Drums woman, 85, publishes children's book

May 1—Jean (Hoffman) Fetchko wrote the story for "Willie the Earthworm" a few years ago.

"I tried calling publishing companies but no one was interested in publishing a children's book," Fetchko said. "I put it in a drawer and I let it go."

When she saw an advertisement recently for Dorrance Publishing, the Drums woman thought she'd give it another go.

"Willie the Earthworm" is now in print.

"It's my one and only book," she said.

At 85 years old, it's fair to say that Fetchko is a senior author. Her book, however, speaks to the child in all of us.

Willie, as the title implies, is an earthworm.

"He lives in the ground where it's dirty and gritty. Outside it's so nice and pretty," Fetchko said.

One day Willie decides to venture out of the dirt. He quickly learns that some things are scary, like a robin looking for a snack or a boy seeking fishing bait. Other things are really fun, like a frog who invites Willie to frolic and play.

Along with the rhyming story are illustrations by Travis Costello, a grandson of Fetchko's best friend, Arlene (Johnson) Verbonitz. Fetchko and Verbonitz grew up together in the Drums countryside.

Fetchko has a longtime love of the outdoors and gardening.

As a child, she worked on area farms picking strawberries, then worked her way up to other crops. And as an adult, she began gardening.

"That's where I met Willie the earthworm," she said.

Fetchko spent three years in the U.S. Air Force. Her profile notes that she was the first female member of the Air Force's judo team.

The team would travel to different states to show audiences the martial art. One part of the program featured Fetchko demonstrating self defense for women.

Later, she was the first woman to work at her local post office.

She has one daughter and two granddaughters.

"Willie the Earthworm" is available from Dorrance Publishing at www.book store.dorrancepublishing .com, amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

Contact the writer: jwhalen@standardspeaker.com