Chippy Chipmunk waved to people walking and driving by him as he waved from out front of The Art & Craft Gallery of Hamburg on State Street Oct. 28. Those passing by waved back to Chippy, smiling. Some honked their horns.
Chippy was in Hamburg during a book signing event by Chippy Chipmunk series author Kathy Miller of New Ringgold.
“Bringing cheer to the town with the balloons and Chippy and bringing exposure to the Gallery,” said Miller.
Miller hopes seeing Chippy in person makes the author visit fun and memorable for children and their parents visiting the Gallery.
Miller believes the character Chippy Chipmunk in her stories adds an appeal for children.
“In general, kids love chipmunks because they are cute and they actually stop and look at you,” said Miller. “They actually interact and will give kids a closer look… I think there’s more of a connection with chipmunks than any other wildlife.”
Miller hopes her books inspire children to look closer at backyard nature and take an interest in animals.
She is celebrating the release of her fourth book in the series, “Chippy Chipmunk Feels Empathy.”
“The last two books have special issues, the most recent being about diversity and empathy so I hope that it opens up a dialogue that parents can have with their children. The third book I did about loss is a book to heal children when they’re going through a loss.”
Each of her books has won a Mom’s Choice Award, as well as many other awards, too numerous to list.
“As an author and artist, it’s validating when somebody gives you an award, especially when there’s a sensitive topic. Winning the Mom’s Choice Award is great news and now the book gets the Gold Seal on the cover.”
Featured Artist of the Month for October, Miller is a member of the Hamburg Area Arts Alliance.
