Grandpa's Hotrod. A children's book for all ages. So, about 5 years ago I wrote a poem about a young boy that goes to his Grandparent's house and sees an old car in his Grandpa's barn. When I first wrote out the story I did several sketches in the margins. I thought maybe I could write and illustrate a children's picture book about traditional hotrods and traditional values. I had written poems and posted them on the HAMB before, here and here. I didn't realize how difficult it would be to actually do the drawings, since I hadn't drawn in so long. I would work on it a little and get frustrated and put it away for months. Then in 2011 I got laid off from my job, and was able to work on it in earnest and really get into the flow. I had a manuscript at the 2011 HAMB Drags and showed it to several close HAMBers and received a lot of encouragement. I looked around for children's book publishers, but only one of the dozens I contacted through calls and emails answered, and they had a slot 2 years out. I decided to go the self-publishing route. I sent a manuscript to general gow. His wife had previously worked at a children's publisher and could do the editing. I also sent one to my Grandmother who had written a children's book several years ago. I found a really great book binder right here in Kansas, Koerperich Book Binders, that did really great work. I contacted Don and they could do the type of high-quality book that would last forever. As with most things, the best quality isn't cheap. Maybe some of you remember seeing me and my family selling pre-orders at the 2012 HAMB Drags. I talked general gow into printing the jackets. He carved the art, prepped the paper, and inked the covers in his studio. Through those thankful pre-sales I was able to get 50 books printed and bound. They came out great. Those sold out and I had another 50 made which sold quickly to more family and friends. When I called Koerperich for another batch, sadly, they told me they were going out of business after 43 years. They suggested I call Denver Book Bindery. I called and talked to Gail and she said they could do a super high-quality book like I wanted. I had another 100 books printed in Wichita at Independent Digital Printing and sent to Denver for binding. Yesterday I received the 100 jackets and we are folding them and getting the books ready for our booth at The Lonestar Roundup in Austin Texas April 5, 6. Stop by and say "Hi"!
You can order one through the website: www.grandpashotrod.com I have sent one to London England. Shipping is pricey, as you know, but if you can paypal, we can send you one. Send me a pm.
Great kids book that Jay did a super job on. Read it to my youngest at least once a week. My oldest has a small library in her bed (I dunno, but I'm not going to discourage it) and it's always there. She has two other book cases stuffed full but her favorites stay close while she catches her zzz's. Read it to a youngster and get 'em hooked into these customs and hot rods while they're young!
Very cool man! I saw StudeDude mention something a few days ago, and was wondering what you were up to. I don't know how I missed your book before now! Sent from my DROID device using the TJJ mobile app
There is no reason you shouldn't order one...IF you've got young children that like books, or grandkids, it's a great book...perhaps it'll give your kids/grandkids some insight about people in other countries...besides, you can't tell me there aren't any farms in Sweden...!!! Order the book...!!! R-
My kids are too old now, but I bought one anyway. I'll keep it in case I ever have grand kids to ruin.
I bought mine for me. MINE! I love this book. My father in-law grew up on a farm in Tennessee and they were here when it came in. He read it and got all tear'd up, said it brought back memories of growing up around his uncles who had hotrods and motorcycles... Thanks Jay.
It's been fun being a small part of it, brother. Good luck in Austin. I hope they sell out to eager hoards. Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
That book looks great! I just ordered one since I'm still hoping for grandchildren one day, though not too soon since my boys are 16 & 17 years old. In the meantime I'll read it to the boys and myself. Jay, Since you mentioned signing it in post #4 above, if it's not too much trouble to do that for mine I would sincerely appreciate it. I'll PM you so you know which one. Thanks.
My kids (5 and 7) love this book!! Very cool idea and story. Also, they like the illustrations. I think it's great for "kids" of all ages!! We replaced "The Night Before Christmas" this year with "Grandpa's Hotrod". I think we started a new tradition! Great work Jay!!!
This kid says Jay's book is as good as his egg sandwiches with a root beer for breakfast. This is HIGH PRAISE!
Today, I drove over to Jay's, bought a copy of this fine book for my new grandson! Jay also got me a dozen of his farm fresh chicken eggs. Life is great here in central Kansas!
I ordered mine on Sunday night night off the website. It arrived today!!! I live in Michigan! That's bloody incredible. My daughter is 15. I have given the book to her, so she can read it to her kids when she has some. The whole book, cover, binding, and illustrations are just brilliant! If you care about Hot Rods, and want to pass on the passion, you need to buy this book. Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to produce this. Cheers, Stewart.
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