—Daily Freeman-Journal photo by Adri Sietstra Becky Allen Elliott is pictured with her new children’s book. Elliott will be at Kendall Young Library on Thursday, Nov. 2 at 6:30 p.m. to sign copies and talk about “It’s a Great Day.”

Local author Becky Allen Elliott will be at Kendall Young Library on Thursday, Nov. 2 at 6:30 p.m. to talk about her new children’s book. It’s a Great Day tells the true tale of the Elliott family purchasing a pet iguana from Dyvig’s Pet Shoppe in Webster City. Out of all of the furry animals in the store, Elliott’s children chose Einstein, who entertained the family for over six years.

“It’s based on a true story,” said Elliott. “The story revolves in the pet shop he had in Webster City at the time,” said Elliot.

Dyvig’s Pet Shoppe was located next the former Fuhs Bakery on Second Street. Dyvig owned the shop from 1985 to 2000.

Elliott started writing this book back in 1995. However, life got in the way and it got pushed to the back of her to-do list. She decided to finish the book this year because of an upcoming class reunion. Dyvig, a high school classmate of Elliott’s. They graduated from Webster City High School in 1967. His former pet shop is the story’s setting, was with Elliott at one of the reunion planning meetings and asked about the book’s progress. This prompted her to take the book off the back burner and complete it.

“I just thought I would like to find that book and get it out and finish it,” said Elliott. “It’s such a fun book.”

Not only did Elliott write the book, she also illustrated it. Readers will find bright, large drawings throughout the short story.

“I think the kids will enjoy the drawings along with the parents,” she said.

The event is free and open to the public. Copies will be available for $18 each.

For more information about the event contact Kendall Young Library Interim Director Ketta Lubberstedt-Arjes at 832-9100. For those who are unable to make it to the event and would like a copy, contact Elliott at elliott_318@hotmail.com.

Elliott is a former Webster City resident who now lives in Clarion.