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Author's new book inspired by daughter's favourite toy by Abigail Cukier Special to the Beaver 15 | Thursday, August 20, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Pat Skene likes to say that when she retired, she veered directly from the left brain to the right brain. The switch seems to have agreed with her. The Oakville resident worked for CIBC for 25 years, including as vice-president of consumer loans. When she retired in 1998, she immediately started writing children's books. "I wanted to do this pretty much my whole life. I retired early enough to do it and I have loved every minute of it," said Skene, who retired at age 53. Her first book, The Whoosh of Gadoosh was published in 2002 and won a Benjamin Franklin Award. Presented by the Independent Book Publishers Association in the United States, the award is regarded as one of the highest national honours for small and independent publishers. The book is in its second printing. Skene then published three collections of six rhyming stories, including Rhyme Stones. The collection includes a story about Cecil, who is scared of the dark, but his dog is trapped in a cave; and Ernestine, who can hardly be a witch if she can't fly on a broom. Each long poem is followed by an interview with the main character. This book is in wide circulation in elementary schools. A Tale of Two Biddys merges the characters from two classic folktales, The Old Woman Who Lived in a Vinegar Bottle and The Hedley Kow, into one re-mastered story with a twist of fate. Revenge of the Mad Hacker is a children's novel about the dangers of the Internet. Last fall, Skene had breast cancer surgery and a large part of her recuperation was spent working on her latest book, Wowwy and Me, a rhyming story aimed at children aged two to six. It is based on Skene's daughter's childhood stuffed toy -- who even went to university with her -- and the idea that many children have a favourite blanket or doll they drag around for years. see Children's on p.16 Claude's vaCuum shop Includes Deluxe Air Package Sales · Service · Parts Free Estimates on Repairs Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday · 9am - 6pm Wednesday · 9am - 5pm Saturday · 9am - 4pm sale $399 99 0 with this ad. · FREE GIFT with a service over $15.0 0. $15.0 only ut Hairc en wom or · Men extra for wash and blowdry style s with cut & style · 15% off colour, perm & highlight and services! · Lots of in-store deals on product ANNIVERSARY DEALS! Hair Studio 1 We're Celebrating Our 15th Anniversary! Nominated in this year's Reader's Selection Awards! intment. any other offer. Book early to avoid disappo Exp Aug 29, 2015. Cannot be combined with Salon closed from Aug 30 - Sept 17 Supreme 100, 10 Years Warranty 2368 Lakeshore Rd. W, Oakville (back entrance) To book an appointment please call 128 Kerr St., Oakville, ON L6K 3A7 905.842.5658 | claude2@cogeco.net www.claudesvacuum.com 905-469-0344 www.hairstudio1.ca Hairstudio1mn $ 100 Off A pair of Prescription Glasses or Sunglasses AyA Kitchens of oAKville 1195 north service roAd west 905.847.1522 ayaoakville.com 92 Dunn Street Downtown oakville lebeauoptical@gmail.com www. lebeauoptical.com 905-845-3621