Local Author’s Book Debuts at Hillsdale Elementary Library
ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO — A new children’s book written by a local author has officially made its way onto the shelves of a local school library, marking a special milestone for both the author and young readers in Ashland County.
Hillsdale Elementary School has become the first K–4 school library in Ashland County to add local author Jennifer Lyons’ newest book, Stinky Bowfinky And His Dirty Dog Dew, to its collection.
The opportunity came after Miss Jill, the media aide specialist for the Hillsdale Elementary library, read a news article about Lyons in September on the Ashland County Pictures News Page. Inspired by the story, Miss Jill reached out and invited Lyons to visit the school and share her work with students.
First Classroom Reading
On February 4, 2026, Lyons visited the school and read her latest book to Mrs. Fickes’ class, becoming the first group of students to hear the story directly from the author. During the visit, Lyons also donated several of her books to the school library, including:
Freedom Frog
Crystal Clear
Stinky Bowfinky And His Dirty Dog Dew
The books are now on display in the Hillsdale Elementary library for students to enjoy.
Lyons returned again on February 13 to present to two additional third-grade classes, continuing to introduce young readers to her stories.
For Lyons, the visit carried a deeper personal significance.
She reflected on reading stories to her daughter’s second-grade class 25 years ago at the former Hillsdale Elementary building on State Route 30A in Hayesville. Now, decades later, she returned to share her stories again—this time as fully published books—with a new generation that includes her own grandchildren and their classmates.
“When I presented Jungle Harry’s Handwashing Adventure to Haley’s second grade class, it was just words and pictures on paper,” Lyons said. “Now I get to share actual books.”
Lyons described the experience with the students as memorable.
“The Hillsdale Elementary school students are truly fabulous, friendly, and considerate,” Lyons said. “I am so thankful I was invited to read to the children at Hillsdale School.”
Each student who attended the readings also received a free book, coloring pages, and Valentine snacks, making the visit a fun and interactive experience for the children.
Miss Jill expressed appreciation for the visit, telling Lyons, “Come back and visit us any time.”
Lyons’ newest book is also gaining broader distribution. Recently, Barnes & Noble announced that Stinky Bowfinky And His Dirty Dog Dew will be available to order online and through all 600+ Barnes & Noble stores across the United States.
Online orders are expected to arrive within 24 hours, while in-store orders typically arrive within five to eight business days.
Books by Jennifer Lyons are currently available through several outlets including:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Direct purchase through the publisher Ashland County Pictures
Community members who would like to help place books into the hands of young readers can also purchase copies to donate to local school libraries.
Teachers or librarians interested in hosting an author visit and reading for their students can contact Jennifer Lyons through Facebook Messenger.
For the students at Hillsdale Elementary, however, the biggest highlight may simply be that a book written by someone from their own community now sits right on their library shelves—ready for the next young reader to discover.
