PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Mrs. Moo’s Corner, an ice cream shop in Prince Frederick, is hosting a special storytime event this Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. The event features Mrs. Moo herself reading the book — and a special guest. Local first-time author Bobbi Baker will be in attendance to talk to families and friends about “The Party Bug.”
“The Party Bug” features a character named Annie Social who is a little on the shy side. The book is about enjoying social events while honoring the fact that it can also take time to acclimate to new situations and people. Baker wanted to speak to all the kids, like her own daughter, who want to have fun but may not feel as comfortable jumping into new situations or with new people, or might feel nervous around a big group. It’s okay to not be a party animal. Some of us are party bugs.
“I hope children can read this book and relate to it. I want them to know that it’s okay to feel like this at an event, and that it’s okay to take some time to come around in social situations.”
“You can be excited for an event while also being hesitant,” Baker added. “It’s about realizing that you’re safe here, you can be who you are, and you can enjoy yourself.”
Baker doesn’t describe herself as shy, but said she relates to feeling anxious like Annie Social. Learning to validate your anxieties and work with them is a challenge, but Baker said pushing past discomfort when you want to participate is a valuable lesson. And in her experience, doing so has led to lots of fun memories.
“I think a lot of us have those feelings of anxiety,” Baker said. “I wanted to tell a story where it’s possible to have fun while also honoring those feelings.”
Writing the book itself was one of those discomforts. Baker said the idea came from a funny misunderstanding with her aunt (to whom the book is dedicated) and it took years to work up the courage to take the next steps. From there, Baker wrote the book, connected with local illustrator Kristen Ritter, and self-published it through Amazon.
“The Party Bug” was inspired by an aunt and a daughter, but its journey didn’t stop there. While describing the writing and publishing process, Baker named other friends and neighbors who helped bring the story to life — including Mrs. Moo’s owner, Catherine Hamilton, who asked to include “The Party Bug” at storytime.
Baker also had kind words for Ritter, who she called “an incredible talent” and “a close friend,” and said she was looking forward to approaching local farms and bookstores about carrying the book. She’s excited to reach more kids in the community she loves and is grateful for anyone who wants to read Annie Social’s story.
Annie Social may have some important lessons for kids, but so does Baker: it’s possible to set a goal and accomplish it. You can have an idea and execute it and be proud of what you created. Baker has more book ideas that she hopes to work on soon.
“My daughter loves the book,” Baker said. “She’s really proud of me, and that feels amazing.”
Catch Bobbi Baker and “The Party Bug” this Sunday, Sept. 7, at Mrs. Moo’s Corner at 3915 Hallowing Point Road in Prince Frederick. The event page says the ice cream shop plans to have other activities as well.
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