The event featured a reading, book signing and original music.

Sparlin, a Christmas tree farmer and musician, introduced Jack Bunyan as “the adopted son of Paul Bunyan, carried in by the crows and nurtured on the milk of Bluebell, the daughter of Babe the Blue Ox.”

The story follows Jack’s life in a Minnesota logging camp alongside his companion Bucky Blue, a six-foot-tall beaver with red eyes and sharp teeth.

“Jack was so good with his ax, but he could never beat Bucky at taking down a tree,” Sparlin said. After Jack’s motorized bicycle got stuck on a tree that Bucky just felled, he invented the chainsaw–modifying the bike to match his friend’s speed and precision.

Scott Sparlin reads from The Legend of Jack Bunyan during his New Ulm Public Library presentation, sharing stories and illustrations from his debut children’s book.

Sparlin said the idea for the book had been developing for years and took shape during the COVID-19 pandemic, when live performance opportunities were limited.

“I couldn’t sing and play for a year and a half, so I took the time to take this idea under my wing,” he said.

Nancy Beck, a New Ulm resident, purchased a copy and commented on Sparlin’s approach.

“I think the creativity is absolutely wonderful. And I think it can inspire young people to be creative,” Beck said.

The book is illustrated by Sparlin’s sister, Gail. The initial 500-copy print run sold out, and a second printing is underway. An audiobook version narrated by fellow musician Lee Weber includes spoken word and original music.

Bucky Beaver, a 6-foot-tall sidekick to Jack Bunyan, appears in a drawing illustrated by Gail E. Sparlin, sister of Scott Sparlin.

Sparlin concluded the program with two original songs–“Jack Bunyan” and “Bucky Blue.” He also noted that a second book is in progress, titled “Bucky Blue’s Big Adventure.”

“The Legend of Jack Bunyan” is available at jackbunyan.com.

Scott Sparlin speaks about his new book during a presentation at the New Ulm Public Library.

Jack Bunyan shows off his new invention, the chainsaw, in a drawing from the imagination of Scott Sparlin.