Local author Mary Beth Bamat is no stranger to working with children. Her background is what led her to writing children’s books. Bamat is the mother of three and babysat children for many years. She also was involved in our elementary church religious education program. She was also a teacher at a parochial preschool for ten years. Presently, she works at Cen-Clear Child Services as a classroom assistant to 17 preschoolers. “Reading to them daily inspires me to write,” Bamat said.
Bamat’s first book that was published is called “The Speckled Little Pumpkin.” The Speckled Little Pumpkin is a darling little character who just wants to get picked for the Fall Festival like his friends, Bamat said. Unfortunately, he doesn’t look as perfect as his friends and gets passed up by the local people picking pumpkins for carving. He isn’t round or very big and has speckles on his body. Also, he isn’t bright orange, Bamat said. His friends start to tease him about his appearance. Luckily, Farmer Pete’s wife finds him perfect for the pie contest. He ends up winning first place and his friends applaud, Bamat said.
“I was ecstatic. Even if I don’t make money on the books, it is thrilling to see something you created in print,” Bamat said.
Bamat’s second book is titled “Little Scarecrow’s Big Problem.” It is about a little scarecrow who is having trouble keeping the crows out of Farmer Pete’s corn. He solicits the help from the cow, the pig and the dog. Unfortunately nothing works and he has a meltdown, throws a tantrum and then cries. The crows don’t understand what the problem is and ask him. When he tells them, their reaction is: “Why didn’t you tell us you wanted us to leave? Next time use your words and simply say what you want.” They shook hands and the crows then flew away, Bamat explained.
Both books take place on Farmer Pete’s farm and have environmental activities in the back.
“Getting books published is a great accomplishment for me,” Bamat said. “I feel people should never give up on their dreams and be willing to accept rejection. Patience is a must.”
Bamat’s plans are to continue to write children’s books. She is working on a whole series “Farmer Pete’s Early Childhood Teaching Tools.”
“My ultimate dream would be to complete the set and have them packaged in a decorative tool bag for children,” Bamat said.
“The most rewarding part of writing is twofold,” Bamat said. “First, I love seeing the finished product. I work closely with the illustrator via the internet as he is from Canada. Second, I love reading to children and seeing their reaction. One time while reading the Pumpkin story, a little girl spoke up and said ‘He’s going to get cooked!’ I laughed and said ‘Yep, and isn’t pumpkin pie yummy.’”