Little ones and their teachers filed into Cashton Elementary’s multipurpose room last Friday for a special storytime.
Rural Cashton native and CHS class of 1982 graduate Jolene Goodman, of La Crosse, returned to her roots last week to share her stories with students on April 17. First up were the 4-5K classes, who entered the room hand-in-hand with teachers, and sat down in front of Goodman, who was stationed in a corner near the stage. Many of the schoolchildren were especially interested in the stuffed animals sitting beside their guest reader.
“These are my friends, they come with me everywhere,” said Goodman. “And you will see them as I read the stories.”
Goodman introduced the crowd to the stuffed animals, who represented characters in her books. Three of which were named after her grandchildren: Kenny (6), Delilah (8), and Grace (11). She started writing books during COVID because she wasn’t able to see her grandchildren as often so she incorporated them into her stories as a way to “connect with them during a very hard time,” said Goodman.
Goodman started the storytime session with her first book, “Sally the Squirrel Goes to School”.
“This is based on a cabin which is actually on the family farm,” said Goodman. “So most of my stories are based on a farm that’s not very far from here.”
Goodman, whose maiden name is Hemmersbach, grew up on a farm near St. Mary’s Ridge, which now serves as inspiration for her series of children’s books.
The story is about Sally the Squirrel who is in need of a school to attend. She and her mother find a little log cabin where Sally meets Kenny Kitten, Lilah Lamb, and Gracie Goose under the tutelage of Mr. Gopher.
“‘But first we must have recess, it’s the best class yet’,” said Goodman as Mr. Gopher. “Let’s head down to the creek and try not to get too…”
“Wet,” said the group, to fill in Goodman’s pause.
One by one, Goodman read each of her three books and then opened up the floor for questions. A number of student inquiries focused on whether Goodman knew their parents or their siblings due to her history in Cashton. Some were not questions at all, but rather proclamations about their weekend plans or dirt bikes, particularly because one of the books featured a four-wheeler which sparked thoughts and memories in their young minds.
Principal Sara Schauf raised her hand to ask a question about the books.
“What do you love most about writing your books?,” said Schauf.
Goodman gestured to the crowd.
“It brings me to see all of you children,” said Goodman. “You kids are just so bright, and so smart, and you have great questions. And you know what I see mostly? It is just how respectful you are.”
The youngsters took turns raising their hands to ask more questions before the “Chicken Dance”session started.
Everyone got up off the floor and joined hands to participate in their own little barn dance, which was the subject of Goodman’s latest and third book “The Big Barn Dance”.
For that book, Goodman said she collaborated with La Crosse Central High School student Bree Scholl who provided illustrations. Scholl graduated high school and went on to study art therapy at UW-Madison.
“I thought ‘what a better way to boost a young woman,’ who’s going into the art field,” said Goodman. “She did just a wonderful job.”
Goodman is adamant about not using artificial intelligence to complete her books and works with local women artists to bring her stories to life visually.
The fourth book in Goodman’s series, “Gracie Goose Loves To Read” is in the works, which Goodman says she is illustrating along with her grandchildren.
“We’re working on it together. So when they come over on a weekend they’re like ‘What page are we on? What are we working on today?” said Goodman. “So, it’s been a really fun experience.”
Goodman is looking forward to retirement after working at Central High School for over 25 years. She’s going to use her newfound free time to focus even more on new books.
“It’s really a labor of love,” said Goodman.
Her three books, “Sally the Squirrel Goes to School”, “The Adventures of Wilma the Worm”, and “The Big Barn Dance”, can be found online on Amazon.
