Heritage fourth-graders contribute to ‘The Stapled Tissue’ book

Adeleine Chatterton, fourth-grader at Heritage Elementary School, portrays Debbie and appears on the book cover of “The Stapled Tissue” by Tony and Suzi McGehee. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Fourth-graders at Heritage Elementary School are the ‘stars’ in new book, “The Stapled Tissue.” Authors Tony and Suzi McGehee will release their new children’s book at the Heritage Spring Carnival on April 11.

“Katie Scruggs and her awesome fourth-grade class were photographed acting out the character parts in the story,” Suzi said. The McGehees combined those images to create a unique treasure.

“We just started fun activities at Heritage, including visits, book reads and a contest, leading up to our official book release,” Suzi said.

“The Stapled Tissue” is set in a contemporary fourth-grade classroom. Teacher Mr. Lawson asks students to write heartfelt letters to someone special. Lawson reads their letters aloud with his unique humor (and lots of tissue).

McGehee dedicated the book to her favorite teacher Margaret Lawson, who taught 30-plus years at Lee High School here in Huntsville. “I’ve extended the dedication to all teachers, current and retired, for their dedication and sacrifice,” she said.

In the book, Lawson says, “You know, kiddos, nothing touches my heart more than getting a sweet, lovable, tear-jerking, heart-stopping, precious thoughts, oh-my-stars-a-tear-is-coming I-need-a-tissue letter.”

Suzi believes “The Stapled Tissue” “touches the heart. With the variety of student letters, there should be an everyday moment to which each reader can relate. We hope this book will encourage handwritten letters with people special in each reader’s life.”

The McGehees have written two other books: “I Love You Sideways” and “Olivia’s Hug.” Their books end with a “Teachable Thought” and “Truth to the Tale.”

“Most of our stories come from our own life experiences, including my teaching career,” Tony said. “It’s an adventure my wife and I share. We combine my silly humor and Suzi’s graphic art into a product with a mission.”

Books are available at Two Friends, Art and Soul and Vintage Market in Huntsville and at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

For more information, call 256-656-7725, email to wildflower216@mchsi.com or suzi@loveitout.com or visit loveitout.com or Facebook/Love It Out, LLC.