Sanders combines her artistic and writing talents

Virginia Sanders says her late husband, Dr. Jack Sanders, loved limericks.

It must have been contagious, because Virginia became fond of limericks herself and now likes to write her own.

Since the third grade, she has been drawing, and while a student at Mountclair State Teachers College, in New Jersey, she was the school paper’s cartoonist.

A lifelong ardent environmentalist and lover of wildlife, Sanders combined all of these interests to create “Leaping Limericks,” a children’s book with a limerick for each animal in it.

“It wasn’t an overnight project,” she says. “I have been working on it off and on for some time.”

When the book was finally finished about a year ago, the job was to find a publisher.

“For several years, the family of the late Kit Fernald and I have remained friends, getting together a couple times a year,” she said. “Her granddaughter, Penny Efrig, recently became involved in publishing. I sent her the book; she liked it; and, six months later, I was holding my first copy of ‘Leaping Limericks.’”

Sanders’ sense of whimsy is evident in both the book’s drawings and writing. She has done her research, too. Did you know that zebras are related to llamas?

“The enjoyment youngsters are getting from the book makes it all worthwhile,” Sanders said.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, “Leaping Limericks,” will be featured at Mote Marine’s Christmas book sale; Sanders will be available to sign books, as well. After that, the book will be available at the Mote gift shop or by calling Sanders at 383-3659.

Sanders says she’s proud of her accomplishment, because this is something she has wanted to do for years.

“Anyone of any age who has an interest in doing something, maybe achieving a dream, but not doing anything about it … just try it. You might like it,” she says.

BOX
Lovely Limerick
To prove she can write a limerick on any subject, Virginia Sanders created one for our reporter, Dora Walters.
“There is a seasoned reporter named Dora
Who covers Longboat, both fauna and flora.
She offers no regrets
While revealing our secrets.
She’s earned the title of ‘Dora the Explorer.’”

Contact Dora Walters at [email protected].