New children’s book helps young readers discover Middleton Place and the spirit of Independence Day
by Lorne Chambers | Editor
When Middleton Place Youth & Family Programs Manager Alexandra Emch began brainstorming family-friendly programs for America’s 250th anniversary, she wanted to create something uniquely Middleton Place to help children understand our nation’s story. She did this along with local illustrator and fellow employee Katie Sherman by letting young readers see it through the curious eyes of one of Middleton’s best-known residents, a sheep named Susie.
“Connecting our youngest audience with history is of utmost importance at Middleton Place,” says Emch. “The spark of curiosity and passion begins at such a young age. With education at the forefront of our mission, it is vital to connect the younger generation to the past.”
As Emch thought about Middleton’s educational mission, she kept asking herself, ‘How do we introduce young children to such an important moment in American history in a way that is engaging, meaningful, and fun?’
“That’s when the idea for a children’s book came to me,” she says. “The whole process began with me writing the story. Once our editor worked her magic, I handed over the text to Katie. Although I had given her some ideas of illustrations, she really went above and beyond using her creativity to make the story come to life!”
Middleton Place recently released Susie’s Star Spangled Celebration, which is the historic Ashley River plantation’s first-ever children’s book.
“Susie explores various locations throughout the Middleton Place property to under-stand how a country can have a birthday,” says Emch. “With the help from her animal friends, she eventually learns that Independence Day isn’t just about fireworks, it’s about the people who lived and dreamed of liberty.”
As Susie notices red, white, and blue ribbons decorating the grounds, she sets off across Middleton Place with the help of her animal friends. Along the way, she visits familiar locations throughout the property while learning about life during the American Revolution and the people whose lives shaped the nation’s earliest years.
The book was officially introduced during a June 27 author and illustrator signing held in the Middleton Place Museum Shop as part of the site’s Carolina Day celebration. And with Susie’s Star Spangled Celebration being Middleton Places’ first children’s book, Emch feels the future is bright for further publications. Maybe even introducing other animals and learning about other important topics in U.S. history, she says.
Copies of Susie’s Star Spangled Celebration are available for purchase at the Middleton Place Museum Shop and through Middleton Place’s online store.
