Discover inspiring places, people, and things that bring research and stories to life in my writing endeavors. 

The handsome BARRED OWL is the inspiration for the cover of my upcoming book, Traveling the Natchez Trace Parkway from A to Z. We love owls so much, you’ll find one featured in artwork for the letter Y, inside the book, too.

The barred owl pictured is in the care of The David Crockett State Park in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. If you have a chance to visit the park, you’ll find the birds of prey exhibit beside the museum.

We live in a rural area, surrounded by woodlands and barred owls, and wouldn’t have it any other way. While these wild birds are quite vocal in the evenings, it is rare that we actually see one of these elusive owls. 

So, we take a trip to Lawrenceburg to say, “Who Cooks for You,” to this adorable owl. It gives me and the grandkids a chance to practice our barred owl calls. Usually, the owl is not impressed, until we start to leave. Then he ever so quietly calls us back, returning our call in a whisper. We get it. Our day time visits, after all are disturbing the sleep of this incredible, nocturnal creature.   

Give a hoot for this book cover reveal. Release date for this children's book, Traveling the Natchez Trace Parkway from A to Z, by Deborah S. Tukua is November 1st. It will be available in paperback only, on Amazon. Sign-up for my our monthly newsletter for more updates.