YORK, Pa. — It was in 2017 when Barb Myers began brainstorming a children’s book, after being inspired by her time as a teacher at Loganville-Springville Elementary School during World Kindness Day.
After almost five years of hard work, she fulfilled her dream of becoming a published author with her new book titled ‘Five Second Rule’.
“I want them to know that [they] can do these things too. An act of kindness doesn’t have to be a big grand event.” Myers expressed.
Writing the book was somewhat of a challenge for Myers, as she didn’t want it to be too bland or complicated for young readers.
“Having taught elementary school for 20 years now, I have read a lot of children’s books," Myers began. "I approached [writing the book] more for children, but I think it just sort of happened by nature that it is a book for anyone.”
2022 marked the year of the book's completion.
“I worked on it probably two days a week, two nights a week after school. By Christmas time, [I] sort of had the story for the most part and had to find an illustrator,” Myers said.
That’s how Heather Lehman, the art teacher for Loganville-Springville Elementary, got involved.
“To illustrate a book, I was very nervous. I think my words to her were something like, ‘I will give it a try, and you let me know if it is going to work for you.’” said Illustrator of ‘Five Second Rule' Heather Lehman.
Lehman's art background made it so she was able to illustrate the likenesses of real people in Myers' life.
“The grandmother is based off of my mom, just because she would always take the time for anyone, even if it was more than five seconds,” Myers spoke.
Lehman also used the likenesses of her daughter and Myers’s three daughters, who are represented as one female character.
‘Five Second Rule’ was officially published in July 2023 by 48 Hour Books, with more than 350 copies being sold.
However, Myers says it’s not about the sales.
“I think of the book as sort of a pebble in a jar, and if everyone starts putting a second pebble in, the jar or world would be full of kindness. That’s kind of my hope at this point.”
“Now I know sort of the pride when I tell my students if they give me a picture and I say, ‘Can I hang this up?' You know that sense of ‘Can I put this on display?’ sort of thing.” Lehman added.
Myers hopes the book will continue to inspire others to act selflessly and make the world a kinder place one second at a time.
“Just take that time to make someone else’s day better, because it really is just time. It doesn't cost us anything more than a few seconds to smile or open a door [and] show a little bit of kindness,” Myers expressed.
Physical copies are also available for purchase at Brown’s Orchard at 8892 Susquehanna Trail South, Loganville, and at Hearts & Minds at 234 E. Main Street, Dallastown.