NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2024

Contact: Marc Rettig
412.215.0026
marc@okaythen.net

FORT BENTON, Montana — Local author Laurie Trott Rettig has released a new children’s book, “Boppa’s Bald Stories,” telling thirteen whimsical tales about how her husband went bald.

When Laurie Trott Rettig married her husband Ross, she didn’t expect it would lead her to write a children’s book. Their grandchildren often asked Ross (known to the kids as “Boppa”) a playful question: ”How did you get bald?” Every time he would answer with a funny imaginative tale, and Laurie began to write them down.

Laurie commissioned longtime family friend Hanna du Plessis to illustrate the stories. Her brother-in-law offered to publish the book through his publishing company, Okay Then. And on August 5, forty amused folks celebrated the book’s launch at the Carnegie Library in Fort Benton.

There is a poignant story to the illustrations. While creating them Hanna du Plessis was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). One illustration remains an unpainted sketch, as Hanna has lost the ability to hold a pen or brush. Still, each image reflects Hanna’s joyful approach to life.

Each of Boppa’s tales opens and closes with a scene of the family gathered around play, food, and connection. A sense of loving comfort and care weaves through the stories and illustrations. This larger story of family makes an endearing and meaningful container for whimsy.

At the launch event, someone asked Ross if he will ever tell the children the truth about how he became bald. He answered, “A couple of times I asked if they’ve heard of male pattern baldness, but that never seems to pique their interest.”

“Boppa’s Bald Stories” is available for purchase at boppasbaldstories.com, and most bookselling sites.

Booksellers can purchase through Ingram.

Laurie Trott Rettig has lived most of her life in Chouteau County, Montana. After college she spent time in Japan, England and Spain before returning to her beloved prairie. First as a farm wife, then a bed and breakfast owner, and now as author and active community member, Laurie (known as “Yaya” to her grandchildren) continues to create inviting spaces where people can connect.

Hanna du Plessis was born and raised in South Africa, where she had a successful career in interior architecture. After moving to the US, she turned to a deeper calling and began working as a teacher and facilitator in racial reconciliation and social justice work. In March of 2023 she was diagnosed with ALS. She continues to write and live wholeheartedly in her Pittsburgh community.

Media review
“…Families all over can share laughs and connection while reading about how Boppa lost his hair in a tornado, or in a run-in with a semi-truck, and through various wildlife encounters and mishaps.”
The River Press 144:41, July 31, 2024, “Boppa’s Bald Stories now on sale; launch event August 5”

Reader reviews
“The feeling of reading it is like settling in with a good Roald Dahl tale.”
Hallie, goodreads.com

“If I have grandkids who ask me things, I hope to be so delightfully whimsical and creative in my answers.”
Jennifer, Amazon reviewer

“What makes this book so compelling is the sense of comfort and care evoked in the space where these stories are told, especially by the terrific illustrations.”
Mark, Amazon reviewer

“This is a charming ode to imagination, creative storytelling, and the relationship that children have with the ‘Boppa’ figure in their lives.”
Sara, Amazon reviewer

For more
boppasbaldstories.com or okaythen.net/books/boppas-bald-stories

Details

Boppa’s Bald Stories: Thirteen Silly Stories About How Grandpa Went Bald
Written by Laurie Trott Rettig
Illustrated by Hanna du Plessis

Children’s Humor / Children’s Intermediate Readers
Hardcover, 32 pages, 7 x 10 inches
$18.99 USD
ISBN 979-8-9902509-0-1

High-resolution images of the cover, illustrations, author and illustrator are available on request.

For more information or to arrange an interview with the author, please contact Marc Rettig.