Local author delights children in Arbuckle

Ever wonder why your kid’s shoes are always untied?

Local author Chaz Franklin says it’s “Fnergles” – tiny, gremlin-like creatures that like to swing from shoelaces.

Franklin’s children’s book, co-authored by Franklin’s mother, Marilyn, is titled “Oh, Look! Not Again! Your Shoe is Untied.” It was recently published through Madgical Creations of Sacramento.

Franklin, a biology teacher at Pierce High School, has been sharing his story of the Fnergles with children throughout the county. He recently delighted students at Burchfield Primary School in Colusa, where his two young boys go to school.

“Are Fnergles real?” asked second-grader Howie Goad.

“Only if you want them to be,” replied Franklin.

Franklin said his mother prompted him to write the children’s book based on a college paper he had written more than 20 years ago.

Marilyn Franklin was a retired educator and elementary school principal in Menlo Park.

Together the pair developed the story of the Fnergles, who swing to and fro from the shoelaces of people, in rhyming form.

Sadly, Marilyn Franklin passed away the same day the book came out.

“It was a nice present to have it published,” Franklin said. “I feel that we can carry on mom’s teaching through the book for many years to come.”

Franklin lives in Colusa with his wife and two sons. When he is not teaching, he is an active entomologist and avid camper. He’s now working on another children’s book about a spider who chews bubble gum.

“Oh Look! Not Again” is available at Davison’s Drug in Colusa and the Sidewalk Cafe in Arbuckle for $6.99.

Contact Susan Meeker at 458-2121 or smeeker@tcnpress.com.