Community Corner

Greenport Local Woman Publishes A Children's Book

A Greenport woman hopes to continue writing a series of children's books.

A Greenport woman has published her first children's book — and the whole community is coming together to cheer her success.

"Congratulations to Greenport Class of 1980 member Joyce Shelby McKenzie who is now a published author with her first children's book," read a post on the Greenport Union Free School District's Facebook page.

McKenzie's book, "A Straw Holder," is about a little girl, Dee Dee, who loses her tooth on the first day of school," she said.

"She goes through an emotional roller coaster. At first she's excited, then she realizes her appearance changed, and she can't accept the change. Finally, she's happy once she realizes it happens to everyone. The message is about surviving the pitfalls life throws at us. No matter how big or small, our problems, or our age. There's always a brighter tomorrow," McKenzie said.

Looking ahead, McKenzie said she would like to follow up on her first book with a series about the character and her family. The author has three children and three grandchildren, to draw inspiration from.

McKenzie said the most fulfilling part of the experience is that she is a published author. "I am so proud of myself. I hope it will bring the same feelings I have to anyone who reads it."

Published by Page Publishing, Inc. the book features illustrations by Peter Berkowski. For more information on the book, click here.

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