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Lanier
residents write, illustrate ‘hopeful’ children’s book
By
Pamela A. Keene
 Two
local Lake Lanier residents have created a book of hope for
youngsters looking to follow their dreams. Illustrated by Josh
Hunter and written by Leah Alagna, “The Little Hope Book” is a
semi-true story about a young man’s dream of becoming an artist and
the loving pet calico cat who became his inspiration.
Hunter, who grew up in Duluth’s Berkeley Lake, has
based the story about his own dream of becoming an artist, and he
actually did own a cat named “Hope.”
“It’s the story of my life with Hope and my dream of
becoming an artist,” he said. “Hope was a very important pet to me;
we’ve even included a photograph of her in the back of the book.”
Hunter and Alagna self-published “The Little Hope
Book” late last year and have been promoting it at bookstores,
schools and coffee shops. The oversized book – 12 by 11 inches – has
44 pages of colorful stylized illustrations by Hunter.
Hunter did a great deal of traveling between his time
in Duluth and his return to Lake Lanier with Alagna. The two met
seven years ago while following the Athens band Widespread Panic on
their concerts across the country.
Those travels also inspired another book by Hunter,
called “The 27s,” highlighting the lives of famous musicians,
including Jim Morrison, Jimmy Hendrix, Kurt Cobain and Janis Joplin,
all of whom died at age 27. It was published by Random House. He and
Eric Segalstad developed the concept and Hunter illustrated the
book.
Hunter and Alagna, who teaches special education at
Beaver Ridge Elementary in Norcross, settled in Buford on Lake
Lanier to have “a little slice of nature.” Hunter owns a strategic
creative marketing firm in Buford and makes his living as a designer
and artist.
“The Little Hope Book” is a personal story for
Hunter, and it carries a message that’s universal.
“The book is meant to inspire children, to have an
impact on them,” Hunter said. “They can accomplish their dreams if
they follow their passion, especially in the creative arts.”
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