PUEBLO WEST — For months News 5 has been telling the stories of people finding creative ways to endure, thrive, and create new memories amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Friday, News 5 spoke with a Pueblo West woman and her grandson who decided to use their time together to publish a children's book!
"Romping merrily through the tall cornstalk from behind a fence Kona and the King carefully watched."
It's a short excerpt from a new book called The Adventures of Kona & King. The book - written by Joanne Cooper and illustrated by her 11-year-old grandson, Zach.
Zach said, "It's about my grandma's two dogs, Kona and King, and they go on adventures throughout summer, winter, spring, fall."
It's an idea that Joanne says was born when COVID-19 first struck and something that took off during the stay-at-home order.
Joanne said, "There was nowhere to go and nothing else to do...it really preserved my sanity to have this book project going on....it has taken my mind off COVID and provided a little bit of happiness into this COVID situation."
Zach said, "It just like...kept me like intact, I guess."
The duo shared that the book was officially released in July and that they've already sold almost 40 copies.
Joanne said, "Very proud, very excited. I think it's a wonderful accomplishment that we both did together."
For Zach, his message to everyone, especially during a time of so much uncertainty, is that "No matter how young or old they are they can accomplish anything if they put their mind to it."
As for Joanne, she said, "You can achieve your dreams and this has always been a dream of mine."
