Indiana educator publishes book to help kids become problem solvers INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — An Indiana teacher has published a children’s book aimed at helping the kids of today become the problem solvers of tomorrow. Julia Kolouch is the author of “The Adventures of Mrs. Crockess and Iv y: No Pockets? No Problem!” Kolouch earned her degree at Purdue before teaching kindergarten in Culver in northern Indiana. She eventually moved to Boston, spending time there before coming back to Indiana. The story comes from a deeply personal place, recreating the whimsical stories of Kolouch’s real-world niece, Ivy, who in childhood would delight the family with the magical tales of adventure she’d taken with her dog: Mrs. Crockess. This book follows Mrs. Crockess and Ivy as they embark on their quest to a music store. And in keeping with Ivy’s original tales, the duo travels in a black Mini Cooper. The story’s target audience is ages 3 to 8, though Kolouch says that can vary. Bringing the book to life took about a year. Kolouch, who knew illustration was not her strength, worked closely with an illustrator to match her creative vision. As a longtime kindergarten teacher with an extensive picture book collection — often chosen for the artwork — she understood from the start how much the illustrations would matter. “I knew that that would be very important,” she said. When asked what advice she would give aspiring writers wondering what comes after getting words on paper, Kolouch provided a straightforward answer: Find an editor. “Whether that be through an independent hybrid publishing company or just an independent editor, definitely get an editor,” she said. “They will ask you questions and make you think about the words in a way that you wouldn’t normally.” That guidance is especially relevant for children’s books, where word count is limited, and every choice carries weight. Kolouch says this will not be the only tale about Mrs. Crockess and Ivy – she has plans for a series following the pair as they continue on their daring adventures. “The Adventures of Mrs. Crockess and Ivy: No Pants? No Problem!” is available through Kolouch’s website or on Amazon. A preview page taken from “The Adventures of Mrs. Crockess and Ivy: No Pockets? No Problem!” (Provided Photo/Julia Kolouch Books) ...read more read less