Papa Jack with His Backpack

By Mary Ellen DeLisle

My idea for writing this children’s book was derived from having lived in the country. Being closely connected with natural surroundings and the actions of animals in the wild, gave me incentive to sketch and write this story. My husband, Papa Jack, an adventurous backpacker, hiker and photographer added energy to my work. My family, being the outdoor type, was also encouraging.

My children’s story primarily relates to my country life and Jack’s love for backpacking and photography in the indigenous wild country.

I hope the children will connect with this story and realize everyone is special and can do something special.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 13, 2019
• ISBN: 9781728311579

Mary Ellen DeLisle

I was born and grew up on a 300 acre farm in Jefferson County, Oklahoma. There were three boys and five girls in our family. We rode horses, herded cattle and helped in every phase of work on the farm. We enjoyed roaming the wooded areas and seeing and hearing the wild animals. The beautiful wild flowers, vibrant fall colors and the glorious sunsets added to the joy of the country life. It was a pleasure to listen to the night call of the coyote, the hoot owl, trilling of the whippoorwill and the croaking of the bull frogs. Sometimes deer would come across the yard. I attended Mountain Home school in Jefferson County, Oklahoma, a rural school known for it’s prominent teachers and competitive curriculum. My main interests were English music, creative writing and art. I graduated high school with salutatorian honor and a scholarship to college. I took medical courses and worked in the medical field. I met Jack DeLisle who was an avid backpacker and photographer. We married and have two daughters. We now have a grandson and a great-grandson. They all love the wild country.

Book preview