Local author debuts 1st children’s book

Gastroenterologist Dr. Jack Mauldin has always been an author. He has previously written articles and lectures in the medical field and also considers himself an avid reader. Now, Mauldin also can consider himself a children’s author. 

With illustrations by JanOvation, Mauldin published his first children’s book, “The Christmas Ant,” in May. The book follows an ant named Scout and his friendship with a little boy named Billy.

“[The idea for the book] really comes from Nancy and I making sugar cookies,” Mauldin said. “[We saw] one single ant — I said he’s a scout ant.” In this case, he assumed the lone ant was looking for any stray sugar from the cookies. 

Although writing a children’s book was certainly unplanned, the actual writing took less than a year, he said.

“I started somewhere around 2011. I even took a lecture series here in town about how to publish a book,” Mauldin said. “And then I decided I didn’t know how to publish a book.”

It took Mauldin some time to get the copyright for his story and to find a publisher, but once the details were sorted out, his book took off.

“[Everyone] was surprised. It was totally out of line of my usual writings,” he said.

“The Christmas Ant” tells the tale of Scout, a sugar ant, and his unique friendship with young human Billy on Christmas Eve. Billy offers sugar crystals to Scout, who is looking for food to present to the queen of his ant castle in the little boy’s backyard. The story continues to follow the duo as they encounter different obstacles and surprises. 

“I wanted the story to teach inspiring life lessons in a fun, creative style. It definitely has some things in it about life,” Mauldin said, such as sharing, being kind and working hard. But one of the big things that he wants kids to take away is the joy of reading. 

“I do want it to be something that hopefully will interest kids in reading,” he said. “I think it’s one of the most important things you can learn. It can carry you through magic places, and it will teach you so many things.”

Even though this book was a far cry from Mauldin’s medical articles, he said he found it to be an exciting and enjoyable experience. So much so, that he is planning on writing a sequel with more action and tragedy.

To present his first book to the community, Mauldin has been invited to take part in multiple local book signings in November.

“[Having my book published and for sale in Mountain Brook] is a delight. For me, I feel very honored,” he said. 

Mauldin’s book signings include:

► Books-A-Million in Brookwood Village, Nov. 12 from 4-6 p.m.

► Smith’s Variety, Nov. 19, all day.

► Books-A-Million in Brook Highland, Nov. 20 from 3-5 p.m. 

The book also is available in the children’s section of the Emmet O’Neal Library. 

To learn more, go to thechristmasant.com or its Facebook page.