M IS FOR MENOMONIE. Ann Vogl and Rob Bignell (pictured) recently published their first Menomonie-themed children's book titled, The ABC's of Menomonie. (Photo by Timothy Mather)

Where good books and community pride meet, you’ll find Dragon Tale Books (216 Main St E, Menomonie). Owner Ann Vogl teamed up with local author Rob Bignell to create a new book that not only teaches children their ABC’s but also shows off grand elements of Menomonie. Their book, The ABC’s of Menomonie, was released at Dragon Tale Books in June and is already a hit among the locals.

Bignell and Vogl got the idea for The ABC’s of Menomonie after creating their first “legends” book when Vogl opened Dragon Tale Books last December. The book, titled The Legend of Dragon Tale Books, was written by Bignell and filled with stylized photos taken by Vogl. The book became wildly popular at the store’s opening, selling out almost immediately.

Book Cover (Submitted)

Using similar techniques this time, Bignell and Vogl created The ABCs of Menomonie using well-known community landmarks as letter examples and artificial intelligence (AI) to create an oil painting effect on Vogl’s photos.

“We decided that we should maybe do another book and see how it goes,” Bignell said. “And we thought that (the book) fits with the bookstore’s goal of improving literacy in our area and of promoting community building and so we thought, ‘Well, let’s go and do an ABC book.’ ”

The book can be purchased at Dragon Tale Books or on Amazon for those who might not live in the area. Though the book is intended for kids, Bignell said it is also a huge hit with adults and makes a great gift for any Menomonie fanatic! The duo are also working on two more Menomonie-themed children’s books that showcase colors and numbers found in the area. They hope to round out the trio within the next couple of years, so people can give the gift of three informative Menomonie books.

You can purchase The ABC’s of Menomonie at Dragon Tale Books (216 Main St. E, Menomonie) or on Amazon.