4 Year Old Inspires Mom, Uncle to Publish Book

"Mama… Is four a little or a lot?"

That simple question and the conversation that ensued inspired Ashland resident Cheska Komissar to write a birthday book for four year olds.

Four is a little, Four is a LOT is cleverly, colorfully and collaboratively illustrated by a team of four artists, as each of eight children experiences the number four in two ways, first as a little, then as a lot. The final scene unites the reader with all eight children around a cake with four candles, celebrating that "Four is a lot… when you're not three anymore!"

There is a book release celebration today, April 4 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the . There will be a reading, book signings, an art activity for children and light refreshments.

Four is a little, Four is a LOT is the first release from Four Dollar Books, a publishing company formed by the author's brother, Ivan Abeshaus.

After finding the traditional publishing route unappealing, Komissar leapt at her brother's offer to "try to do something" with her manuscript. 

• I'm sure this is on purpose but the book is being released on the fourth day of the fourth month at 4 p.m.
• Four artists collaborated on the illustrations: Melissa Koch, Jesse Mangerson, Say Oh, and Garrett Taylor.
• Four percent of the profits on every book sold will be donated to each of four charities.