Heritage fourth-graders to star in ‘The Stapled Kleenex’

Tony and Suzi McGehee are featuring Heritage fourth-graders in their new book, “The Stapled Kleenex.” (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – A new book, “The Stapled Kleenex,” will feature fourth-graders in Katie Scruggs’ class at Heritage Elementary School.

The book authors, Tony McGehee and his wife Suzi, create story art with their business, Love It Out Photography. He formerly taught at Heritage with Scruggs.

“Tony and Suzi combine his writing from the heart and her lifestyle photography to create custom storybooks and beautiful wall art,” Scruggs said.

The McGehees’ storybooks end with a “truth to the tale” and a “teachable thought,” Scruggs said. In “The Stapled Kleenex,” a class writes a letter as a gift to their favorite person.

For their ‘truth to the tale,’ Scruggs’ fourth-graders wrote similar letters. “One student asked me to read their letter aloud. With each thoughtful sentence, I complemented the work with comical and emotional ‘boo-hooing,’ causing the child to laugh with delight,” Scruggs said.

The McGehees will photograph Scruggs’ students on April 18. Inside their classroom, students will portray characters as they write and illustrate an assignment at their desks. “Outside, each student will hold a poster (stating) what they want to be when they grow up,” she said.

Suzi McGehee will deliver a video for Scruggs’ students to enjoy before the book is published. “We’re excited to learn and be part of the process of publishing a book,” Scruggs said.

Fourth-grader Nikki Lipski is happy to portray Margaret. “She stands up for what she believes in, and I hope that I always, too,” Lipski said.

“I feel like it will be pretty cool that I will be in a book,” Charlie Welsch said.

The most important lesson for Scruggs’ students is “to learn if you have a dream always believe in yourself. Mr. McGehee has always wanted to be a writer, and I’m so proud of what he accomplished.”

The McGehees have released two other books, “I Love You Sideways” and “Olivia’s Hug.” For more information, visit loveitout.com.