Topeka — Christine Schneider said her children's book "Picky Mrs. Pickle" instructs young readers to try new things.
On Wednesday, Schneider did something new.
She listened to first lady Laura Bush read the book to a class of third-graders as part of the dedication of the $23 million expansion of the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library.
"It was a great thrill," said Schneider, a 1993 fine arts graduate from Kansas University and a Lawrence resident.
Mrs. Bush, a former teacher and librarian, gave an animated reading of the story of a woman named Mrs. Pickle who wears only green clothes and eats only pickle-flavored food. Mrs. Pickle's niece, Sophie Claire, gets her to try something different, and Mrs. Pickle decides she likes it and wants to try other new things.
Mrs. Bush selected the book to read and complimented Schneider on the story and her illustrations, even leading a round of applause for the author.
Schneider, 30, also has written and illustrated another children's book, "Horace P. Tuttle, Magician Extraordinaire!"
Schneider said "Picky Mrs. Pickle" was slightly autobiographical.
"You have to get out of your shell. There's a little bit of Mrs. Pickle in everyone," she said.
Schneider said she learned Tuesday that Mrs. Bush had selected the book and then asked the library if she could attend the reading.
"It's a wonderful honor," Schneider said after Mrs. Bush read the book. "I never imagined the first lady would read my book."
Mrs. Bush was at the center of the dedication's events, helping sing "Home on the Range" and cutting a ribbon to officially dedicate the library's new youth services area.
Audra Rogers, a junior at Highland Park High School in Topeka, was covering the story for her school paper, "The Bagpiper."
"I think this is good for Topeka," Rogers said. "We don't often get a lot of attention."
A small group of protesters led by anti-homosexual preacher Fred Phelps paraded outside the library. Phelps said Mrs. Bush was promoting gay rights in her husband's administration.
But inside the library, the accolades for the first lady were frequent.
Linda Graves, wife of Gov. Bill Graves, introduced Mrs. Bush, saying, "Her love of books is real. Her love of children is real. And her passion for merging the two, if there is any doubt, is real."
Mrs. Bush praised Topeka's commitment to the public library and focused on the importance of libraries.
"Libraries are literally the centers of communities," she said.
And she urged children to read.
"The more you read, the better reader you become. Reading takes practice. Just like playing football or playing any sport."
Later, Mrs. Bush asked the children to try to read more than they watch television.
"Watching TV isn't (good for your brain) but reading is great exercise for your brain. After you go home and watch yourself on TV tonight, then turn it off and read. It's a lot better for your brain," she said.
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