Grace Dawn remembers the morning her 16-year-old self stood at the bus stop in Toccoa, Georgia. The early dawn sunrise splattered across the sky, and the reddish tints mixed in the morning light reminded her of a cardinal as she climbed on the bus and took a seat.
At the age of 13, her family moved to Toccoa from Massachusetts. For as long as she can remember, she wanted to write children’s books. She had grown up reading books, her favorite being Corduroy by Don Freeman.
And that morning as she rode to school on the bus, the book came to life. She remembers jotting the words down in her notebook, lost in the adventures.
“The story unfolded in my mind as I rode the bus to school. It came to me when I was 16, it just took 15 years to bring it to completion,” Grace laughed.
As the author and illustrator, Grace self-published her book which involved a knowledge of formatting and designing. At one point she had to stop everything and start over.
“But I learned,” she said confidently. “Next time won’t be as difficult.
She talks about her book and her life with passion and excitement. Having been in the teaching field for over 16 years, Grace knows how valuable reading is to young minds and even more importantly the messages being delivered in children’s books.
Grace married musician Jake Hicks of Habersham County in 2016. Her son Liam is 12 years old, a student at Wilbanks Middle School. Jake and Grace formed a family band called Jackie Papers playing original songs for the whole family. Sharing her books and music with children is something they enjoy doing together. “We want our band to nurture kindness and encourage children to dance and sing songs that make them feel good about who they are.”
The self-declarations are the voices in our heads that help us feel different ways. Through their original songs, Grace and Jake want the message to be of a belief that anything can be done. The lyrics help children to understand how important they are.
On Saturday, September 28, Jackie Papers will perform at Agrifest, located at Freedom Park, 327 Asbestos Rd. Cleveland, GA, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Her children’s book, Sunrise Invitations tells the story of a little girl and the places she goes each day in the sunrises through her imagination. The pages of the book bring a different-colored bird who takes her to magical places on a school bus.
Lemonade Island, where everything is yellow, and Cherry Town, where everything is red, are just two of the many adventures your child will enjoy on this journey.
Grace admits that the little girl in her story has many of her personality traits.
“I didn’t name her. I’m not sure why,” Grace added, “but she’s scrappy like me.”
When asked if she is Livin’ the Dream, Grace responded, “I’d say that I am pursuing my dream of being an artist. I’m taking my first big step toward that dream. However, I have a loving family and the freedom to pursue creative projects, so I feel very grateful for my life right now.”
On Saturday, October 5, at 10 a.m., you have the opportunity to meet Grace Dawn, author and illustrator, on the Cornelia City Park Story Trail. Books will be available to purchase as well as the chance to have your copy signed by Grace!
Also, The book can be purchased online at Gracie Dawn’s website.
