Authors from the St. Louis metro area have been busy publishing books about a variety of topics and for a wide age range. The majority of these titles were released this spring and are available at your favorite book retailers.
"Please Love Me Like I Love You"
By Kip Ullrich Fechner and Janis Ullrich Dillon
For many families, more time at home means more time with their beloved pets. Kip Ullrich Fechner says she wrote this book for children, primarily toddlers and kids up to age 5, to help them understand how to treat animals kindly. The first-time author was inspired to provide this resource for families after watching her 15-month-old granddaughter interact with dogs.
Fechner lives in Ballwin and is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University. For the last 20 years, she worked as an administrative assistant for her family’s printing company, Advertisers Printing. Dillon, Fechner’s sister, created the book’s watercolor illustrations. Dillon is a Webster Groves resident and a retired teacher who taught for 25 years in Clayton Public Schools.
"My Chocolate Is Beautiful – Happy In My Skin"
By Seletha Marie Head-Tucker
At just over 100 pages, this independently published book is a short read with themes of natural beauty and confidence despite discrimination. Author Seletha Marie Head-Tucker states that “all shades are beautiful, no matter how dark.” To illustrate this, the book follows a young black woman coming of age and confronting various hardships.
Head-Tucker is a St. Louis elementary school teacher and published author of women's books, spiritual books and children's books. She has a master's degree in early childhood education and is currently pursuing a master's degree in special education.
"The Anatomy of Accomplishment: Your Guide to Bigger, Better, Bolder Business Results"
By Erin Joy
St. Louis businesswoman Erin Joy collaborated with leading female entrepreneurs, executives, accountants and other successful career women from around the country to publish this empowering book. Joy calls it a “must-read for anyone who wants to take their business, team or department to the next level with improved operations, marketing, mindsets” and more. Readers can expect stories of triumph and tribulation, plus “easy-to-implement action steps” to help one’s venture thrive, even in a crowded marketplace or challenging economy.
Joy is the award-wining founder and CEO of Black Dress Circle in St. Louis, a business consulting and coaching organization. She received a bachelor’s degree in marketing from University of Missouri-Columbia and her Master of Arts in human resources management from Washington University in St. Louis. Currently, she’s pursuing a Ph.D. in business psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
"In Awe: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning, and Joy"
By John Leary
St. Louis resident John Leary’s second book focuses on reviving childlike awe and enthusiasm for life. Leary describes five “senses” that children innately possess and why adults tend to lose those senses. Readers can rediscover what it means to be a child and “unleash inspiration, meaning and joy,” despite the demands of everyday.
Leary is a bestselling author, internationally recognized public speaker and podcast host known for overcoming a childhood tragedy and using his experiences and humor to inspire others. His first book, On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life, has sold more than 120,000 copies and been translated into 12 languages, according to his website.
"Kids Are Amazing!"
By Leesa Neiner with Kaylin Parker
St. Louisan Leesa Neiner and her 9-year-old niece Kaylin Parker want kids to embrace the character traits that make them amazing. That’s why their book features youngsters who are creative, caring, brave and so much more. Neiner says this book allows adults — parents, grandparents, teachers or anyone influencing the next generation — to stir up conversation with kids about their own positive attributes, as well as recognize the good in others. The book may be purchased at kidsareamazing.net/purchase.
Becky Hansen designed the book and its layout, and Christine Gunn contributed cover art. Gunn is an artist with Down syndrome who enjoys playing sports, reading, working at her job and spending time with family and friends.
"The Black Hand"
By Andrew Stack
St. Louis born-and-raised author Andrew “Andy” Stack published his debut book this month, and the metro area is a major setting for much of the story. The novel is a military thriller inspired by historical events, told from the perspective of a journalist writing from the year 2021. In a press release, Stack said the book is “rooted deeply in history, but with an edgy, contemporary flare.”
Stack was born and raised in North County and graduated from Hazelwood East High School. According to the release, Stack enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and worked for years as an Arabic linguist in combat support missions around the world. He now resides in St. Augustine, Florida.
"Baseball in St. Louis: From Little Leagues to Major Leagues"
By Ed Wheatley
In his third book, local author Ed Wheatley examines the historical role of baseball. “Discover the rich history of the Major League’s Browns and Cardinals and the great teams of the Negro Leagues,” reads a description on the book’s inside flag, “but also find the ways baseball intertwined itself within the city’s culture.” It’s the story of St. Louis baseball — one that encompasses those who played, those who observed and those who still love the game today.
Wheatley is a leader of the St. Louis Browns Historical Society, co-author of St. Louis Browns: The Story of a Beloved Team and Incredible Cardinals, and he worked on a St. Louis Browns documentary that aired on PBS. He grew up heavily influenced by the sport and continues playing baseball in senior leagues.
Andrea Smith
Digital Editor & Staff Writer
Andrea is LN's digital editor, the person behind social media posts (follow us!) and website uploads. She enjoys photography, telenovelas and breakfast food.
