It took until the COVID-19 pandemic to begin, but William “Casey” Martin is achieving the lifelong goal of writing children’s books.
Her third book, “Wally Worm and the Wool Scarves,” was released on April 14. In this book, Martin captures the color of Malta, addresses body image, and provides verse education.
“It’s been a passion of mine since I was young,” he said. “We all have to-do list items in life. This was one of my bucket items.
Martin, 46, is completing his first year as a sixth grade science teacher at Hastings Middle School.
“I always thought my focus (in children’s books) would be science, but in reality I fell into understanding relationships with children and building relationships, identity and diversity,” did he declare. “I think it’s important in our current school situation, but culturally too, at all levels.”
Martin and his family were living in Malta where he was teaching and his wife, Jamie, was headmistress of an international school when the novel coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19, hit.
Jamie is now an Assistant Professor of Teacher Education at Hastings College.
Their Maltese school closed and immediately went online. The Martin family moved to Edinburgh, Scotland for 10 months.
It was there that he wrote ‘The Color of Our Shadows’ and ‘Why Can’t You See It’, both of which were published last year by Martin’s own publishing house, Freckled Color Publishing. . While “Wally Worm and the Wool Scarves” was the third book published, it was actually the first book he wrote.
He has at least four other books that are nearing completion.
So far, each of Martin’s books has a different illustrator. The artwork of “Wally” was created by Hebe Aztori.
Martin said Aztori did a great job capturing the color for Malta.
“I’m super happy,” he said. “Malta was my absolute inspiration. It’s a beautiful island. Hebe, my illustrator, did a great job.
Wally wears her colorful woolen scarves in the hot summer sun and the cool, swirling winds of Malta. Wally only takes off his woolen scarves at night when he crawls down the street to feel the rain on his movements.
Wally ventures through the narrow streets of Malta and discovers the vibrant boats in the bay, the pink flower candies falling from the trees and the fireworks in the sky. It’s a journey filled with new friends and self-discovery.
“Wally comes to realize that he is who he is and his moves are wonderful,” Martin said.
For Martin, the most exciting aspect of being an author is having children connect with his work.
“I never intended to sell massive amounts of books,” he said. “That’s not what I want to do. For me, it’s about giving kids those learning experiences.
The Martins have also taught at international schools in China and Bosnia, as well as schools in the United States.
“Every part of my travels through my entire upbringing falls into these books in one way or another,” he said.
The couple have three children: one is finishing his masters in Edinburgh, plus a senior and a freshman at Hastings High School.
After Jamie got her job at Hastings College, Martin applied for primary teaching positions in Hastings, but was steered towards the college science teacher position.
“I’ve heard a lot of good things about college,” he says. “I was happy to come on board and be part of the team.”
Martin said there was a lot of camaraderie among the staff and the teachers worked hard to achieve what was best for the students.
He has helped with the college’s community garden and is excited for what the future holds, including a natural playscape set to be installed over the summer as well as a brand new outdoor cooking station. , which is expected to host cooking classes and language classes.
“We want to be able to bring our diverse community together,” he said. “One of the best ways to get people to communicate and work together is through food, and what better than in the garden?”