Through Publication of First Children’s Book, Hamilton Woman Offers Inspiring Plea to Overcome Societal Divisions
May 27, 2022 at 4:22 p.m.
HAMILTON - The Boogies & the Woogies tells the tale of two nearly identical groups of creatures who differ by perspective only. Each side holds true that they are undoubtedly right while the other must be wrong. Their drive to prove this becomes their utmost priority, that is, until a plot-altering event unfolds forcing the Boogies and the Woogies to put their differences aside for the common good.
Marianne Reed, the book’s author and illustrator, envisioned the children’s book as really being a lesson readers of all ages could learn something from. “You can’t tell one from another, just like us”, stated Reed. “The only thing that separates them is how they perceive one another”. In the story, the great divide between the Boogies and the Woogies is represented metaphorically by a line drawn along the ground which eventually begins to splinter and divide. In an attempt to safeguard the littlest ones, both sides almost simultaneously generate a notion they can both agree upon. This moment of harmonious unification brings them joy.
Marianne Reed, Hamilton author and illustrator. “I’ve been thinking about this story all my life as I observe human nature and wanted to give perspective to it”. Since her book’s release, Reed has been receiving glowing reviews from readers all over. Several have even gone on to indicate the value in getting copies in the hands of influencers.
Early on into her life, Marianne Reed of Hamilton naturally developed a love for books paired with an artistic knack of drawing animals. This childhood passion of hers, which would later manifest into this 27-page inspirational plea for future generations, can be credited (at least partly) to a caring, observant mother who would nurture her daughter’s love for reading by regularly visiting their local Lane Public Library. What initially began at the youthful age of 5 when checking out her first book, The Tale of Tom Kitten, would later snowball into guiding Reed down the career path of an artist.
Following high school, Reed went on to become a graphic artist for the Cincinnati Enquirer before eventually moving for a short while to Oregon where she was employed by a bookseller during the 90s. In fact, one of her favorite independent bookstores she often visited during her time there, Portland-based Powell’s Books, now carries The Boogies & the Woogies in their lineup.
In mentioning the 1986 Hands Across America fundraiser where over six million Americans held hands forming a continuous human chain, Reed hopes to see a similar unifying event someday take place on bridges in cities around the nation.”Boogie Woogie Bridge Day” as she calls it could be an opportunity for the community to gather to dance and have fun. After all, the Boogies and the Woogies forgot all about their differences after they came together and found something they agreed on.
The Boogies & the Woogies may be purchased online by visiting www.boogiesandwoogies.com. You can also check out their official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MariannneReed/ for updates and to watch as the adventures of the Boogies and the Woogies continue!
