Norma Jean Stemple, a Town of Franklin custodian, is the author of a new children’s book, “Adventures of Fishy Wishy Washy Wishy and Friends.” The book tells the story of a one-of-a-kind fish and his friends, including a big-hearted alligator, a playful monkey, a wise old turtle, and others. In the story, they all become a team ready to swim through any challenge.
Stemple’s insomnia led to a surge of creative energy.
“I couldn’t sleep one night,” she recalled, “and I found myself jotting down these silly rhyming names that seemed to come out of nowhere. It was as if my mind was working overtime, creating characters and scenarios that I could not wait to bring to life. The names of the characters became the heartbeat of the story, guiding its direction in ways I never expected.”
The book is illustrated by cartoonist and veteran book illustrator Ben Marchal, who has illustrated more than 70 published books. Stemple, who hails from Lakeland, Fla., currently resides in Franklin with Mark, her husband of 18 years. Their combined family includes five grown children and 13 grandchildren.
Stemple is planning to publish a sequel and said she wants to “credit and give all glory to God for this and any future endeavors.” The book, “Adventures of Fishy Wishy Washy Wishy and Friends,” is available to order online in hardcover or paperback at such retailers as Walmart, Books-a-Million, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon.