Folsom author created city themed children's book featuring two popular 4-legged residents

Anyone who has visited Sutter Street in Historic Folsom more than likely has met two of its iconic four-legged residents, Winefred "Winnie" the pig and Ruby the golden retriever. Now, this dynamic duo are featured in a children's book by Folsom resident and author/artist Brian Wallace. The book is titled "Winnie and Ruby's Folsom ABC Adventure" and it will be available during a special launch this Saturday at Ruby's Books, Folsom's independent bookstore, that got its name from its resident retriever, Ruby. "'Winnie and Ruby's Folsom ABC Adventure' is a love letter to the place I've called home for the last 20 years, Folsom," said Wallace. "While traveling this past Thanksgiving, I realized that Folsom didn't have a book. I talked to Stacy Gould at Ruby's Books and shared my idea for an ABC book that highlighted the best things about Folsom." Hearing Wallace's idea, Gould enthusiastically supported the idea and the rest is history. Meanwhile, both Winne and Ruby will go down in history on the pages of this unique book that local children will surely enjoy for generations ahead. The book takes readers on an adventure through Folsom, where they get to see all the best things Folsom has to offer from the perspective of two of Folsom's most famous animal friends, Ruby and Winnie. A map in the back of the book shows readers all of the places featured in the book, so they can follow in Winnie and Ruby's footsteps and go on their very own adventure in Folsom. Wallace's work is nothing new on the shelves of Ruby's Books and other retailers where you can find his inspired prints and stickers. In 2018, he wrote a children's book titled "Daisy and the Dirty Dozen" about a family of ducks that had taken residence in his backyard. According to Wallace, he had not intended to write another until the thought of a Folsom-themed book came to mind. "The idea of writing and illustrating a Folsom-themed book was exciting. Once I got started, I quickly realized that the book was missing something, cute animals that could tie it all together," said Wallace. Wallace set out to secure the faces of his book. He reached out to John and Amber Felts, who are best known as "Winnie's parents," in town. The Felts were in support of Winnie reaching a new level of fame. Gould felt the same regarding Ruby. As Wallace created the book, he made sure his representations were accurate. He even ran concepts by the Historic Folsom District Association, the Historical Society and the city of Folsom. "There are so many great things about this city and it wasn't easy picking only 26," explained Wallace. "I hoped to create something that was great for visitors and locals alike." Prior to its official launch, Wallace shared the book with several local residents and industry peers and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Nancy Witt is a local retired kindergarten teacher with years of experience reading with young children who looked over the book for Wallace to give it her review. "A delightful ABC book that will spark plenty of conversation about the town of Folsom and its charming history," said Witt. Folsom resident and school librarian Kiersten Crowley Brunt was another who got an early glimpse of Wallace's book. Crowley admitted that it taught her some things she didn't know about Folsom. "Such a clever combination of a children's ABC book and Folsom travelogue. Who knew there was a sight in Folsom for every letter of the alphabet?" said Brunt. "I knew my ABCs but didn't know some of these places (I am really curious about the underground now)." This Saturday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., Wallace will be at Ruby's Books at 724 Sutter St. for the official launch of the book and to meet residents. Both Wallace and Ruby's Books have previously been voted the Best of Folsom by readers of the Folsom Telegraph so they are no strangers to the community. Winnie and Ruby will be on hand as well and ironically, it is Ruby's birthday. "Stacy and I talked about launching the book on Ruby's birthday, which I thought was an excellent idea," said Wallace. "The paperback will be on sale and the hardcover version will be released next month. Ruby's will be taking pre-orders for the hardcover, beginning this Saturday." A portion of the proceeds from the book are going to T.E.A.M. Bradshaw, which stands for Teaching Everyone Animals Matter. For more information on Wallace, visit his website at www.brianwallaceart.com. For more information on Ruby's Books, visit www.rubysfolsom.com.