Wise Wendell is a 40-page picture book in narrative verse for an intergenerational audience that brings families together while developing vocabulary for five- to eight-year-olds. It tells the story of a seven-year-old boy who, insisting that he is old enough to groom himself, discovers a single white hair on his head. Frightened by the unusual sight, he fears that he is growing old. Seeking an explanation for this oddity, he questions his mother, father, and teacher--none of whom provide a satisfactory explanation for him. Finally coming to his rescue are his doting grandparents who attend his birthday celebration and provide the answer that he seeks.The theme is that one doesn't gain wisdom on his own: he must seek it from those who have it, and its pursuit is worthwhile, no matter what the age. Because of its whimsical rhyme, Wise Wendell is a book that parents and grandparents can enjoy reading aloud with their children and grandchildren.
Mark Allen Boone is a native of Chicago. He is a former teacher, el-hi textbook editor, publishing consultant, and freelance editor. He is the author of two novels: Reunion: A Novel of the New South and The Demise of Luleta Jones, winner of the 2009 Eric Hoffer Book Award for Fiction and the short story collection Candle in the Dark and Other Stories. He is founder of the West Side Writers Guild of Chicago and the editor of the anthology, Guildworks: Writings by the West Side Writers Guild. Mark has guided numerous authors through the self-publication process via the print-on-demand platform. The picture book Wise Wendell: A Narrative Verse for Children is his first published children's book. He and his wife Cynthia, a retired reading teacher, live in an Atlanta suburb and are the parents of two children and the grandparents of four.
Hindy Coleman is a dedicated children's book illustrator recognized for her warm, character-driven artwork and her understanding of how visual storytelling supports young readers. Working primarily in digital 2D raster media, she creates illustrations filled with gentle emotion, playful color palettes, and clear narrative structure, elements designed to help children engage with stories, recognize characters, and follow events with ease. At the heart of her work is a love for childhood imagination: the wonder, humor, curiosity, and warmth that make children's books unforgettable. Hindy remains committed to helping authors bring meaningful, joyful, and visually engaging stories into the hands of young readers everywhere.
