The Cherry Hut in Beulah, Michigan, is the Center of the Universe.

That’s according to my husband, the cherry pie fanatic. We have vacationed in its vicinity many times, typically in Frankfort, MI, and I am sure the allure, beyond the peaceful atmosphere, gorgeous scenery and beautiful beaches, is being in easy driving distance to aforementioned Center of the Universe.

Now, if you’ve driven all the way to Frankfort, and spent time in Beulah, you might as well stop at another special spot in neighboring Benzonia, home to the one of a kind print shop of the late author and artist Gwen Frostic.

I’ve lived in Michigan all my life and visited Ms. Frostic’s unique printmaking shop a few times. Because I share her love of art and nature, I’ve also enjoyed her writings, and sending her lovely block prints, cards and stationery for years. But to be honest, I never really knew a lot about her as a person. That is, until now, thanks to a lovely new non-fiction picture book from Sleeping Bear Press–NATURE’S FRIEND: THE GWEN FROSTIC STORY written by Lindsey McDivitt and illustrated by Eileen Ryan Ewen.

The art and writing of Gwen Frostic are well known in her home state of Michigan and around the world, but this picture book biography tells the story behind Gwen’s famous work. After a debilitating illness as a child, Gwen sought solace in art and nature. She learned to be persistent and independent–never taking no for an answer or letting her disabilities define her. After creating artwork for famous Detroiters and for display at the World’s Fair and helping to build WWII bombers, Gwen moved her printmaking business to northern Michigan. She dedicated her work and her life to reminding people of the wonder and beauty in nature. (Description provided by Amazon)

NATURE’S FRIEND: THE GWEN FROSTIC STORY will be available on July 15 in your local independent bookstore, as well as online retailers, like Amazon. My Michigan teacher friends, especially, will definitely want to add this to their classroom libraries.

Author Lindsey McDivitt will be stopping by the following Michigan venues, if you’d like her to meet her. She’d be happy to autograph NATURE’S FRIEND for you too! 

• Grand Rapids—Books & Mortar story time, Sunday, July 8th at 2 p.m.
• Frankfort—The Bookstore, Monday, July 9th at 11 a.m.
• Traverse City—Horizon Books on Tuesday, July 10th from 1 – 3 p.m.
• Petoskey—McLean & Eakin Books on Thursday, July 12th at 11 a.m.
• Ann Arbor—Morgan & York on Packard on Friday, July 13th at 6 p.m.

And, if you’re exploring Michigan this summer, why not stop by Benzonia and see Ms. Frostic’s shop for yourself. Oh, and be sure to toddle over to Beulah for a cherry pie or three.

Happy summering, my little cherry tomatoes!

Here lies one doubly blessed. She was happy and she knew it. ~ Gwen Frostic, 1906 – 2001 (She wrote her own epitaph!)