Traverse City Record-Eagle

Northern Living

November 4, 2012

Local woman illustrates new children's book

Emma Berger is a TC Central grad; a senior at U-M

FROM STAFF REPORTS ----

TRAVERSE CITY — Emma Berger of Traverse City is the illustrator of a newly published Michigan children's book called "Butterfly Ears."

A graduate of Traverse City Central High School and current University of Michigan Art and Design senior, Berger was selected by author Carol Munro Guilbault of Rochester Hills to illustrate the story about a dog who meets a beautiful Monarch butterfly on a Lake Superior beach. Paco the dog's large Papillon ears transform into butterfly wings and they begin a great Michigan adventure.

"I really wanted the book to be illustrated by a Michigander," Guilbault said. "I placed an ad on U of M's Art and Design website for an illustrator."

A dozen artists responded. Guilbault gave each a picture of her dog, Paco, and asked for a sketch of what he would look like with butterfly ears.

"When I saw Emma Berger's drawing, I knew she was the one to illustrate the story," the author said.

Guilbault said she hopes parents will read the book with their children and be inspired to explore the locations that Paco and the butterflies visit around Michigan in the story.

"Butterfly Ears" is available through Amazon and the website, ButterflyEars.com. Berger's work can be seen at Emma-Berger.com and Paco can be followed on Facebook@Butterfly Ears Paco.

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