This series wouldn’t be complete without Paula Maloney.

Paula is an artist, volunteer and creative force in Murphysboro—and she also happens to be the illustrator who brought the pages of my debut book to life.

But Paula’s connection to the Apple Festival started long before our book. She grew up with it, has loved it since she was a little girl and today puts that same energy into helping create traditions for others.

One of those is the Miss Apple Festival Scholarship Tea, an event Paula is especially passionate about—and one she can tell you much more about herself.

Thank you, Paula, for sharing your Apple Festival story and for lending your creativity and heart to so many things I care about.