How is it possible for a teacher from New York and a mother from Ohio to meet in North Carolina and publish a book together? I was invited to the Spencer Public Library a few weeks ago to find the answer to that very question. Leah Campion, a mother from Ohio, and Ed Pilgard, a teacher from New York, published the delightful book, ěThe Adventures of Scoot.î Told through words and photographs, this is a story about a little toy scooter and the adventures he has with his friends. Cyndi Atwell, librarian for the Spencer Public Library, invited Ed and Leah to read their book in July for the summer program. Spencer Public Library is an independent community library, so Cyndi depends upon volunteer presentations, as well as donations of time, money and books.
I had a chance to talk with Ed and Leah before their presentation. Since Ed was the photographer, I wanted to find out more about his background in this area. He said both of his parents were artists, but as a boy he wasnít interested in art, no matter the medium. However, when he turned 16 his father gave him a camera, yet it wasnít until he was 45 he learned how to use it. Two years ago, he started taking lessons from Chris Goette, a photographer and teacher in High Point. Ed says, ěChris is an artist with a camera who sees light as his paint brush.î
Ed has been a teacher at North Rowan Elementary School for six years. Five years ago, principal Rick Hampton assigned him to the yearbook committee. As an extension of that assignment, Ed started the photography club. Last fall he brought in a little red toy scooter purchased from Walmart, thinking it would make a good prop for photos. Little did he realize what would develop. One of the students in the club, Eliza Martinez, began dressing up the scooter in costumes. Slowly the character of Scoot began to emerge. Other students who took an interest in this project were Leahís daughters, Abby and Kerry, as well as Alexis Cortez and Spencer Gettys.
Even though Leah often volunteered her time with the photography club, it wasnít until she noticed the photos of Scoot on Facebook that she messaged Ed, telling him she saw a story developing. Ed messaged back saying that he couldnít write a story. Having a B.A. degree in English, with a concentration in creative writing, Leah said sheíd be happy to write it. Before moving to North Carolina, Leah had worked mostly in city government, but this now gave her an opportunity to use her expertise for children.
I sat with the children on that July afternoon and listened to Ed and Leah read the story of Scoot. Afterwards, the children played games and had refreshments. They also had a time to reflect and imagine what adventures Scoot would have next. Some of the suggestions were Hawaii and the beach. I suppose only Ed and Leah know when and where Scoot will ěadventureî next.
As a result of a simple idea and the right people coming together, the ěScootî book is now a reality. Ed is quick to say, ěThe students were the ones responsible for the idea. The adults only brought it together.î Listening to the story, I saw the results of two people, and in this case, two people and five children, who worked together to ědevelopî an idea into something beautiful. It was indeed a fun day at the Spencer Library, and Iím sure if you ask Scoot, he will say it was too. If youíre interested in learning more about this book, it can be found on ěThe Adventures of Scootî Facebook page.

Dicy McCullough, a writer and poet, lives in Rowan County. Contact her at 704-278-4377 or at dicymcculloughbooks.com.