os: The Evolution of a better way in home care targets the following audiences:

* Children ages 6-9 and up
* Parents/Grandparents/Caregivers
* Early Childhood Educators/Elementary Teachers
* School/Mental Health Counselors

Zasloff says, “I started telling similar stories to my East Park kindergarteners, as I struggled to make learning the alphabet meaningful and fun for them, laying the foundation for reading. That was over 40 years ago, when educational resources were scarce. Lucky for me, the alphabet has not changed, and with the gift of time in retirement, I discovered that my concept remained original, and I decided to self-publish it as my 70th birthday gift to myself.”

Etta Zasloff is retired from 44 years of teaching and counseling and continues to be involved in public education and working with children. She also writes about a purposeful retirement, digital literacy for all ages, and life in general.

You find more information on Etta Zasloff on her website.