MISHMASH: R.L. Beattie P.S. welcomes local children’s author for book launch

R.L. Beattie Public School welcomed local children’s author Amanda L Maybee on Thursday, June 6, 2019 for the launch of her new book “MISHMASH…The Beginning.”

Students gathered in the school library  for a special read aloud. The story’s cliffhanger ending gave students the chance to write their very own sequel.

“Amanda has been sharing her love of literacy and her journey as an author with students,” said R.L. Beattie Public School Principal Kelly McCauley. “We are extremely grateful that Amanda has chosen to celebrate this special occasion with us.”

“MISHMASH…The Beginning” tells the story of an inquisitive alien who loves life and wants more out of it. During his travels to Earth, MISHMASH gets caught inside a spaceship. Where does he end up? Will he ever get back home? Who does he meet along the way?

As MISHMASH navigates the new world and builds friendships, he is faced with critical decisions that have good and bad consequences. All decisions help MISHMASH discover his true identity and life’s purpose.

“MISHMASH is a quirky character that children enjoy following along on adventures,” said author Amanda L Maybee. “As characters are faced with obstacles, children learn a variety of life skills such as problem-solving, communication and teamwork.”

Amanda L Maybee developed the MISHMASH character as a teenage babysitter. “I was looking for a negotiating tool, a story to captivate and calm the children before bed,” she said. “The children loved it, and I soon began to tell the MISHMASH stories to family members and friends.”

Her series of MISHMASH stories was put on hold when Amanda was faced with a life-changing tragedy that left her in the hospital for four months. “I used MISHMASH to help me heal, writing stories during resource classes in high school,” she says.

Following graduation, Amanda began working and got married. The MISHMASH stories re-appeared when she had two boys of her own. Today, Amanda is thrilled to share her stories on a broader scale. “I love seeing children’s imaginations come to life.”

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Media Contact:

Kelly McCauley, Principal, R.L. Beattie Public School
Rainbow District School Board, 705-522-7178