RAH! RAH! Sis, Boom, Bah.

They may not look like a typical cheerleading squad. No matchy-matchy outfits. No pom-poms. No color-coordinated ribbons in their hair. No megaphones. No unison shouting of rhyme-laden chants.

But they are some of the finest “cheerleaders” a rookie author/illustrator could ever hope to have.

I’ve always felt comfortable and happy in a library. I suppose this is true because my mother was a librarian. (Plus—I like the way that old books smell.) The library at Cape Charles is no exception. There, I feel at home.

When I was brave enough to share the news that I was writing a children’s book, I honestly do not remember which one of these ladies I told first. But I do remember that their first collective responses were genuine and supportive…

How exciting. That’s fantastic, Nan. Someday your book will be on a shelf in the Cape Charles Library.

Not a naysayer or a Debbie Downer in the bunch.

And I am grateful.

Maureen Tamares, Betsy Doherty, Sharon Silvey (L to R)
Library staff at Cape Charles Memorial Library
Cape Charles, Va.

As my writing and illustrating have progressed, I’ve become accustomed to lots of questions and suggestions from this personal cheerleading squad. Here’s a small sampling…

• Have you seen this new picture book? It just came in. You HAVE to read it.

• Are you familiar with this picture book author? Her stuff is fantastic. You need to check out all of her books.

• Have you ever heard of this paper collage artist? His illustrations are excellent. Look!

• Would you like to read a book and lead a craft at 10:30 on Friday morning for the children’s storytime?

• Have you considered writing under a pen name?

• Really? You’re going to be published! Congrats, Nan. That’s amazing! We’re so proud of you.

• When does your first book come out?

• Have you finished the illustrations for your book about the bees? Bring them in. We want to see them.

Ahhh…such are the perks when a trio of librarians take you under their wings.

The Cape Charles Memorial Library staff—

always smiling, always helpful, always friendly.

And I am grateful.

GO, TEAM, GO!