Finding Inspiration in the Words of a Child

Text By Colleen Gundlach
Photo by Laura Roehl

A few years ago, there was a grandmother whose little grandson ran to her and said, “Grammy, Grammy, there’s a fish in the tree,” to which she replied, “A fish in a tree? How could that be?” That simple, spontaneous rhyme was the inspiration for Deborah Washington’s first children’s book, “A Fish in a Tree.” 

Longtime Norfolk residents will recognize this author’s name, as she and her husband, George Washington, lived at Stony Hill on Route 44 in Norfolk for many years before moving to Barkhamsted in 1985 to be closer to Deborah’s parents. Also, George is a Norfolk native, having spent his childhood in South Norfolk. A Vietnam veteran, he still returns to town almost every year to march in the Norfolk Memorial Day parade.

Winning an essay contest in third grade kicked off Deborah Washington’s love for writing, and through the ensuing years she has written short stories and poems and also has a novel manuscript in the works. Twice she has won second place in the Connecticut Authors and Publishers short story contest, and she currently edits the monthly Barkhamsted Senior Center newsletter, All About Us. 

It was her grandson’s comment, however, that sparked the writing and publishing of Washington’s first book. Combining a fun rhyme with a lesson on ecology and marine life, “A Fish in a Tree” gently reminds its readers that releasing balloons into the air can have disastrous effects on sea turtles, dolphins and other wildlife. In this whimsical, beautifully illustrated book, the reader is taken on an adventure, following a wayward fish-shaped balloon while it travels where it should not go until it is caught and channeled into more appropriate activities. To reinforce what those appropriate activities should be, Washington includes with each book an insert describing ways to protect marine life and to recycle and reuse balloons.

After she wrote the story, Washington says she thought the hard part was over, but “it was just beginning.” After doing research on publication methods, Washington decided to self-publish with Purple Diamond Press. Then she hired an editor, sought advice from other authors and found an illustrator. “My editor was amazing, says Washington. “She offered so many great suggestions that were implemented.”

Self-publishing gave Washington the leeway and opportunity to work in close collaboration with the illustrator and to hash out every little detail. “He is extremely talented and took the time to listen to my thoughts and work them into his design.”

Her first book signing was held this past November at Six Spoons Chocolatier in New Hartford and was well attended. Her first public author reading of the story took place in late May at Morris Public Library, with more readings planned.

Washington was employed at the East Hartland post office for 34 years, 17 of which she served as postmaster. She continues to be involved in the community. She is an active member of Praise Christian Fellowship, where she heads their Red Cross Blood Drive and is a member of ACTS (Actively Caring Through Service). However, her favorite activity is spending as much time as possible with her husband, her two grown children and her seven grandchildren, who will continue to inspire her with ideas for her next book and beyond.

“A Fish in a Tree” is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Target or on Washington’s website, dcwashingtonbooks.com.