INDIAN TRAIL, N.C. — When Brooke Hadley Kramb walked into So Much More to the Story: A Bookstore on Saturday, Sept. 14, she recalled many aspects of her childhood in Ohio.
The local author signed copies of her book, “Applesauce Afternoon,” and read the book to children in the bookstore. She is also the author of another children’s book, “Christmas Lights.”
Both books involve characters from Kramb’s childhood experiences. Born and raised in Dublin, Ohio, Kramb grew up with two sisters and a single mother, Lucy Buzzee.
“My mom made education and family time our top priorities,” Kramb said. “I knew it was tough, but now as mom, I still can’t believe what she had to go through, but I just have so much admiration for her. She took time out of her busy day, trying to work and raise us by herself.”
When the long days were over, Buzzee would gather her daughters together on the couch to read. Kramb recalls hearing the sound of her voice and expressions as she read with her sisters. They read books like “Goodnight Moon” and “The Little House” series.
Kramb, who moved to North Carolina in 1999 to pursue teaching, eventually carried on that tradition with her daughters, Caroline and Claire. They still read “The Polar Express” every Christmas they spend together.
Kramb’s “Applesauce Afternoon” comes from an experience she had with her grandfather while living in Ohio.
“We would pick apples at an apple orchard near his house, and we would walk there, pick the apples, and then come back to his house, and we would make homemade applesauce together,” Kramb said.
In her story, a young girl goes exploring in her attic and is amazed by what she finds. She discovers new things, learns stories about her family, and even creates new memories, all while making applesauce with her mom.
Kramb originally wrote the story as a narrative to her students when she was teaching at Hemby Bridge Elementary School. After telling her aunt about the story, she encouraged Kramb to publish it as a book, saying, “He would love that.”
Kramb’s first copy of “Applesauce Afternoon” went to her grandfather, who called Kramb his “author.”
Kramb went on to write “Christmas Lights” which recalls the many evenings she spent riding around town with her family looking at Christmas lights.
In the back of the book, she left a spot where readers can write down their favorite Christmas memories, because “I thought that would be something special to be able to capture with your own family to remember traditions.”
“Applesauce Afternoon” is listed on Amazon for $7.99. “Christmas Lights” is also listed there at $9.50. Both are paperbacks.
Though Kramb rarely reads Kramb loves to share storytelling with kids and their families as a hobby. to her daughters anymore, she wanted them to experience the same childhood she had, something she shared through her storytelling hobby.
“I just really value family, education and reading,” Kramb said. “I wanted my girls to value that experience as well.
“They really enjoy reading themselves for pleasure and do well in school.”
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