P.E.O. Record
Sister to Sister
The P.E.O. Sisterhood has a long-standing tradition of promoting educational opportunities for women. Now, a charming children’s book — suitable for kids of all ages — will help spread the word.
P.E.O. hosted a book signing with the author and illustrator of “The Girl Who Reached for the Star” at East Village Books in Des Moines this winter.
Scores of enthusiastic shoppers braved a cold Sunday afternoon to scoop up more than 250 copies of the book.
And while you would expect a good turnout from Des Moines-area P.E.O.s, Nevada also had a representative at the event: Edie Ferguson, Z, Reno, Nevada. Edie was in Des Moines visiting her daughter Heather Sheffer, EB, Farmington, Minnesota, when she read about the book signing event in The Des Moines Register. “I just had to be there,” she said. (Heather has not yet had a chance to dimit to an Iowa chapter, but hopes to!)
“The Girl Who Reached for the Star” is a limited-edition 48-page book written and illustrated exclusively for P.E.O. in order to encourage young women to make a difference in the world through achieving an education, giving to others and, above all, pursuing their dreams. The message is appropriate to all women, and the book would make a wonderful gift for a new initiate as well as a 50-year member, or even a thoughtful token of appreciation for the sister who brought you into P.E.O.!
Author
Wendy Awkerman Lyons
Illustrator
John Sayles
The book was authored by award-winning Iowa writer Wendy Awkerman Lyons and illustrated by world renowned graphic designer John Sayles of Des Moines-based Sayles Graphic Design. It was published by Meredith Corporation’s Book Division.
P.E.O. Chief Executive Officer Anne Pettygrove says that anyone who reads the book will be inspired by the warm, moving story of a girl who discovers the joy of giving when she reaches for her friend, the Star. “The message is universal. It’s what we wish for all children — the courage and persistence to achieve their dreams. At the end of the book, the girl’s wish is granted when she grows up and is invited into the P.E.O. Sisterhood.”
The perfect birthday, graduation or “anytime” present, “The Girl Who Reached for the Star” is a gift that gives twice — proceeds from the sale of the book benefit P.E.O. projects. Books are available at peointernational.org, or by calling (515) 255-3153. The cost of each book is $15, and includes shipping.