North Shore writer and artist conjure an "Agate"

Duluth, Minn.

August 20, 2007 6:00 AM

Book cover — A new book for children combines brilliant watercolors with a positive message.
Image courtesy of Lake Superior Port Cities Inc.

Joy Morgan Dey and Nikki Johnson collaborated on an earlier book in which two little bears discover the northern lights.

"Emerald has muscle as well as good looks./Like a Porsche with a Hemi inside./What's to fear when you're strong as Hercules,/And the word/for your family/is PRIDE?"
Image courtesy Lake Superior Port Cities Inc.

Both women are nature lovers, and they say books are like agates -- you want to pick them up because there's bound to be something special inside.

Joy Morgan Day says the book came about when Nikki Johnson came to her with a few watercolor sketches of animals.

The book tells the story of Agate, a young brown moose who compares himself with other animals.

The lion is beautiful and strong. The giraffe can see for miles.

Authors and star — Joy Morgan Dey (right) and Nikki Johnson are the authors of "Agate."
Image courtesy Lake Superior Port Cities Inc.

The bat "uses his hearing for steering... In a marvel of fine engineering," while Agate the moose feels "clumsy, disjointed and loose."

But at the end, the other creatures help him see that he's just as special as they are. And at that point he changes from a drab brown into a rainbow of vibrant colors.

Gallery

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

Donate Today

Share

Create a More Connected Minnesota