“Bubby Bear and The Magic Tractor – The Curse of Mr. Meany” is a new children’s storybook by local author and illustrator Corey B. Stevens.
The story centers around Bubby Bear (inspired by Steven’s son, Miles) and his sidekick Sid Sloth. “Someone has stolen the Magic Tractor from the people of Heartland! It’s up to Bubby Bear and his sidekick Sid Sloth to get it back!”
Stevens grew up and attended school in West Union. He’s a musician – and a multimedia artist. So, after graduation, he spent a couple of years in Columbus, Ohio, and six years in New Orleans pursuing his music playing piano and guitar. After Hurricane Katrina hit, Stevens relocated to San Diego, graduated from college, and became interested in photography, video graphics, and design.
Stevens’ degree is in Computer Science, and while he doesn’t write programs, his knowledge has helped him navigate his computer usage. He specializes in real estate photography videos, drones, Matterport, 3-D tours, and social media videos. Stevens illustrated his book using Photoshop.
After growing weary of big cities, Stevens returned home about four years ago. He wanted to be closer to family. He said, “Once I returned, I was surprised at how much I liked it.” Since he’s been home, Stevens became a father and had a two-year-old son, Miles Henry, the book’s muse and main character, also known by his nickname, Bubby Bear.
“He has a little sloth blanket thing that he’s had since he was a tiny baby,” said Stevens of Miles. “The sloth is attached to him, and he talks to it, so it became a character in the book – Sid the Sloth.” Miles is fascinated with tractors, which is why the Magic Tractor came into the story. And is the Heartland Adams County? Stevens says, “It’s Adams County or any rural place.”
And – Mr. Meany? Well, the story needed an antagonist, and there’s something a little disturbing about a vampire cow. Hopefully, that teaser is enough for you to buy the book. We don’t want to ruin Bubby Bear’s adventures for our readers.
Why write a children’s book? Stevens said he has always had an art project and had never written a children’s book. He said, “I felt like I had enough tools now that I’d be able to do it.” Stevens is donating 20% of the royalties to “Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati.” He shared that he worked with homeless youth in San Diego and was looking for a way to give back close to home. He knew a few people who had stayed at the Ronald McDonald House and thought it would be a worthy charity to support.
Stevens is also working on getting a few local businesses to sponsor books to donate to the kids at the “Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati.” “If your business is interested in sponsoring, please get in touch with Stevens at the information listed below.
“Bubby Bear and The Magic Tractor” is for sale on Amazon for $11.99. If someone wants to purchase through Stevens, the price is $10. The Adams County, Georgetown, and Ripley libraries will also carry the storybook. Contact Stevens at www.strangeplanetproductions.com or email [email protected].
Stevens’ passions are his art and giving back to the community, but his most immense enthusiasm is dedicating his work to his son. Miles loves having the book read to him because he realizes it’s him and Sid. The adventure doesn’t end with this book – stay tuned – Bubby Bear and Sid have plenty more escapades with the Magic Tractor.
Stevens wants to support children and families utilizing the “Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati” and hopes that one day, when Miles gets older, he can tell him, ‘Hey – look, Daddy made this for you.’”
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