Meet the children’s book supporting Grace Therapeutic Riding’s mission through story and art
Just in time for summer, children’s book author Lois Vermeer has published A New Family for Jack: A Tale From Grace Ranch. Featuring illustrations and photographs by Ashley Newman, the book shines a loving spotlight on a very special place located between Pella and Lake Red Rock.
Grace Therapeutic Riding is a nonprofit that offers equine-assisted therapy and educational services to individuals of all ages and abilities. It was founded by Allison Van Wyngarden, a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and the daughter of author Lois and the late Bob Vermeer. Those who come to Grace can participate in therapeutic horsemanship, equine-assisted mental health care and learning, and hippotherapy, which is physical, occupational, and speech therapy on horseback.
The book chronicles the arrival of Jack, a real mini horse who lives at Grace Ranch. His fellow mini, Kasper, shows him around and introduces him to Grace’s crew of amazing horses—many of whom were first bought by Bob Vermeer. Jack also meets the Van Wyngarden family, their dog, and many more new friends.
“I was inspired to write a book about Grace Ranch when someone printed flyers featuring short descriptions of each of the horses,” said Vermeer. “I watched clients of all ages reading them, and the idea came to me to share about these horses in a children’s story, with photography of the real people and animals at Grace.”
Jack and his pals are brought to vivid life by Newman’s art, which melds multiple mediums into a scrapbook-style experience. She began with photos taken of each horse featured in the book, as well as the many volunteers and participants at Grace Ranch. Those photos were carefully placed on the large pages of a scrapbook Newman found at a thrift store. In between the photos, she added hand-drawn accents and scenes, then placed 3D objects like braided string, beads, and clover. When each scrapbook page was complete, Newman photographed them for the book’s interior.
“I was so thankful to be part of A New Family for Jack, which checks off a dream of mine to have my artwork published in a children’s book,” said Newman. “I hope everyone connected with Grace Ranch has fun recognizing the people and horses that they know, and that all the joy and personality of the horses shines through.”
“We also hope this book blesses our readers,” added Vermeer.
A New Family for Jack was published through the Write Place. It is available for purchase as a hardcover or softcover on the Grace Therapeutic Riding website. Sales will go toward supporting Grace’s mission.
Vermeer and Newman will host a book signing at Cranberry Stone Bakery in Pella on Monday, June 15, from noon to 2:00 p.m. Readers and horse lovers alike will also be able to meet them and the real-life Jack and Kasper at the Thursdays in Pella event on June 18.
A New Family for Jack is Lois Vermeer’s sixth children’s book. Ashley Newman is a volunteer at Grace Therapeutic Riding who first came to the ranch with her son, Filson. This is her first children’s book.
