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Community Corner

Maple Grove Father Releases Children's Book

A Maple Grove father is exploring his writing ability in children's literature. Dawon Bahtuoh released his first book, Nap Nap Quack Quack.

The last two years have been a whirlwind for Dawon Bahtuoh.

During that time this Maple Grove resident became a father, lost his job, wrote a book and become a published author.

“My head is still spinning,” he joked. “It’s been an interesting time in our lives.”

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The Maple Grove author held a book-signing event this past weekend as he released his first children’s book Nap Nap Quack Quack.

Bahtuoh was inspired to write the book by his two-year-old daughter Esthelle.

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“I was putting Esthelle down for a nap one day and the story just hit me,” he said. The result was a 24-page kids book about a duck family that has a few struggles getting the baby duck, Maggie, to take a nap. “At the time my daughter was wearing these fuzzy yellow pajamas, so I guess that’s where the inspiration for a duck family came from.”

After writing the book, Bahtuoh held on to it for a few months before sending it to his publisher. “Two days after I sent it in I got a call saying they wanted to publish it.”

Now, nine months later Bahtuoh has the final copy in his hands. “To see it all come together has just been amazing.”

Bahtuoh says he has always enjoyed writing, but two years ago when he was laid off from his accounting job, he took on his passion full time. 

“I lost my job about a week after my daughter was born and it has been tough, but knowing that I may be able to make a future with my writing is an amazing thought," he said.

At the book signing event, Bahtuoh had a good turn out of family and friends. Face painting was popular with the kids, as they picked which smiling duck they wanted on their cheek.

“It’s great to see so many people come out and support my husband,” Jess Bahtuoh said. “This past nine months has been a whirlwind, it’s still setting in that he is an author.”

Bahtuoh’s wife of four years believes this is just the beginning. 

“He has so many other ideas, in fact, he already has a few other children’s books written so hopefully they will be on store shelves in the future too," she said.

While Bahtuoh would love to see his name on more book covers, he plans to take it slow.

“I have no expectations at this point,” he said. “It’s an honor to see one of my stories in print and in time I hope I get to share more of my ideas.”

The book is already available online through Tate Publishing. On Oct. 11 the book will be on store shelves.

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