CRAB ORCHARD, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Former Ridgeview Elementary art teacher Kimberly Sexton has transformed personal challenges into a creative opportunity for her students by publishing a children’s book inspired by her own experiences as a mother and educator.
Sexton’s book, Asher the Disaster, was born out of the lively tales she shared with her students about her son’s messy adventures.
“When I returned to work after maternity leave, my students would ask what my son was up to,” Sexton said. “Soon, my students helped me find laughter in his disasters and I turned the stories into a children’s book called, “Asher the Disaster.””
Sexton’s position as art teacher at Ridgeview Elementary was recently cut by the Raleigh County Board of Education due to declining student enrollment.
Despite appealing the decision in a hearing, the job loss was finalized.
Rather than letting the disappointment stop her, Sexton said the experience pushed her to finish the book as a parting gift to the children she’s taught.
“My job being cut motivated me to finish the children’s book for my students so I can leave my love with them before I go.”
Asher the Disaster is now available on Amazon, and Sexton will be hosting a book signing and art activity at Studio 304 in Crab Orchard on Saturday, June 14, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
She will also lead a story and craft time at the Shady Spring Library on Tuesday, June 17, at 10:00 a.m.
During both events, the book will be available to Raleigh County students and families at a discounted price of $9.
