A Marion woman took her experiences during Hurricane Helene and wrote a children's book.
A tale inspired by true events, "Mountain Made: A Child's TRUE Account of Hurricane Helene," by Alyssa Hughes is an illustrated children's book about a 6-year-old girl and her community navigating the aftermath of the storm.
Hughes is the founder of Barefoot Baby in Marion, a children's clothing business. She also runs the Barefoot Baby Foundation, a nonprofit in Marion.
The book's story highlights themes of resilience, hope and the power of coming together in times of adversity, according to a news release on the book. Based on the author's personal experience and the impact of the hurricane on her family, "Mountain Made" captures moments following the storm -- power outages, rising waters and fallen trees -- and the love, comfort and hope that emerge when people unite, the release said.
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"After seeing how Hurricane Helene affected my daughter and our community, I knew this story needed to be told," Hughes said in the release. "'Mountain Made' is my way of offering hope and reminding families that even in the darkest times, love and resilience can shine through."
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Proceeds from the book benefit the Barefoot Baby Foundation, a nonprofit based in Marion that is dedicated to supporting families in western North Carolina through community events, educational outreach and disaster relief efforts, according to the news release.
Hughes said she is working on an expanded edition of "Mountain Made." It will contain photographs and stories from the local community.
"Basically, I already have at least two local photographers who are allowing me to use photos to include more of in the book, along with some additional true accounts/thoughts from the storm specific to children," Hughes said. "That version will be available in hard cover only as it is more of a coffee table-type book, and I expect the release of that in early spring. Also just so it is clear, this book is published and sold by Barefoot Baby, though 100% of profits go to the Barefoot Baby Foundation."
The foundation plans to drop 200 "This Little Light" family memory boxes at different locations around McDowell County.
The family memory box features her book, a gratitude journal with prompts, as well as a family art project (a blank banner with paint, custom stencils and paint brushes).
"The whole idea behind the boxes is to get people into the mindset of the storm, realize what they still have to be thankful for, and then create the banner to reflect their personal stories of resilience," Hughes said.
"Mountain Made" can be bought on Amazon: www.amazon.com/Mountain-Made-Childs-Account-Hurricane/dp/B0DK41YZY7.
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