HICKORY — Burke County resident Tonja Smith and Raleigh resident Emily Smith have collaborated on an engaging children’s book focusing on the adventures of three playful dogs in the Appalachian Mountains.
The book, “The Adventures of Bailey, Bleecker and Banjo in Linville Gorge,” is designed for all ages with realistic illustrations by Tonja and shared writing credits with daughter Emily.
“This was our first attempt at publishing and it’s been a fantastic journey,” Tonja said. “It has been a wonderful experience to collaborate with my daughter, Emily, to help tell a loving story of our dogs going on a grand adventure to places that are magical to us. Although the story is imaginary, we have indeed taken Bailey, Bleecker and Banjo to many of these sites to hike, camp and be in the waters."
Burke County, Linville Gorge and the Appalachian Mountains are the playground for the three adventuresome pups.
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“I have always enjoyed photography and would never entertained the idea that some of the reference photos from years ago would be brought to life on the pages in a book,” Tonja said.
Emily Smith enjoyed being able to celebrate her hometown and childhood through this book.
“For me, this book was a great way to pay homage to the nature I grew up exploring, along with the dog I grew up exploring with it, Bailey,” Emily said. “I have always appreciated Burke County and its beauty, and I hope this book inspires the locals and tourists to get out and enjoy it too. It’s always exciting when I go back home to be able to take my dog Banjo to my favorite places to cool off in the natural water, or for a beautiful hike.”
Ed Phillips, director of the Burke County Tourism Development Authority, said he feels the book is a loving embrace of Burke County.
“The artworks found in this book are all real locations, many of which are in Burke County,” Phillips said. “We are fortunate that the Smiths created such a fanciful journey, which takes the young reader through the landscape we are blessed enough to live in.”
The official book launch took place Saturday at Adventure Bound Books in Morganton.
“The Adventures of Bailey, Bleecker and Banjo in Linville Gorge” is available at https://tinyurl.com/BaileyBleeckerBanjo.