A local author is speaking to children about the environment in a recently released book that also weaves a tale of friendship.
Meagan Roppo, 21, of Edgeworth has penned many tales over the last 14 years, including columns and short stories. But her new children's book "Mari and Sheila," is breaking new ground.
A senior at Allegheny College, Roppo was always interested in environmental issues, but when an environmental activist came to speak at her school about a year ago, it gave her a different perspective on the matter.
"I'd always been conscious of environmental activism and environmental issues, but something about him really inspired me," Roppo said.
"I just thought maybe if we got kids to care about things like the way that we can, maybe that would also help also influence their parents and adults to maybe do something about it too."
In "Mari and Sheila," which can be purchased on Amazon.com, Roppo writes about Sheila, a young lover of the earth, who writes to her pen pal Mari, a baby polar bear that is affected by an oil spill caused by Sheila's father's oil company.
As their reality grows more dangerous, the destruction of the earth threatens what is dear to them—Sheila's love of the great outdoors, their treasured friendship, and, most importantly, Mari's home.
"I wanted to help them to see that there is a sort of a direct relationship between us and our effect on the environment. I figured if I had a young girl be friends and pen pals with a young polar bear then they could see that there's something real there."
Roppo said the book took about an hour to write, though the editing process took a bit longer. She asked her stepdad, Denny Campbell, to illustrate. Once the publishing company approved the book and sent it through, the entire process took about five months overall.
"This all happened when I was abroad," said Roppo who spent some time in Spain this spring.
This isn't Roppo's first book. When she was 7 years old, she read an "American Girls" book and one of the dolls was writing a story in it. She sat down and composed a story in a notebook, and has kept writing since.
While she doesn't plan on writing a sequel to "Mari and Sheila," Roppo does have plans for other books.
"Maybe another issue I feel strongly about, or I'm hoping to write a novel someday," she said.
A book launch will take place Saturday, July 13 at Penguin Bookshop, where "Mari and Sheila," will be available for purchase and signing. The book, appropriate for children ages 3 to 9, retails for $12.99.
Book Launch Event
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, July 13.
Where: Penguin Bookshop
Why Go: Author Meagan Roppo will do a brief talk and reading of her children's book, "Mari and Sheila." Copies will be available to purchase, and illustrator Denny Campbell will join her for the signing.
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