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HUNTINGTON -- Kids say the darndest things.

And John Hanna would know. He's been an elementary administrator for most of his 30-plus years in Cabell County.

Some of what he's heard over the years became fodder for his first children's book, "Vincent J. Muggs: What If." The Southside Elementary principal will be signing copies of his book at Empire Books and News from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2. It's already on sale there and online at barnesandnoble.com.

The books chronicles a 9-year-old's journey into the world of what if. What if I were president? What if I were a grandfather? At heart, Hanna says Vincent J. Muggs is him.

"When I was a kid, I thought about writing a book," Hanna said. "So I've been thinking about it for 50 years.

"I've been through a school door in the fall for 50 straight years," the 56-year-old added. "It's been my life, and you meet a lot kids in that amount of time."

Hanna laid out the colorfully illustrated book, but the actual artwork was done by Miho Egnor, the mother of a former student. He said his wife is in the book four times, along with his cardiologist and the custodian at Southside.

While the book is fun, readers will notice various bolded words throughout the stories. Hanna said there is a glossary in the back to make the experience educational as well.

"The educational aspect, that's just my nature," Hanna said. "I want it to be interesting and fun but also learn something from the book."

The book also reads on various levels. It's a fun read for a parent and young child, but it can carry new meanings every year after.

And Hanna hopes it also becomes a generational favorite.

"I hope it's a book that won't be read it once," he said. "But read over the years and passed on to their kids."

The Herald-Dispatch

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The Herald-Dispatch

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