Coulter visit to kick off U.S. book tour

SANDPOINT — Children’s book author S.S. Coulter is making Sandpoint the first stop of her “Fassa Tails” national book tour. Coulter will be at Camp Bennett today, March 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. The camp is at 146 E. Shingle Mill Road.

Coulter, author and creator behind Planet Fassa, selected Sandpoint to kick off the tour because of North Idaho’s strong commitment to family values, screen-lite lifestyles and its thriving homeschooling community. The event aims to provide families with an afternoon of “unplugged” engagement, imaginative play and community building.

“I’m thrilled to bring this level of national talent to our member community,” said Meredith Bennett, host and lead steward of the Camp Bennett Community Association. “Shannon — pen name S.S. Coulter — is a world-builder on a mission to help families reclaim the wonder of childhood. Knowing I can entrust my children to her wholesome content and activities gives me the peace of mind to simply enjoy the stories alongside them.”

The afternoon will follow a “heart, mind and body” framework designed to engage both children and parents:

The mind: A dynamic reading of the first book in the “Fassa Tails” series, “Where On Earth Am I?”, and storytelling about the real-life animals that inspired the series.

The body: A guided “Fassa Stone” nature walk across the Camp Bennett property, encouraging children to connect with the outdoors.

The heart: A hands-on nature craft — rock painting — where children create “nuggets of joy” to take home.

While children play, Coulter will lead a discussion for parents focused on raising resilient, imaginative children in a post-digital world.

This free family event includes hot coffee for parents and a complimentary autographed copy of Coulter’s first book, “Where On Earth Am I?”, while supplies last.

The Granary General Store, which opens in the Sandpoint area this summer, will also be on-site with a pop-up shop featuring baked goods for purchase.

“My belief is simple: Joy and imagination can change lives,” Coulter said. “The ‘Fassa Tails’ series is designed to draw children away from screens and into a world of creative play, critical thinking and positive learning.”

Children are encouraged to bring a picture or drawing of their family pet, farm animal or favorite animal or stuffed animal to share. Coulter will explain how the characters in Planet Fassa are based on stories of her real-life pets.

Families are encouraged to RSVP at tinyurl.com/bdewbcm5 to join the Camp Bennett Community Association — general membership is free — and to ensure adequate supplies for the nature craft.