For those who don’t know, Lupescu comes from the Latin lupus, meaning wolf; and so it means of the wolf in Romanian–mothertongue of my husband’s ancestors. Yes, Romania, land of werewolves, vampires, and Magda Lupescu; I married into quite a history and legacy.

*devilish grin*

Our ancestry being what it is, our family is fascinated with wolves. Truth be told, I loved wolves before I met and married my husband, and our oldest daughter has been drawn to wolves and other furry animals since birth, but those are stories for another day.

Interesting that Neil Gaiman’s 2009 Newbery Medal winner, The Graveyard Book, features a character names Miss Lupescu. I won’t give anything away, but let’s say that she lives up to her ancestry and etymology.

I like to think that someday, when I have a few published books under my belt, my path will cross with Neil’s (whom I admire), and I will share with him my amusement at having one of my names appear in one of his books. Perhaps I’ll return the favor someday.

And speaking of wolves and children’s books, a writer-friend has written a lovely children’s book about wolves. Scotti Cohn, another Illinois native, has written One Wolf Howls available at Sylvandell Publishing: http://www.sylvandellpublishing.com/Wolf.php

This from Scotti’s website:

Spend a year with Scotti Cohn in the world of wolves in One Wolf Howls. This adventurous children’s book uses the months of the year and the numbers 1 through 12 to introduce children to the behavior of wolves in natural settings. The lively illustrations of Susan Detwiler complement the rhyming text and bring each month to life. From January to December, howl, frolic, and dance — while learning important lessons page-by-page!

Support an emerging writer and a small press, while getting a fantastic book to share with the wee ones (or wolf-lovers) in your life. It is a beautifully written and illustrated book, and I hope that it is well-read and well-loved. I know it shall be in our home.