Sarah Nelson's new illustrated children's book, "Just For You," published by WestBow Press, is an inspiring and faithful tale that teaches children to recognize and enjoy the wonder in the world around them.

"'Just For You' is a story about love that invites young imaginations to take a journey through the simple miracles they experience each and every day," Nelson says. "By understanding their importance and place in God's creation, children will recognize how much their heavenly father loves them."

Nelson knows from personal experience how necessary her book is.

"Every child needs to feel loved, valued and special," she says. "No matter the faith of the person reading it, they can still share love with their child."

In addition, she has pledged that 75 percent of her author's profits will be donated to charity.

The book is available both in softcover and as a e-book via Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Sarah Nelson, who lives in Pinehurst, is a military spouse, mother of two boys and an Air Force veteran.

'N.C. Bookwatch'

Southern Pines author Jim Dodson, editor of PineStraw and O. Henry magazines, talks about his book "American Triumvirate: Sam Snead, Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan, and the Modern Age of Golf" on UNC-TV's "North Carolina Bookwatch" at noon, Sunday, Feb. 10, with host D.G. Martin.

In "American Triumvirate," Dodson says these three men are responsible for the popular professional game of golf that we know today.

"America Triumvirate" was one of only three North Carolina-connected books to make The New York Times "100 Notable Books-2012" list and the only one whose author still lives in North Carolina.

The programs airs again on Thursday at 5 p.m.

Next week's (Feb. 17, 21) guest is Ping Fu, author of "Bend, Not Break: A Life in Two Worlds."

"Bookwatch Classics" airs Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. on UNC-MX, a digital cable system channel (Time Warner No. 172 or No. 4.4). This Wednesday's program features Anson Dorrance, author of "The Vision of a Champion."

For more information or to view prior programs, visit the website www.unctv.org/ ncbookwatch

Children's Book Series

"Night Buddies" revolves around the nighttime adventures of a young boy named John, who is not ready to go to sleep, and a bright red crocodile named Crosley who turns up under John's bed.

As the stories in each book open, this unlikely pair sneaks out of John's house using Crosley's I-ain't-here doodad, which makes them invisible to John's parents. They embark on their "program," the Night Buddies word for adventure, and make their way around the borough chasing down enemies and cleaning up the mishaps at hand.

In Greensboro author Sands Hetherington's new second book in the series, "Night Buddies, Impostors, and One Far-Out Flying Machine," red crocodiles start popping up all over the city, creating confusion, committing crimes, and causing Crosley to go a little crazy at the sight of them.

The impostors must be stopped, and John and Crosley are just the guys to do it.

Sands Hetherington credits his son John for being his principal motivator. He raised his son as a single parent from the time John was 6. He read to him every night during those formative years.

He and young John developed the Crosley crocodile character in the series during months of bedtime story give-and-take.

Hetherington majored in history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has a master's degree in fine arts in creative writing and a master's degree in English from UNC-Greensboro.

Literary Night

The latest installment of the Randolph Arts Guild's "Literary Night" starts with a love poem:

Gertrude and Gary

Wanted to marry

But they were far apart

Please help them express

Their love no less

Beating inside their heart.

Literary Night is a fun evening enjoying art with words.

"Our second free event is set for Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m.," says a spokesman. "Naturally we will enjoy the topic of romance. What better way to celebrate love than with love letters?"

Wordsmiths Sue Farlow and Desiree Avato will bring fictitious characters Gertrude and Gary to life and love. Cupid descends in the form of "Starcrossed Mad-libs" - a game of words where you fill in the blanks of partially composed letters.

"Farlow and Avato, two English educators, will make it easy for you with a quick eight parts of speech refresher."

Sue Farlow, a recently retired English educator from Asheboro High School, holds a bachelor's degree in English education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She is certified academically gifted for grades K-12 and received a national Dow Jones scholarship to become a certified journalism educator.

Desiree Avato is a North Carolina teaching fellow who received her degree in English education from N.C. State University. She is a second-year English teacher at Randleman High School, where she teaches 10th and 12th grade. Avato is a Key Club adviser and enjoys performing slam poetry.

The event is held at Lumina Wine and Beer, located at 152 Sunset Ave. in downtown Asheboro.

For more information on this free event, contact the Randolph Arts Guild at (336) 629-0399.