Anna Rose Anderson enjoys spending time writing. It is one of her passions and each year, she writes original Christmas greetings to share with friends and family. Those greetings from 2012 are now shared in the pages of a beautiful children’s storybook entitled “The Critter’s Christmas.”

The illustrations showing the story are original works of Anderson’s great-grandson Joe Anderson, a sixth grader at Shepherdstown Middle School.

Mrs. Anderson shared that for the book, her first self-published work for children, she had to expand and add a few more “critters” than were included in her original holiday words.

She explained that between she and Joe, they decided to create the book to share with her words and his illustrations.

“He loves to draw,” Anna Rose shared, “just as I love to write.”She went on to say, proudly about her great-grandson, that local artists have seen his drawings and shared with her that Joe has great talent.

Anna Rose is a retired teacher, who laughingly shared that she has now been retired longer than she taught. She has shared her love of reading and writing with, not only her own family, but with many to whom she has read to at her church and in local elementary schools.

When beginning the work on “The Critter’s Christmas,” Anna Rose shared that she would never have been able to do it without the assistance of friend, Nancy McGlothlin, who helped figure out the process of self-publishing a book. She also recognized granddaughter Katie Goldsmith, who served as her typist. Her highest praises went to Joe for his contribution of his talent to make the pages come alive with the “critters” who shared the birth of Jesus.

Joe, 11, lives in Shepherdstown, the son of Scott and Kathy Anderson. In addition to his love for drawing, he is involved in Boy Scouts and has the goal set to become an Eagle scout like his father. He participates in soccer and basketball in the Upward programs of sports and attends Covenant Baptist Church.

Joe said that he was happy to do the illustrations for “MaAnnie” as the grandchildren call Anna Rose. He shared that he likes to draw and paint, as well.

The two do not anticipate another book to follow this one; however, they both will continue with their given crafts.

For those who would like to purchase “The Critter’s Christmas,” copies may be found for sale at Four Seasons Books and at Heavenly Gardens. One may also contact Anna Rose via her email at maannie@frontiernet. net.