A North Bay author is putting her photography expertise to work in tandem with wild chipmunks.
The result is a new book called "Chippy's Family Helping Others."
Linda Stoner, a retired photographer who grew up in North Bay, used to run a portrait studio in Richmond Hill.
She moved back to North Bay in 2002 and enjoys photographing wildlife.
Stoner got the idea to create her unique book after watching the news on television 10 years ago.
"A lady from eastern Canada was being interviewed about photographing red squirrels in little sets. I thought this looked like fun, so I decided to try it with my chipmunks in the backyard," recalls Stoner.
"My friends and family quite enjoyed the different pictures I was getting, and suggested I do a children’s book."
Stoner builds little sets using props from local antique and collectible stores, along with handmade items, and then tries to work patiently with her wild chipmunk friends in hopes of acquiring that perfect shot to meet the storyline.
"I started out by looking in all the second-hand stores, and antique and collectible shops for size-appropriate items, and depending on what I could find, and what I could make, I created the sets," she explained.
"Then came the fun part, coaxing the chipmunk into the set, using sunflower seeds and peanuts, and getting him to pose where I wanted him to be."
However, getting the perfect shot to fit the story, was not easy.
"Publishing a book was not on my bucket list! It has been a very interesting journey, and I have learned so much. I photographed the chipmunks for about 8 years, and the publishing process took about 10 months," she said.
Stoner has been promoting the book by attending Farmer's Markets along with some meet-and-greet book signings.
"I am receiving very positive feedback," she said.
"Children, as well as adults are enjoying the book. At these events, I bring one of my sets, and a photo of Chippy in that set, to show people that these are wild chipmunks."
She also makes sure to bring photos of her unsuccessful work too.
"I also bring photos of 'Bloopers'….times when things did not go well, and Chippy did not co-operate. This always brings a smile."
Stoner's book (paperback and hardcover) is now in many stories and libraries in the North Bay area including in Gravenhurst and Sudbury.
You can find out more about Linda Stoner's work by going to www.chipmunktales.com
