Page 54 June 2014 Father inspired by parenthood creates children’s book Neil Germundson Toyota Fleet Manager NeilG@RightToyota.com 7701 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. Scottsdale AZ, 85260 480-778-2200 Contact Neil today for your friendly neighborhood discount! 7875 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. Scottsdale AZ, 85260 480-778-2440 Craig Thorpe Honda Fleet Manager CThorpe@RightHonda.com Remodeled for 2015! It’s Hot, Can your Pickup get your boat to the Lake? Tundra Can! Contact Craig today for your friendly neighborhood discount! Completely remodeled with a larger radio screen, standard rear spoiler and LED tail lights and now available for the FIRST time with leather! HONDA FIT By Kathleen Shipman Arcadia resident Todd McQueen recently achieved his goal of writing and illustrating a children’s book. With Bob & Rob & Corn on the Cob fresh out on the literary market, he now anxiously awaits the reactions of his youthful readers. For McQueen, it has been a seven year journey to get to this defining moment. His inspiration for taking on such an extraordinary project came from his own children and the strong relationship that they’ve always shared. While there may still be obstacles to come, McQueen has earned great satisfaction in being a published author and illustrator. “Creating Bob & Rob & Corn on the Cob has been an incredible experience from start to finish,” said McQueen. “It was more work than I ever imagined it would be, but also has been very rewarding as I’ve worked to bring these characters to life on the page.” McQueen has always had an artistic talent, which he uses every day in his career as a graphic designer. His desire to take these illustrations to a different level came about with fatherhood. Some of McQueen’s fondest memories are of when he would sit and read to his children when they were very young. He loved the time they spent together, laughing, crying, and sharing, all over the books. This bonding experience was what motivated McQueen to embark on the path of creating his own tale. “While I’ve always loved picture books and had flirted with the idea of maybe doing one someday, it wasn’t until I had kids and would read to them every night that I finally worked up the courage to go for it,” he said. “The casual interest gradually became this burning gut level passion that I couldn’t ignore any longer.” The idea for Bob & Rob & Corn on the Cob began simply as a title for a book. Once McQueen had thought of the bubbly phrase, he couldn’t help but repeat it over and over in his head. He knew that it was exactly what he was looking for to get started. It was while on vacation with his family that he decided to write the first draft of his story. Not yet satisfied, McQueen wrote several more versions before finally taking it to a literary agent. This was just the beginning of the many changes that would occur over the years. McQueen learned quickly that writing and illustrating a children’s book is not an easy task. After submitting copies to publishing companies yet receiving no luck, McQueen accepted some advice and began making revisions. Not only were his characters transformed from humans into animals, but the story was rewritten numerous times as well. He also had the task of illustrating each and every page. While the process at times was very stressful, he did find great enjoyment when he would work on his book amongst his children. Just like their father, they too would create their own stories, writing and drawing their own characters. He couldn’t help but marvel over how excited his children got when they would do so, which reminded McQueen of himself as a child. “The nice thing about having my own kids is that it brings back all of the memories that I have of my own childhood,” he said. “All of the little delights you get to experience along the way that you forget about until you see your own kids doing it.” The end result of all of McQueen’s dedication and persistence was a final version of Bob & Rob & Corn on the Cob , which was proudly accepted by Sky Pony Press for publication. The book has been referred to as a “whimsical, educational, and hilarious romp into the world of two corn-on-the-cob loving squirrels,” carrying a message to children about the importance of trying new foods. McQueen was honored with the news that The Children’s Book of the Month Club will be making Bob & Rob & Corn on the Cob one of their featured selections for the month of June. With it still in the infancy stages of being released, McQueen realizes that he still has a long road ahead of him. “Holding the book is a little surreal, it’s like holding seven years in my hands. It’s a good feeling, but it’s also a bit of a false summit,” he said. “There’s still another peak to climb that I couldn’t really see until now, one that has an even less predictable path, and that’s the promoting and selling of the book so there can be more books to come.” The pursuit of becoming a published author and illustrator may not have been easy for McQueen, but it was indeed well worth the outcome. No matter what the future holds for him, he will always have the everlasting memories of his children tied into the experience. Todd McQueen’s fi rst children’s book, which he authored and illustrated. Representing students of Arizona universities, community colleges and high schools, as well as other emerging Arizona artists since 1993. Don’t forget ArtWALK! gALLery receptions • Live music • Artist Demos tHursDAy nigHts • scottsDALegALLeries.com 480.946.5076 . artonegalleryinc.com . 4130 n marshall way . scottsdale saints and sinners • 36” x 48” x 2” • oil on canvas • kirk hays com art ne gallery 480.946.5076 . artonegalleryinc.com . 4130 n marshall way . scottsdale

k 3131 E CAMELBACK RD #410 PHOENIX, AZ 85016 PHONE 480.463.4373 WEB northandco.com BILTMORE REAL ESTATE 2402 E ESPLANADE LN #801 85016 2 bed / 2.5 bath / 2,978 sf / luxury high-rise living gourmet kitchen / 2 balconies / amazing views $1,249,000 2545 E MEADOWBROOK AVE 85016 4 bed / 2.5 bath / 2,323 sf / 2 car garage newly remodeled / stainless appliances backyard pergola / island bbq $439,000 2401 E MONTEBELLO AVE 85016 5 bed / 3 bath / 3,561 sf / pool / casita Taliverde cul-de-sac / custom wood doors high-end finishes throughout $1,075,000 1502 E SAN MIGUEL DR 85014 3 bed / 2 bath / 1,904 sf Closed on May 16th at $217/sf $413,500 GO NORTH. GO GO . . TH TH . TH . R TH R TH R R TH R TH R R TH R TH R GO GO GO GO GO GO GO N N O R O R N N O N N ARCADIA & BILTMORE NOW SERVING ARCADIA REAL ESTATE 4138 E MEDLOCK DR 85018 4 bed / 2.5 bath / 2,509 sf / pool / large lot mid-century flair / Camelback Mountain views $699,000 3111 N 53RD PL 85018 4 bed / 4 bath / 4,111 sf Closed on May 9 th at $191/sf $785,000 4176 E MEDLOCK DR 85018 5 bed / 3bath / 2,975 sf / pool and spa rustic wood floors / total remodel Camelback Mtn Views $859,000 SOLD SOLD 5905 E CALLE TUBERIA 85018 4 bed / 3.5 bath / 3,504 sf / completely updated lush yard with kids’ sports court $1,715,000