Local Author Bob Fuselier and Illustrator Kathi Geoffrion Parker hold up illustrations featured in their new children’s book, ‘I Have No Room’. They will sign copies starting at 11 a.m. Saturday at Samizdat Bookstore at 174 Central Park Square. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
For Los Alamos resident and author Bob Fuselier, one of the best moments of the day is reading a book to his grandchildren, and before them, his own children, before going to bed.
With two published works, Fuselier can add his own books to the stack for nighttime reading.
In 2017, Fuselier published “Tip and Blue”, which addresses the emotions that come when a beloved pet dies. Now, he has followed up with “I Have No Room”.
The book, which is illustrated by Los Alamos artist Kathi Geoffrion Parker, addresses the importance of valuing oneself and always making room for yourself.
Fuselier and Geoffrion Parker will be signing and reading the book at 11 a.m. Saturday at Samizdat Bookstore at 174 Central Park Square.
While this is Fuselier’s second book, it is the first time he has collaborated with Geoffrion Parker.
Geoffrion Parker said they have been long-time friends.
“Our sons went to high school together and played ball together,” she said, adding, “My son thought very highly of Bob’s son, Mike.”
Fuselier said he has drafted 12 children’s books, based on his experiences as a father and a grandfather. He explained he wanted to write something that would give life lessons to young readers.
Fuselier said he was inspired to write “I Have No Room” when his grandkids lived in town and he would wander around his house, cluttered with stuff, thinking, ‘I have no room for this, I have no room for that…’
This kick started the book, which Fuselier explained has the message that material things are not important and that “I am enough; I’m all I need.”
Illustrating the book was a year-long process, Geoffrion Parker said. She said Fuselier contacted her in January about collaborating on the book. While Geoffrion Parker said realism is more her wheelhouse, she said she accepted the job because “I really wanted to do this for Bob and with Bob.”
Fuselier said he is pleased that Geoffrion Parker seamlessly made the images in the newest book almost identical to the illustrations in his first book, which were created by a different artist. The whole goal, he added, is that any child reading the book will be able to identify with at least one person in the book.
Both said they enjoyed the entire process creating the book.
“For me, it’s just a creative process,” Fuselier said.
He explained that ideas for books will come as easy as being on a hike and have an idea pop in his head while others take more time.
“This was a whole learning process of style, layout and color and character,” Geoffrion Parker said. “It was definitely a cool experience.”
Fuselier is already working on more books. One tackles a more serious topic of addressing anger, hatred and fear. It features a grandmother helping her granddaughter with these emotions. Another is more light-hearted about a child having an adventure in his imagination and a third book is about a child playing with their kitten.
“I Have No Room” can be purchased on the publisher’s website on lulu.com. Copies will also be for sale at the signing Saturday.
