'Sandcastles' a dream come true for local writer and illustrator duo

Local illustrator Kimberly Murfin and writer Samantha Bonwick
with their book, Sandcastles
Photo by Katerina Oczkowski

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Sandcastles is a children's book that was written by Samantha Bonwick and illustrated by Kimberly Murfin.  Both of these ladies grew up in Pincher Creek.  Bonwick, a mother and child care professional, is excited and a bit bemused by the experience of being a published author.  "I don't think either one of us has really realized that this has happened yet," she said, adding that Murfin had not yet even held a copy in her own hands at the time of this interview as she is currently living in Calgary and the books were shipped to Pincher Creek.

In the book our heroine Mia does not have much,  Bonwick says that "She dreams of having boats and mansions. She spends her days dreaming up sandcastles on the beach while her mom works. One day, while carving her castles in the sand, she discovers what she already has."

Both Bonwick and Murfin will be on hand for the unveiling of the book at the Pincher Creek and District Municipal Library on November 2 at 2:00 pm.

"Any child would enjoy it, but I think that those that would get the most from it, really get the message would be 6 - 10 years old," said Bonwick.

Bonwick encourages anyone that is planning on buying a signed copy to go to her Facebook page and 

pre-order the book, which is priced at $20.00.

Bonwick is also working on creating an anti-bulling educational package for child care professionals called 'Poor Stanley'.

Related story:
Excellence in Pincher Creek childcare: Catherine Oczkowski and Samantha Bonwick