By: Matt Weigarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
Lakeshore author Lorraine Rodriguez has transformed cherished family memories into a delightful new children’s book celebrating the simple joys of farm life and the enduring bonds of family.
Her debut book, Minnie and her Farm Friends, tells the story of Rodriguez’s mother as a young girl growing up on a farm in Ruscom. But this isn’t just any farm story—every character has a special connection to Rodriguez’s own family history.
“All the characters in the book are about her immediate family,” Rodriguez explains with warmth. “Charlie the Bull is my dad. Eddie the Pig is my grandfather. Virginia the Goose is my grandma.”
The story even includes a mischievous goose based on a real pet – that used to chase Rodriguez’s mother around the yard. A memory that brings both laughter and nostalgia to the pages.
A Labor of Love
At its heart, Minnie and her Farm Friends is about learning, loyalty, and friendship. “It’s a very wholesome book,” Rodriguez says proudly.
The journey to publication was both exciting and daunting. Although Rodriguez had dreamed of becoming an author for years and wrote the manuscript in just two days once inspiration struck, the entire process took about a year. “It was a little bit scary,” she laughs, describing the challenges of bringing her vision to life.
Working with a publishing company, Rodriguez created her own illustrations with professional assistance, ensuring the book radiated the warmth she envisioned. “We wanted to make sure it was cheerfully done…with colour and brightness,” she shares.
A Tribute to a Beautiful Soul
While children will enjoy the colourful farm animals and their adventures, the book holds a deeper meaning for its author. “The book is really for my mother, she was such a beautiful soul…I wanted to pay homage to her legacy. A tribute to her,” Rodriguez says.
For Rodriguez, who is part of the Library of Congress in the United States, seeing her dream realized has been incredibly fulfilling. “To be an accomplished writer is a dream come true.”
Reading has always been central to Rodriguez’s life, and now watching her grandchildren hold and read her book fills her with joy. “It makes my heart full,” she beams.
More Adventures Ahead
Fans of Minnie won’t have to wait long for more stories. Rodriguez reveals that this is just the first book in a series. While the debut serves as an introduction to the lovable farm characters, book two will bring the animals to life in new and exciting ways.
Rodriguez also plans to connect with her community through local book readings, giving young readers the chance to meet the author and hear Minnie’s story firsthand.
Minnie and her Farm Friends is currently available on Amazon, in local stores and libraries, or directly from the author. You can contact her at 519-816-3646 or email: anyevery1@gmail.com. It’s a perfect read for families looking to share stories about friendship, heritage, and the timeless magic of growing up on a farm.
