By Michael Collins, Evening Sun Correspondent
NORWICH – Lifelong Norwich resident, Dennis Gager, has recently seen his longtime dream become a reality with the publication of his first children’s book – “Billy Rabbit’s Halloween Adventure.”
Picked up by French Point Publishing, a Missouri based publishing company, in May of 2014, Gager’s story finally became a full-fledged book in September. Although Gager’s story is now a tangible thing that can be held in one’s hand, looked at, and enjoyed by many, he said that there was a process involved to reach that point.
In regards to “Billy Rabbit’s Halloween Adventure,” Gager said, “I wrote it down probably seven or even eight years ago for my nephew because I really didn’t like what was out there for children’s stories … and after reading it to him on a few occasions, I basically forgot about it.” Luckily, however, Gager did have foresight enough to make sure “Billy Rabbit” was backed up digitally on his computer’s hard drive.
In early 2014, Gager’s wife, Tiffani Beth Gager, happened upon the long forgotten “Billy Rabbit” while she used the couple’s computer. “My wife, Tif, found it and asked what it was,” said Gager, “I told her … and she loved it.”
Unbeknownst to Gager, his wife loved the story enough to begin the search for someone to publish it – which ultimately ended in the discovery of French Point Publishing. “I never had any real confidence in my stuff. I really have my wife to thank for all of this,” said Gager gratefully.
After the story was submitted to FPP, it did not take long for them to contact Gager and tell him they thought his story was cute and that they would be interested in seeing it through to publication. The first step in this process was to connect Gager to the illustrator, Annette M. Munnich, to help bring the story to life. The two of them used Skype to work through the entire illustration process.
“She’s an amazing artist,” Gager said emphatically about Munnich, “I would briefly explain how I envisioned each scene, and she would just somehow know exactly what I wanted—she made the whole process very easy for me.”
When the book was published, on Sept. 29, 2014, it became available for purchase on Amazon.com. Even more recently, “Billy Rabbit’s Halloween Adventure” was picked up by Barnes & Noble, to which Gager said with a smile, “It must be doing pretty well for Barnes & Noble to pick it up.”
FPP has asked Gager to continue the Billy Rabbit series indefinitely. He said that they already have a Christmas themed sequel in the works and he is already brainstorming a third installment – possibly “leaning toward a snow day adventure,” said Gager..
While “Billy Rabbit” is Gager’s brain child at its core, he modestly does not take all of the credit. Gager gratefully acknowledged the tremendous support he has received throughout the publication process, and after. Most notably, Gager thanked his wife, Tiffani – to whom the book is dedicated – and the faculty and staff at the Norwich High School – where Gager works – for their ongoing support of his endeavor.
Furthermore, Gager is thankful for the children that his job brings him into contact with every day. He said that his experience working in the school system has given him the ability to “look back and see the world through children’s eyes.” But more than anything, Gager said, “I like to see them smile – I like to see them happy.”
With a coy smile and a slight shake of the head, Gager said, “It’s just really great to see something that I created in my head so many years ago has now become a reality.”
Those interested in purchasing “Billy Rabbit’s Halloween Adventure,” can visit amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com and search for the title of the book.