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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Interactive project

Children’s book takes moose and mouse through downtown Coeur d’Alene

Susan Nipp, an author known for the Wee Sing music series for children, stands in the Plaza Shoppes in Coeur d’Alene Wednesday. She has written a childrens book, “Mudgy & Millie,” about Coeur d’Alene, interweaving a hike around Tubbs Hill and downtown Coeur d’Alene.  (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review)

Children won’t just be reading “Mudgy & Millie,” they’ll be part of the story.

The new children’s book by Coeur d’Alene author Susan Nipp, to be released Sept. 13 during a special celebration, tells the tale of Mudgy the moose and Millie the mouse and their hide-and-seek game through downtown Coeur d’Alene.

Children can follow in the hoofprints of Mudgy as he searches for his friend Millie along a real-life 2 1/4-mile trail beginning at Tubbs Hill and ending at Independence Point.

Nipp, co-author of the popular “Wee Sing” series, was inspired by Robert McCloskey’s “Make Way for Ducklings,” which tells the tale of Mrs. Mallard and her ducklings as they explore the city of Boston.

The project promotes literacy and public art with five bronze sculptures of Mudgy, created by artist Terry Lee, and interpretive signs planned along the trail.

The journey begins at Tubbs Hill, continues along the lakeshore to the Coeur d’Alene Public Library, through downtown, across City Park and then to Independence Point.

Nipp envisions children posing with the moose for pictures and even climbing and playing on the sculpture of a sleeping Mudgy planned for City Park.

A celebration is planned for 11 a.m. Sept. 13 at Tubbs Hill for the book’s launch and dedication of the trail. Mudgy the moose will attend and lead children on a parade along the trail.

Nipp will lead children in singing “The Mudgy & Millie Song” she wrote.

She sees the project as something fun for tourists and locals alike. Besides the book, souvenirs including stuffed animals, backpacks, shirts and more will be available.

Proceeds from the book and a portion of sales from other merchandise will go the Coeur d’Alene Library Foundation. Costs for the project were provided by private donors.

“I really wanted a project for the city that the city could benefit from, and I didn’t want it to be about me,” Nipp said. “I wanted it to be about the children.”

Nipp, who serves on the foundation, said the money raised will help the foundation repay the city for money loaned during construction of the new library.

The book, illustrated by Charles Reasoner, leaves open the possibility for a sequel.

Once Mudgy finds Millie, it’s the mouse’s turn to hide.

Nipp said she isn’t sure she’ll write a sequel.

She hopes the book will inspire children to write their own.

Reach reporter Taryn Hecker at 818-0054 or by e-mail at tarynh@spokesman.com.