West Bloomfield Author Wins Children's Book Award

West Bloomfield resident Anita Pinson's first–and possibly last–children's book shares the music she taught students in Michigan public schools. 

"You leave the classroom, and that all goes with you," said Pinson, who is now retired. "I wanted to put down some of what I collected that i felt was authentic ... our stories and music disappear over time if we don't keep it alive." 

Voices Across the Lakes, published by Bookbridge Press, recently received a 2013 Moonbeam Children's Book Award. Pinson describes the stories as "historical fiction". Each is a four-page unit that includes the music for familiar folks songs.

The book's website includes recordings, as well as links to activity pages. 

You can meet the author at the Leon and Lulu Book Fair, Oct. 27, 96 W. 14 Mile Road in Clawson. Purchase the book or learn more at voicesacrossthelake.com or on Facebook.