This time last year, The Epoch Times reported on a “legacy of love” involving a 93-year-old man who, after 15 years of trying, successfully published his late mother’s children’s book, “Mister Deedle’s Tree House.” Written and illustrated in 1948, the book lay dormant for decades before Chuck Roeth and publisher Morgan-Pierce Media & Publishing partnered to make its publication a reality.
Award Winner
On May 15, the Erick Hoffer organization awarded Margaret Morrison Roeth’s “Mister Deedle’s Tree House” a prestigious First Horizon Award Honorable Mention. The First Horizon Award honors the superior work of debut authors.The book was also a Grand Prize Finalist. Fewer than five percent of all nominees were eligible for the Grand Prize of $5,000. “Mister Deedle” received an Honorable Mention under the Children’s Category, one of 18 distinct categories. The Eric Hoffer judges offered this commentary when announcing the book’s Honorable Mention status:
“With a touch of nostalgia, Roeth brings the tale of Peggy and Peter, who create stories that travel to exciting places. With extensive vocabulary and intriguing locations, this book will foster a love of play and simplistic ways to have fun while staying challenged intellectually, inspiring children and adults to craft their own tales. Beautiful illustrations and an excellent layout make this book as interesting to see as it is to read.”
The publication of Margaret Morrison Roeth’s book has truly been a family affair. Along with Roeth and his wife Janet, his daughters Gretchen and Jennifer, as well as Gretchen’s husband John Renning worked tirelessly to see that the original artwork and manuscript was published. It only took 76 years.
The Roeth family says that seeing the long-awaited book honored with two prestigious literary awards has been “incredible.” “We’re excited and wishing dad could be here for the announcement,” daughter Gretchen Renning told The Epoch Times. “We had hoped for a favorable review and felt confident, but with so many entries, placing where we did exceeded our expectations.”
The literary awards were the latest plaudit for Roeth, but not the only one since last year’s book launch. Prior to his passing on Jan. 28, Roeth relished doing book signings for his mother’s book. The former Naval Petty Officer 1st Class was also feted by the Quilt of Valor program. That organization honors veterans by presenting them with a handmade quilt as an expression of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.
Last year, when interviewed by phone, Roeth described his feelings about helping to fulfill his mother’s dream:
“My mother would be very happy her book is published and out into the world. She was just wanting to help children enjoy and be engaged in reading,” he said. “I am thrilled that her aspiration has finally become a reality.”
Roeth’s mother modeled her book’s characters, Peter and Peggy, after Chuck and his sister, Helen Betsy. Mother and son are not only bound together within the pages of her book, but now by the real-life story of getting the book published and, most recently, by the literary honors it has received.
“The journey has been incredible thus far, and we’re looking forward to many more people discovering the imaginative adventures of Peter and Peggy,” Gretchen said. “What better time than now?”
