One of the nicest parts of Borderland native Bob Fulton’s retirement after 39 years as chemistry professor at Saint John’s University, is enjoying more story time with his grandchildren.
Fulton, in town for his uncle Billy Fulton’s funeral, and the 50th reunion of the Falls High Class of 1960 next week, visited The Journal Thursday. With him was a copy of “Pickle Bumps for Baby Dill,” his newly published picture book which evolved from a suggestion by one of his four grandkids.
“We’d read “Goodnight Moon,” and stories like that over and over,” said Fulton, who resides with his wife in Avon, Minn., outside of St. Cloud. Then, he said, he went through all the “when grandpa was a little boy” stories.
“How about we give you a topic to tell a story about,” said Fulton’s young grandson, a lover of pickles. Who doesn’t love pickles? The seed was planted for the tale of little “Baby Dill,” who was born without the usual pickle bumps.
Feeling different, “Baby Dill” is unhappy until he learns about self-acceptance, individuality and diversity. With each retelling, the story evolved, Fulton said, until his oldest grandson suggested that grandpa “make a real book out of the story.”
There’s an appetizing cast of colorful and crunchy characters with names like “Karl Kalamata,” “Gert and Mertin Gherkin” and “Olive Pitt.” Color is a feature of both the story and the artwork. After interviewing four illustrators, Fulton chose fun, engaging depictions created by Melissa Meyer of La Crosse, Wis.
“Pickles” has sounds to twist the reader’s tongue and the story not only has become a favorite of Fulton’s grandkids, he said, but seems to be appealing to all ages of readers and listeners.
The real beauty of the book, he says, is that it mixes a healthy dose of humor with a meaningful message about self esteem and the importance of celebrating differences.
Fulton is the oldest of the five children in his family and is the brother of the late Richard “Dickie” Fulton of Ranier. In order, the siblings are: Bob, Dan, John “Wally,” Beverly (Fulton) Kotnik and the late Richard. While here, he will be visiting with his brother Wally and sister-in-law Nancy Daley Fulton, and sister Beverly and husband “Otis” Kotnik of Fort Frances, where he has plans for book signings and readings during his stay.
For more information about the book, visit the pickle book website: www.picklebumppress.com. Fulton can be reached at 320-290-4567 or Bob@picklebumppress.com.
