Annapolis Royal resident Andy Tolson’s second children’s book, How to Rescue a Unicorn, will be released Aug. 26. Photo by Jason Malloy /Annapolis Valley RegisterArticle contentA message from a middle-grade student sticks with Andy Tolson.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe Annapolis Royal resident has been touring schools during the past year after the release of his first children’s book, How to Kidnap a Mermaid. He also has done workshops on heroes and villains.Article contentArticle contentA boy approached him at the end of one of his presentations.Article content“He had a Post-it note and … all it said was, ‘That was fun,’” he recalled.Article contentArticle contentIt is now located next to Tolson’s computer as a reminder to keep his books entertaining and fun.Article contentTolson was excited to embark on the series of presentations and workshops after having first book published.Article content“It’s very interactive and really fun,” he said.Article content“What I am really trying to do with my writing, and with the presentations, is bring a sense of excitement and fun back to reading.”Article contentArticle contentEngagingArticle contentThe well-known photojournalist and filmmaker knew he wanted to write for children.Article contentArticle content“But until I was actually there in a classroom, reading to kids, and reading to multiple classrooms over the spring and fall, it didn’t really hit me how important it is to get kids excited about books.”Article contentArticle contentHe said there are many distractions in kids’ lives these days.Article content“I want to make picking up a book the first thing they do.”Article contentTolson said he has received incredible feedback from kids who can’t wait for Book 2 to come out after being unable to put the first book down. The first book is in its third printing.Article content“It still doesn’t seem real to some extent,” Tolson said.Article content“I have been writing for a long, long time and wanting to get published and wanting to connect with readers, especially young readers. Now that it is happening, it’s a bit surreal.”Article contentArticle contentLatest projectArticle contentHow to Rescue a Unicorn is the second book in the three-part series. It will be released Aug. 26. During the writing process for Book 2, Nimbus Publishing approved plans for a third book.
Annapolis Royal, N.S., author eager to release second book in trilogy, inspire children to read
