Many people will recognize JoAnn Brekkaas, a longtime Summerland resident. Some may even have spotted her scooting around town in her corvette-red wheelchair.
In spite of living with a genetic physical handicap, Brekkaas was blessed with a bright and creative mind. Learning her love of poetry from her mother, over the years she has delivered endless joy by sharing her gift of clever writing, a witty joke or telling a good story.
Her greatest joy is being surrounded by children. So this story, Leapin’ John the Leprechaun, a heartwarming tale of the unlikely friendship between a tiny leprechaun and a kind hearted older woman is becoming a favourite.
With encouragement, assistance and generosity from family and friends, Brekkaas set upon the task of bringing her cleverly imaginative characters to life in the pages of a colourful children’s book.
Illustrated with visual images by artists from Vancouver and Buenos Aires, her rhyme reminds us “big or small, slight or tall, it is the size of our hearts that matter at all.”
The book is available to purchase at Artisans of the Okanagan, 13211A Victoria Rd. N, Summerland.
For Brekkaas, publishing the book is about stimulating the minds and imaginations of beloved children everywhere, and reminding them that kindness and joy are gifts they can give to others. One dollar from each sale also gets donated to the Kinsmen who over the years have given her their kind and generous support.