New Book Celebrates Parent-Child Relationship, Raises Money for Lauren Dunne Astley Fund

The following is a submitted press release.

Three Flower Farm Press is pleased to announce the release of "Mr. Astley’s Blueberries" by local author Kelly Jenkins Lin. A picture book for children ages 4-8 years old, "Mr. Astley’s Blueberries" features Wayland resident Malcolm Astley, proprietor of Lightning Bug Blues, a local blueberry business established by Astley and his daughter, Lauren Dunne Astley. All royalties from the sale of the book, which is available online and at local retailers, will be donated to the Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Fund.

"Mr. Astley’s Blueberries," illustrated by Samantha Lane Fiddy, is for anyone, young or old, who loves blueberries. The playful text and rich, colorful illustrations capture the beauty of the blueberry patch, while bringing Mr. Astley and his daughter to life. Readers will enjoy Mr. Astley’s wit and wisdom, and will be warmed by the care and compassion he shows to all living things.

“Lauren's mother, Mary Dunne, and I are delighted and honored at the attention, playfulness and beauty Kelly and Samantha bring to the blueberry enterprise our daughter Lauren and I took on,” Malcolm Astley notes. “We also appreciate so much the book’s development in support of Lauren’s memory. May the book lead to a celebration of the many such challenging and worthwhile efforts parents and children take on together.”

Based on interviews with Malcolm Astley conducted in the summer of 2008, "Mr. Astley’s Blueberries" details the many tasks involved in caring for a blueberry patch such as planting and pruning the bushes, mending fences, tending to the net overhead and caring for all the creatures that depend on, and thrive in, the blueberry patch. It also showcases the wonders that seem to magically appear from one season to the next including the star-shaped blossoms of spring, fireflies in summer, the striking, red branches of a blueberry bush in winter and, of course, the best blueberries summer after summer.

Kelly Jenkins Lin grew up in Wayland and attended Mount Holyoke College. After moving to New York City to complete graduate studies at Columbia University, she began a career in communications and marketing. She returned to Wayland several years ago, where she lives with her husband and three daughters. Jenkins met Malcolm Astley and his family on the soccer field and continued their friendship over blueberries at the farmers’ market. "Mr. Astley’s Blueberries" is Jenkin’s first book.

Samantha Lane Fiddy grew up in Chelmsford and later received her BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. In addition to "Mr. Astley's Blueberries," she has illustrated two children's books about adoption titled, "And Thea Makes a Family" and "And Charlie Completes Us." She recently wrote and illustrated Star-Bright "Afterschool," which was inspired by her four years as an after-school arts teacher in Arlington. She currently lives with her husband and son near Washington, D.C.

The Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Fund is dedicated to promoting dynamic educational programs, particularly those in the area of the development of healthy teen relationships, the arts and community service. The Fund was established in 2011 in memory of Malcolm Astley’s and Mary Dunne’s daughter, Lauren Dunne Astley.

Copies of "Mr. Astley’s Blueberries" can be purchased locally at the Wayland Depot and Russell’s Garden Center. It can also be purchased online at Amazon.com or by contacting info@threeflowerfarmpress.com.