Las Cruces author discovers ‘muse’ writing for grandkids

Las Cruces author Judy Cicero has a new book, “Tate and the Lotus Pond: A Fantasy,” recently released by RoseDog Books.

“Tate and the Lotus Pond: A Fantasy” follows boy hero Tate and Little-One,  a refugee baby spider, in their search for Little-One’s home web on the mysterious lotus pond, according to a news release from the publisher. “These unlikely friends, accompanied by Tate’s imagination, face the dangerous Bully Fish, menacing Sumo Snails, the evil Kameko, a renegade turtle taxi driver and the deadly Steaming Vapors” on their web-finding journey. “They are befriended by the illusive Morning Glories, noisy Froglings, generations of Lotus plants and the Parasol Ants. Tate and Little-One are honored for their bravery and wild imaginations with a welcome-home tea ceremony hosted by Geisha Butterflies, dancing Fireflies and their family and friends.”

Originally from Ohio where she received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work from Heidelberg College and Case Western Reserve University, Cicero moved to Las Cruces in 1994.

Cicero “discovered her creative writing muse upon the birth of her granddaughter and grandson in 2005,” she said, and “began writing whimsical fairy tales and fictional adult novellas that draw from the wisdom and resilience of her former clients. All her stories portray those who persevere and embrace life in spite of difficult circumstances.”

Cicero said her new book ”is dedicated to children who struggle with being different, overcoming great obstacles in life, and through unlikely friendships, survive and thrive —with assistance of their imaginations, of course.”

Her other works include “Sour Grapes and Shadow” (an animated short film), the books “The Extraordinary Magic of Everyday Life” and “Do Drop In” and other short works for children and adults “that depict those who persevere and joyfully embrace life in spite of difficult circumstances,” she said.

Visit www.rosedogbookstore.com.