Chirpi

About the Book

Chirpi is a story of a little bird and his special friendship with two young children.

About the Author

I was raised in the great state of North Carolina. Choosing a career in restaurant management provided me with the privilege of traveling and seeing most of this beautiful Country we all call home. It was during these travels I decided to change careers to sales, which eventually led me to another gorgeous part of the U.S.¯the coastline of South Carolina. That was where the little bluebird inspired me to create and write “Chirpi”. As with most commission jobs, sales work requires long hours to pay the grocery bill. That being said, a good night’s sleep was always welcome. Not long after moving into my apartment, I soon had a little visitor on a regular basis around 6:30 A.M. just outside my bedroom window. The tunes this little bird would sing were beautiful. However, the noise was deafening at that early hour, like sitting in the front row of a rock concert. I was usually awakened an hour or so earlier than planned. As we all know, losing an hour of sleep every day can affect our mood. Chirpi’s concert went on for days every morning and, after a few days, I began to appreciate having an extra hour. I had time to enjoy a cup of coffee and watch the news instead of rushing out the front door. This is how Chirpi came into my life and inspired my stories. This little bird had taught me a lesson which I wanted to pass on to children in story format. It amazes me that my inspiration came from a little bluebird. What inspires you? I hope you enjoy the story Mike Hall Writer I was born, and raised, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, which is home to a large artistic community. This afforded me with both opportunity and privilege to study and experience an extensive array of arts and crafts. Much of what I have learned over the years can be attributed to my Mother, Shirley. She became an artist at an early age and guided me to do the same. She began as a painter and evolved into a highly-acclaimed and celebrated goldsmith with countless awards. When I was eight, my Mom became my best teacher. She continues to encourage me each day. My Father’s career commenced when he joined the Navy, to be followed by a profession in insurance for many years. My Mom saw an artistic ability in Dad and guided him to work in clay. Through this medium, he ultimately became a renowned and highly-praised potter. One can still fi nd his unique and functional works throughout the United States and other countries. Any inner talent that one possesses via heredity has to be developed and cultivated, or it will lie dormant. My desire and ambition has always been to please others through an overt display of what talent I was fortunate to have passed along to me. I have had some formal training but through much experimenting, I am mostly a self-taught artist. Painting was not my artistic priority. For many years, it was the last thing I wanted to do. I was motivated more towards the crafts, like weaving, glass blowing and of course jewelry making and pottery! Years passed and painting became my destiny. I initially delved into the medium of watercolors, which later expanded into painting murals in people’s homes and commercial establishments. As age takes away the thrill of climbing ladders and scaffolds, I fi nd it becoming more enjoyable to paint in the comfort of my home studio. I am an avid reader. My taste in reading material varies widely from Chinese history to fi ctional stories about cats. When Mike Hall approached me about illustrating a book, I decided to give it a try. One never realizes what creative gifts my lie within them unless you allow yourself opportunity to evolve. I liked the essence of his story, but found myself editing much of the ‘original’ in order to make the story ‘come to life’ for me. At this point, I was inspired for the art work to ensue. The smiles, laughter and conversation with children about Chirpi has been the best reward an artist can attain. I found new abilities in myself through this project and who knows what lies ahead! - Dawn Gobble Hoback Illustrator