Romeoville Author to Appear at Darien Bookstore

What’s a Grumkie?

You can find out Saturday when Romeoville author J.L. Alkire signs copies of her new children’s book, The Roar of the Grumkies, Saturday in Darien. Released in February,  the book is Alkire’s first published work, but not her first literary effort.

“I have about 10 or 12 (books) that I’ve actually finished,” the Dallas native said.

A Romeoville resident for 16 years, Alkire said her career as a children’s author began when she retired after 30 years in sales and marketing.

“I had been toying with writing children’s books for about seven or eight years,” she said.

The Roar of the Grumkies tells the story of shy but curious creatures that have a bond with the sea.

“They’re very sweet and very shy and they only speak one time a year,” Alkire said. “They make a little march to the sea … (and) their job is to stand on the seashore and roar all night long.”

The inspiration for the Grumkies comes from Alkire’s real-life experience living on Long Island, New York.

“I spent quite a bit of time on the Long Island Sound, listening to the roar of the ocean,” she said.

In her children’s tale, it’s the Grumkies who create the magical sound.

“The point of the whole story is that if you find a seashell and put it up close to your ear, the sound you hear is the roar of the Grumkies,” Alkire said.

Alkire thinks her penchant for spinning tales of legend may come from her roots.

“I think perhaps I must have some Irish storytelling background,” she said. “I do love a good story.”

And, Alkire said, “I love the look of wonder on a child’s face when they read a good story.”

Alkire will be reading from The Roar of the Grumkies and signing copies of the book from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at  in Darien.

The author said it’s her first time hosting a book signing.

“I’ve never done any of this before, so it should be interesting,” she said.

The book is available online at the Tate Publishing website, Barnes & Noble, Amazon and Borders. Copies of The Roar of the Grumkies will also be on sale at Saturday's book signing. For more information about the book, visit the The Roar of the Grumkies website.