Rocky was a real saw-whet owl found during the installation of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in New York City in the fall of 2020. Enjoy Rocky's fictional journey as she survives the loss of her home, a scare from a hungry hawk, a bumpy truck ride to NYC, and a trip to the wildlife center, before she discovers peace and purpose.
Co-authored by Ginny Gillman and Ruth Gray, this fun story started in a writing class at the Joslyn Senior Center in Palm Desert, CA. Rocky's adventure took flight with the encouragement of fellow class members. Emily Bennett, a high school science teacher and local artist in Neenah, WI, joined the project and enhanced the adventure with her detailed illustrations and knowledge of nature.
The book was launched in early August, 2022, at Lyon's Books in Neenah with an open house that filled the small shop space with laughter and interest. Enter Rocky's journey when you read the text and enjoy the colorful pictures that can easily tell the story on their own.
On the book's last page, there are thirteen easy questions that allow the reader and listener to "Look Closely into Rocky's Story." Added for comprehension, this idea was copied from "Dolly Parton's Imagination Library" books that she gifts to youngsters.