Even as a child, growing up in Paden City, Erika Quiroz loved to draw. In the fourth grade she made her artwork a capital venture, selling portraits for 50-cents a piece. Her classmates were always peering over her shoulder into her many notebooks and sketchbooks, to see what kind of fantasy she had brought to life.

That was only the beginning for Quiroz, who would later build a career as an illustrator in educational publishing. Creating fun, enticing characters and scenes to accompany lessons, tests, and teaching Web sites for all subjects K-12, her artwork has been a friendly hand reaching through the text to draw kids into the lessons. It’s not uncommon for kids to laugh out loud at some of Quiroz’s drawings, piquing their curiosity and leading them willingly into the work. “Artwork in educational publishing is like an ambassador to learning,” say Quiroz. “The illustrations are the first thing the student sees, their first impression of what lies ahead. You can make a student excited about learning with a single image, help them relax and loosen up, make them more receptive to material that might otherwise not compel them to learn.” After 15 years as an illustrator, countless students have walked through the door that she holds open.

Now, Quiroz has embarked on a new adventure:  illustrating children’s literature. With a new title illustrated by Quiroz, “Sock Wars”, coming out in June, she is very excited to see where this new path could lead. Partnering with her on the project is young writer, Hannah Christensen, from Vancouver, Canada. Though only 12, Christensen crafts a delightful and entertaining tale, one based on one of the treasured memories her family shared with her little brother, Jonah. Christensen takes readers into a world of family fun and togetherness, brought to life by the bright, energetic art that practically leaps from the page. Children and adults alike will be drawn into the story and will thrill to travel with Quiroz and Christensen as they teach the importance of enjoying every moment with this beautiful, entertaining book.

How was this partnership forged over so many miles? Christensen’s mother, Emma, and Erika met three-and-a-half years ago in an online grief group for parents and have been supporting each other through the darkest time in their lives. They have now become life-long friends, even though they have never physically met. When Quiroz had the opportunity to help bring Hannah’s beautiful, positive story to life, she seized it. “Working with the Christensen’s on this project has been such a privileged window into their family,” says Quiroz. “I’ve gotten to know so much about them as I worked with these drawings and felt the story come alive under my hand. I feel so honored to be a part of this meaningful book.”

Being released later this month, “Sock Wars” is sure to be a smashing success. The local area will get its first glimpse of the book when Quiroz presents it at the Paden City Public Library, July 2 at 11 a.m. There will be a reading of the book and copies, signed personally by the artist, will be available for sale. All proceeds from the project will go to support children’s literacy.

“These past few years have been the most difficult of my life,” Quiroz tells us. “But something happened to me inside when I partnered on this project. I see a light in front of me for the first time in years. Instead of walls, I now see a window; and I am going through it.”

Visit www.celebratethechild.ca to purchase a copy of the book. “Sock Wars” can be previewed at www.facebook.com/ pages/SOCK-WARS/211565088875844.