Local author and illustrator publish children’s book

KEWAUNEE – Author Mary Josephine Blahnik and Illustrator Dona Fischer, both Kewaunee natives, have worked together to publish “My ABC’s with Jesus,” a religious children’s book which aims to help kids practice their alphabet while learning about Catholic faith.

Blahnik’s love for writing began when she was in grade school, and she continued to write into high school for the school newspaper.

Of her writing, Blahnik said, “It seems like our Lord puts the words into my head that they should come out the way that they do.”

Blahnik started “My ABC’s with Jesus” when she was in her 20s, but set it aside after struggling to find a publisher. She began looking for a publisher again several years ago, but still struggled to find someone. She submitted her manuscript to Paraclete Press, but was told the market was too saturated with children’s books and that if she had come to them earlier, they may have been able to publish the book.

Eventually, Blahnik spoke with Dr. Joe McAleer of Marian Press, but he told her they couldn’t publish the book without visuals. He advised her to look for other religious books at the library to see which illustrators they had used, but she found the work overwhelming and set the book back down for a time.

Blahnik is a devout Catholic while Fischer is a Lutheran, but Fischer said she had no problem working on the book.

“I asked her if this would bother her to draw pictures of the Blessed Mother, as Mary isn’t honored in their church, but she was happy to help,” Blahnik said.
Blahnik found photos related to each of the verses, and shared them with Fischer so she could make the illustrations without needing a lesson in Catholic scripture.

Despite having no formal training, Fischer is not new to the world of illustrating.

“I’ve illustrated one other book, but I also do a lot of painting — watercolor, acrylic, oils. I have taught private art classes for over 30 years.”

Fischer and Blahnik have already begun work on their second book, “My numbers with Jesus.”

“Dr. McAleer told me that the publication of this book depends upon the success of the first,” Blahnik said. “I feel that ‘My numbers with Jesus’ is going to be even better than ‘My ABC’s with Jesus,’ because the verses are longer and we are going up to number 30 because it signifies 30 pieces of silver.”
Blahnik feels especially hopeful about her second book because she’s found far more children’s books teaching ABC’s than she has numbers Blahnik and Fischer will be at a book signing at Center Court in Kewaunee on Saturday, Oct. 18. Susan Marlene, author of “Sisters and Friends,” a contemporary women’s novel, will also be in attendance; books from other Wisconsin authors and crafts will also be available.