Former Westfield Teacher Pens Children's Book Inspired By Sailing Voyage

WESTFIELD, NJ — After retiring, former Westfield teacher Yaeko Koizumi Knaus went on a sailing adventure down the east coast of the United States. Her experience led to the publication of her children's picture book titled "Sailing with Paros: Our Beautiful World."

Knaus was a long time resident of Westfield. She lived in Town for 35 years until she sold her house to move to Miami Beach, Florida.

During her time in Westfield, She was a teacher in Westfield Public School for 25 years. She retired from McKinley School in 2015.

"On the year I retired, I had a great experience to travel on a sailboat down the east coast of the United States from New Jersey to Florida," said Knaus. "My experience on this boat trip made me write a poem which finally became a children’s picture book titled 'Sailing with Paros: Our Beautiful World'."

Knaus' book not only shares the positive experience of sailing but also teaches a lesson to children.

"In this book, I talk about how beautiful our world is and how fun is to travel on a boat. However, I also encountered pollution," said Knaus. "Through this story (poem), I am hoping to raise the young readers' awareness of how important it is to keep our environment free of pollution so we can enjoy our lives. Be kind to our earth. Be kind to our ecosystem."

Knaus is returning to her hometown and holding a book signing at The Town Book Store at 270 East Broad St. in downtown Westfield on Saturday, April 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information or to buy the book amazon.com/Sailing-Paros-Our-Beautiful-World.

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