by Jessica Tomhave
One night in 2023 Bryan Fleegel snuggled up with his then 4-year-old son, Jack, for bedtime stories like they did every night and by the next morning he was embarking on a journey toward self-publication.
Fleegel and his wife, Tanya, live in Sartell with their two lively little boys – Jack, 5, and Cooper, 2. As part of their nightly routine, Fleegel tells the boys make-believe tales starring little Jack and Cooper and their great adventures.
Fleegel described the stories as sometimes short, sometimes long, but always encapsulating the exciting world of 5-year-olds. Reflecting on his sons’ backyard adventures, he says their ages are full of exploring and fun times and that’s what he focuses on in his storytelling.
The evening “Jack and the Caterpillar” came to life was like any other night but based on his son’s excited reaction, Fleegel realized the story was special. And the following morning Fleegel said the idea crossed his mind to share it with others.
“Jack and the Caterpillar” is a story about a little boy, Jack, playing in the backyard when he meets a giant caterpillar named Catty. Catty and Jack become fast friends. But Catty is sad because it’s almost time for him to change into a butterfly and he can’t seem to find a tree big enough to hold his large cocoon. Jack and Catty set out together in search of a tree just the right size for Jack’s big bug friend, and along the way they learn about being brave, helping friends and trusting others.
“It was a story worth writing down,” he said.
And that’s just what he did.
Holding a degree in political science from St. John’s University, a master’s from St. Cloud State University and a career in business and administration, Fleegel admittedly had no know-how in the world of children’s literature.
He said his writing experience had long been of the analytical and technical style – not how to write for a 5-year-old. But he was determined to learn, going to the internet and YouTube for the “how to” on self-publication where he read that the first step was to choose a publication company. He said he also felt relieved to see maybe the publication process wasn’t going to be as difficult as he first thought.
Fleegel decided to go the self-publishing route through what he considers two of the industry’s best: Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (Amazon KDP) and IngramSpark. He was looking to protect his work and navigate the publishing process with ease. The decision required due diligence because he knew there would be many evenings and weekends in between his corporate job dedicated to this project of the heart.
“I decided on the (companies) that presented in a way that (the book) could be easily published and distributed,” Fleegel explained.
Next, he needed an illustrator. He interviewed five, staying highly selective after receiving a sketchy offer from one artist to have the project done within 24 hours. It was important to Fleegel the creation of the book was not rushed or its quality sacrificed.
Fleegel determined an illustrator in Seattle, Wash., Joe Huffman, was the best fit for his vision. Fleegel said he recalled hiring Huffman was the best decision he could have made because Huffman quickly became a trusted advisor through each step. Fleegel said Huffman made publication exciting, “not scary.”
Huffman’s experienced guidance helped Fleegel with the book layout and many other decisions along the way that Fleegel had not anticipated. Huffman spent months drawing Fleegel’s story, creating the book character “Jack” in the likeness of Fleegel’s real-life little boy. Fleegel discovered hiring the right illustrator made all the difference.
“He (Huffman) brought the story (out) exactly the way I saw it in my head,” Fleegel said.
He said every decision about the book was made with the young reader in mind. He chose soft-feeling paper, vibrant color and spread illustration, which is an illustrative method that carries the pictures across both pages when opened.
“I thought about the experience (of the young reader) sitting down and opening the book on their lap,” Fleegel said, “and how they would touch it and see it.”
The final product took about one year to complete. Fleegel did not waver on his vision that entire time. He wanted to share what he said he believes is a high quality, good story everyone can get behind. It is imaginative and fun while examining what helping a friend entails.
Fleegel said he has new ideas floating around in his head about a second book for what he plans to write in a series called “Adventures of Jack.” His next story will include Jack’s little 2-year-old brother, Cooper, and Fleegel will continue to highlight the exciting explorations of friendship and childhood.
He explained it is difficult for self-published authors to have physical shelf space in a brick-and-mortar bookstore, so for now the book can be purchased at online book retailers like Barnes & Noble and Amazon or by simply Googling the title, “Jack and the Caterpillar.”
For a preview of the book, Fleegel will be reading at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 23 at Sartell Community Center Library and on a future date to-be-determined at Waite Park Chick-fil-A.
Bryan Fleegel of Sartell, a self-published children’s book author, proudly holds his first book, “Jack and the Caterpillar.”
The back cover and synopsis of “Jack and the Caterpillar” by self-published Sartell author Bryan Fleegel.
