The Button Boxes

What does a football-loving kid do with a couple of old wooden boxes and a pile of buttons? Andy Howell sure doesn't know, but his Grandma Lois gives him precisely that on his twelfth birthday. "They'll change your life and show you spectacular stories about our family's history," Lois tells him. But Andy wonders if she's just trying to coax him toward a future in the family tailoring business and away from his dream of becoming a famous football player. And when she urges him to sleep with the buttons to unlock their magical stories, he begins to think she’s going crazy. He doesn't have time to mess with stupid buttons and boxes. All he can think about right now is how to get a good grade on his family tree project in history so he doesn’t get benched by his coach and ridiculed by his teammates, who are also his friends. But when Lois suddenly ends up in the hospital with a mysterious ailment, Andy begins to wonder if the power of the buttons and boxes are the only things that can save her. If he learns the button's secrets and his family history, will it cure Lois? Andy doesn't know but frantically devises a plan to rescue her, risking trouble with his parents, teachers, friends, and worst of all, his coach. But is it too late?

Temple Kinyon is the daughter of Idaho wheat farmers and spent her first thirty-three years living life in "small-town America." After residing in Las Vegas for almost two decades, she's decided you can take the girl out of Idaho, but not the Idaho out of the girl. This little fact compels her to seek adventure away from Vegas's glitz, giving closeness to her rural roots when veering off the beaten path. When she's not exploring the unique offerings of Southern Nevada and the West, she spends time with her husband and ferociously funny bulldog. Her writing includes work about her family history, life experiences, and fiction she hopes readers of all ages will enjoy.

Julene Ewert has been creating art since she could hold a pencil. She is an artist and graphic designer living in the beautiful hills of the Palouse. Her inspiration comes from nature, boxes of old ephemera, and everyday wonderings. Her art is whimsical in spirit, and expresses an honest and playful view of the world-always with rich colors. Her art reflects her soul and a world of playfulness. Her grandma had an epic collection of buttons. More about her art: www.juleneewert.com