Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Author Gail Boe, second from left, with the help of her daughter Lucy, left, signs copies of her children's book for Landen and Taylor Teske, right.

NEW ULM — Local children’s book author Gail Boe held a reading and book signing Tuesday at The Grand Center for Arts and Culture.

Boe is Jefferson Elementary’s library assistant and newly publish author. Her children’s book “Lettuce” features a walking talking head of lettuce with an optimistic message of acceptance.

The book’s title is a play on words. The title head of lettuce named “Lettuce” repeats the phrase “Let Us” throughout the book.

Boe gave a short presentation on the writing and publishing process of the book to gathering of her young fans. She said the entire process took between 13 and 16 months to complete.

Boe wanted to write the book for years and the recent pandemic gave her extra time to write it down. Mascot Books agreed to publish the book. It will be available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble August 3. The book can also be ordered from Mascot Books’ website.

Fans who attended the event at The Grand could purchase a copy of “Lettuce” and get a personalized copy of the book.