THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, October 11, 1994 TAG: 9410110047
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
LENGTH: Short : 41 lines
DO YOU KNOW the Toolville Rules?
Author Roy Keith Ellis, who writes under the pen name D.D. Chadwick, will share them as he signs books Friday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Once Upon A Time Children's Books in Virginia Beach.
In November 1992, Ellis began work on his Toolville series of children's books. Using his computer, he developed his characters and stories using a graphic art program. The first book of the series, ``Just Tooling Around,'' was published in May 1994.
The book is the story about a little boy named Coy. While building his new playhouse, Coy meets some of the Toolville crew. The characters teach tool usage, safety and a positive attitude as they help Coy build his new playhouse. Roy sums up these lessons in what he calls The Toolville Rules. The rules are simple, clear, concise and serve as the foundation for building strong, confident individuals.
An average family's day is filled with activities that involve tools and appliances. Each encounter presents an opportunity to review the Toolville Rules.
During his 12 years in the Navy, Ellis served as an intelligence officer. The birth of his son convinced the North Carolina native that it was time to leave the unpredictable life of a naval officer and pursue his life's calling - parenting. He left the Navy in March 1994.
The next adventure in the series is called ``The Barber of Toolville.'' A portion of his book proceeds is donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. ILLUSTRATION: [Photo of book-jacket]
Once Upon A Time Children's Books will host a book signing for Roy
Keith Ellis. by CNB