There’s a new character at Syracuse University, thanks to the efforts of two staff members at SU’s Early Education and Child Care Center (EECCC).
Fran Paige, an assistant teacher at the center, is the author of a new children’s book, “Reagan McFagen,” which chronicles the adventures of a precocious young girl who likes to draw. Susan Campbell, also an assistant teacher at the center, is the illustrator.
This is the first book for Paige, who has spent her career working with young children and has been with EECCC for more than 10 years. “I have always enjoyed writing stories—first for my children and, now, for my grandchildren,” she says.
The idea for “Reagan McFagen” was born after Paige purchased a copy of the book “Amelia Bedelia” for her granddaughter, Amelia, and realized there wasn’t a similar title for her granddaughter, Reagan. “So I came up with the idea for ‘Reagan McFagen’ and wrote a book for my granddaughter,” says Paige. After a co-worker encouraged her to publish it, Paige approached Campbell, who holds a fine arts degree, about providing illustrations. “Susan was wonderful,” says Paige. “Her bright, appealing illustrations really delighted the children.”
Paige “debuted” the book with EECCC toddlers and preschoolers, and the preschoolers chose the cover image from among Campbell’s illustrations. “The most rewarding part for me has been the reaction of the children,” Paige says.
Thanks to a wide network of friends and family, the book—which Paige describes as “a simple story with a surprise ending”—has now “traveled” across the U.S. and abroad, including to Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, Vermont, Ohio and Illinois, as well as Egypt, Ireland and Thailand.
A book signing with Paige and Campbell will be held on Wednesday, December 1, at the annual Faculty and Staff Holiday Gala at the Syracuse University Bookstore from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.