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Jonesboro locals come together to publish their first children’s book

From left: Dr. Elizabeth Nix, Brittney Osborn, and Dr. Kerri Bennett


Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Oct. 31, 2024 – Dr. Elizabeth Nix has joined forces with artist Brittney Osborn and Dr. Kerri Bennett to create and publish their first children’s book, “Monty the Mongoose Can’t Sleep.”

According to Nix, this is the first book of a series currently planned to be 12 books, however that number could grow easily.

As the title implies, she said the story revolves around Monty the Mongoose, who is having trouble falling asleep. This series will give kids a chance to travel along with Monty on his night-time adventure as he explores his island home of Hawaii and makes new animal friends along the way.

The front cover of “Monty the Mongoose Can’t Sleep” (Image Source: Dr. Elizabeth Nix)

Like Monty, Nix also shares a love for the island as she shares her time between Jonesboro, Broomfield, CO. and Kona, HI.

She has taught nursing for 21 years and is currently an associate professor in the Bachelor of Health Sciences online program at Arkansas State University, where she received her Master of Science in Nursing, as well as her bachelor and her associate in nursing. She also has a Ph.D. in Public Health from Walden University.

Like Nix, Bennett, the books editor, is a faculty member at Arkansas State University, where she works in the English department as an instructor of English. She received her Ph.D. and Master of Arts in Heritage Studies, and her Master and her Bachelor of Arts in English from Arkansas State University. She also has a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

Osborn, the book’s illustrator, worked as the art director at Jonesboro Occasions Magazine and is a member of the Junior Auxiliary of Jonesboro.

“She really is amazing in all her artwork as she makes Monty come to life,” Nix said. “The three of us make up Libby Lu Productions [the book’s publishing company].”

“Monty the Mongoose Can’t Sleep,” which published Oct. 20, is available for $13 on Amazon.

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