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Meri-le Collum is 76 years old with two daughters and three grandsons.
She grew up in the 1940's with a father who was one of the old-style newspapermen. With no TV in those days, he spent many evenings reading "Pogo" and some very entertaining poems such as "The Shooting of Dan McGrew" to Meri-le and her brother. The only other types of entertainment were swimming in the canal and going to town to the movies.
On Christmas 2016, a neighbor gave Meri-le a little plaster gnome to paint. When she was trying to find a place to put it in the yard, she decided to put him on Facebook, since he travels a lot. She did, and he started "traveling" a lot more. He went to the grocery store and to the mall for Valentines' Day gifts. Soon it was spring, and Gnorton discovered that Easter was coming. On Facebook, he asked Meri-le's cat, Ella, if she lays Easter eggs. Unknown to Meri-le at the time, this was the beginning of her first book.
After Gnorton's Easter adventure was over on Facebook, Meri-le decided to try to write, but still the Facebook adventures were taking up too much time. Gnorton became lonely, tried online dating, and eventually wooed and married the "gnome next door." When he left on a very extended honeymoon, Meri-le was able to attempt her first book.
Meri-le resides in Peoria, Arizona with “Boo,” Ella the cat, and Sara the hawk, who is also in the book.
Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite
Gnorton’s Easter Adventure is a children’s picture book written by Meri-le Collum and illustrated by Penny Weber. Easter is one of Gnorton the Gnome’s favorite holidays and he wants to contribute to making eggs for the children. Unfortunately, none of his friends seems to know how he can do this, until King George sends him to a special place, setting him on the right path. After much trial and error, Gnorton finally discovers the secret to making the perfect Easter egg, enabling him to participate in preparations for each coming Easter.
I loved the innocence in this beautifully illustrated tale, as it is quite true that many children simply do not know where Easter eggs come from. Through directly interviewing various animals and people, Gnorton discovers that there are many stories which are simply superstition, and he is determined to keep delving until he uncovers the wonderful and colorful truth. Meri-le Collum’s well thought out tale has reminded me of how fun and exciting Easter egg hunts can be after making so many, each with their own various texture and design. As a Pagan, I cannot help but delight in so many different faiths immersing themselves in the original Pagan tradition of Easter egg creation, as it continues to bring fun for many adults for years to come. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Gnorton’s Easter Adventure and wholeheartedly recommend it to be read by children of all faiths, so that they can discover first hand the delight in making their own Easter eggs in preparation for this wonderful season of love and prosperity.
