Local educator Gail Mack writes children’s book for a cause

Written by Gail Mack and illustrated by Olivia Taylor, the children’s book “Take Me!” is now available for purchase for $6 at Print Coast 2 Coast on Savannah Road in Lewes. All proceeds from the book benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware and the Nemours Alfred I. DuPont Hospital to provide gas cards to Sussex County families.

Set in the fictional Friendship Island, the story features a small group of shells eagerly waiting for beachcombers to take them away. “It’s a self-esteem story based on shells trying to find someone to want them, to need them,” said Mack. The concept was inspired by a trip she took to Sanibel Island.

With compassion as the central theme, the book shows the importance of kindness and inclusion. “I think kindness is something we need more of,” said Mack. “I wanted to create a story that has a theme a parent could enjoy for a young elementary student.” The book also features a glossary and a short reading prompt for parents to review with their children.

Having taught English and history for the Cape Henlopen School District for many years, Mack is passionate about writing. The story combines her love for writing with her desire to help Sussex County children and children all over the state, with a mission of bringing hope and helping children and parents who face difficult medical journeys. “It’s all about giving back to people and the community,” Mack said.

The book is dedicated to Ellie Everton, a 5-year-old heart transplant survivor from Seaford. Thanks to treatment she received at A.I. duPont Hospital for Children, Ellie continues to flourish and inspire many. Mack herself was inspired by Ellie’s story and amazed by the care Ellie received from the hospital staff.  She was also surprised by the number of Sussex County residents who continually have to travel back and forth to Wilmington for doctor appointments, procedures and hospital stays. 

Mack wishes to give back to Ellie’s family and to her own students, as well. “Several of my former students have children now, and they have to go back and forth for appointments. Some of them are struggling, trying to make ends meet,” she said. “So it inspired me to want to do something a little bit more in that area. I wanted to raise some funds so Sussex County families can go to the Ronald McDonald House next to the hospital and grab a gas card. It’s expensive to go back and forth for appointments.”  

Mack started writing the book in 2015 and developed it within a year. To find an artist, Mack met with Cape Henlopen High School art teacher Jason Fruchtman, who recommended student Olivia Taylor.  During her senior year at Cape, Taylor collaborated with Mack to create the book. She now attends the University of Richmond and is majoring in biology and studio art.

Mack has currently raised over $2,600 with the project. She is excited to have exceeded her original goal, but she hopes to raise even more. In the future, Mack and Taylor plan to work with Ronald McDonald House to create a coloring book, based on the original story, that could be given to Ronald McDonald children while they wait for their appointments. The coloring books will be published soon and will be available for purchase at Kids’ Ketch.

Mack expresses her gratitude to Print Coast 2 Coast, a local print shop that published the book.

To make a donation to the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware, visit www.rmhde.org/donate-now and indicate in the comment box that the donation is in support of gas cards for Sussex County families. Donations for the Ronald McDonald House can also be sent to 1901 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803.