Although it took her more than 20 years, Eagle Grove’s Janice Johnson has made a dream come true. She has published a children’s book, thanks in part to the chance meeting of 17-year-old Mckayla Johnson (no relation), who illustrated the book for her.
The events that inspired the true children’s story of “A Dog and His Boy” took place in 1987. Janice’s son, Matt, was in second grade. He attended Lincoln Elementary in Eagle Grove. Mrs. Van Patten was his teacher. During a restroom break, a classmate threatened to tattle on Matt, so Matt snuck off the school grounds and found comfort with his dog.
“The search involved most of the town…but we laugh about it now that Matt is 41,” said Janice.
When it happened, Janice said that quite a few of the teachers, and Principal Gibson, encouraged her to write a book about the experience. They even said she could use their real names.
“I kind of sat on it for a long time,” admitted Janice.
Then, about 10 years ago, she wrote a rough draft. But there it sat again for another decade – until she had a chance meeting with Mckayla, a Clarion-Goldfield-Dows high school sophomore at the time.
Janice explained how she attended a worship service at the Goldfield United Presbyterian Church. She noticed Mckayla performing with the praise band. It was afterwards, during fellowship, that she would actually make her acquaintance for the first time, as they stood by the pumpkin bars.
“I’m not sure how the conversation turned to art, but Mckayla mentioned she loved to draw, so I just asked, ‘How would you like to illustrate a children’s book?’ explained Janice.
Mckayla said her first thoughts were “Whoa – yeah – sure,” and she pulled out her sketchbook to show Janice some of her drawings.
“Because who doesn’t bring a sketchbook to church,” Mckayla said jokingly. Lucky for her she had it along.
Mckayla was eager to accept the opportunity; despite this being about the time that COVID was setting in. With the permission of her parents, she was allowed to meet with Janice and discuss their vision for the book.
Just as Janice had a personal experience that led to the writing of “A Dog and His Boy,” so too did a personal experience inspire Mckayla to draw and eventually lead her to become an illustrator. Back when she was in elementary school, Mckayla admits that she struggled with reading and really didn’t enjoy it. Instead, she found herself doodling, a lot! Soon, she wanted to “doodle better.” Eventually, it was this doodling that Mckayla said helped push her through her reading struggles. She realized the pictures helped her understand the reading better. Several years and two high school art classes later, and she has illustrated a children’s book.
After some 30 original sketches, they finally settled on 17 for the printed book. Mckayla said it took her several months to complete them, replicating photographs that Janice had saved, making them as true-to-character as possible. Her favorite drawing of the bunch, however, is the “FREE puppies.”
Although they are realistic in character depiction, Mckayla and Janice decided they wanted to keep the drawings whimsical and child-like, so Mckayla used colored pencils with “scribble-like” backgrounds – to look like something a kid would draw if they were doing it.
According to Mckayla, Janice has ideas for a follow-up book, so the next drawings will be more “mature” to symbolize a child growing up.
“She is really a dear girl,” said Janice about her newfound friend and partner in publication.
“I’m still a regular high school student (now a junior), but having my name out there (as an illustrator) is kind of cool. I can say that I’ve done something no one else has done here,” said Mckayla.
As for her future in art – Mckayla says it will always be something she “makes time for” and will always be something she does “on the side.” But her true passion is serving others.
“I want to see myself making a change in someone’s life,” she said humbly.
That is why she has decided to join the military and be part of their paramedic program. She has dreams of maybe one day even becoming a nurse practitioner. She knows this is the right path for her, joining a long line of family members who have served this country dating back to the 1700s. But for now, she is enjoying every minute of her time working with Janice and inspiring children to love reading, even though she didn’t at their age.
“I want them to know to never let a challenge stop you from finding a way to do the things you love,” said Mckayla.
“I hope to inspire other writers,” Janice added. “It’s never too late to accomplish your goals,” she commented about it taking her more than two decades to write her book.
Janice and Mckayla are happy to say that nearly all of the first 100 books printed have been spoken for, so they plan on having more printed. If you would like to get a copy of your own, you can contact either one of them.
Mckayla is the daughter of Chris and Sonya Johnson, of Goldfield.
