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Local Author Publishes Children's Book
By Travis White

When you think of the ‘outdoor type’ local author and Garden Ridge resident Jay Lenz fits the description to a tee. Born in Squirrel, Idaho, Jay was raised on a farm near the Snake River. “I’ve always loved nature,” says Jay, “from the time I was just a little kid I spent every spare minute exploring my surroundings and the animals that I discovered in the Yellowstone area.”

This summer, Jay published his first book, “What Am I – A Poetic Animal Book for Children.” In his book, Jay writes many descriptive poems about a variety of animals. Children listen and read along intently trying to guess the animal. One turn of the page reveals a photo of the animal described in the previous poem, much to the delight of the readers!

“I grew up on a cattle ranch, worked hard and played hard; I spent all the time I could outdoors. I hunted, fished, trapped and covered every backwoods trail and stream in my part of the world. I went to work in Yellowstone National Park the day after I graduated from high school,” says Jay, “and later worked for both the Forest Service and Idaho Fish and Game Department. I loved the wildlife and learned to appreciate nature and the thrill of the outdoors. I love using my creativity to make things- I have a passion for woodworking and writing poetry. This book about animals was fun to put together and is always a joy to read to the children.”

With 29 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren (and counting), Jay and his wife Carole have no shortage of an audience. “Jay is always doing something creative,” says Carole, “he has been working on this children’s book for some time now. It was his dream to publish an educational, informative and poetic animal book that would fascinate children and help to teach them to love animals as he does. Now his dream has come true!”

Jay will be doing several book signings in the upcoming months including one at Garden Ridge Elementary on Dec 3, 2011 and the Stone Oak Writer Celebration on Dec 10, 2011. A sample of Jay’s book can be found at his web site, www.AnimalBookForChildren.com. “Who Am I? A Poetic Animal Book for Children” may also be purchased through his web site or on Amazon.com.