Book launch scheduled for Friday for the children’s book by residents of Lemont

LEMONT, IL – Lemont resident Megan Dagnino will read her recently published children’s book at a book launch event at Three Stories Books on Friday.

The event, featuring games and activities, will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Dagnino will be reading his book, “Witch’s Brew,” at 5 p.m. at the Bookstore, 310 Canal St.

In Dagnino’s book, the witch Eldora makes a witch’s brew that readers can follow and also brew themselves. The book was illustrated by Daniella Turano.

Dagnino, who is also a registered nurse, said the idea for the book originated around 8 years ago, when she was a room-mum for her son in kindergarten. She must have brought food for a Halloween party and she created the witch’s brew. The beer uses 10 ingredients like bat brain (raisins) and skeleton bones (pretzels) to create a trail mix, Dagnino said.

“I would do it for the Halloween parties, and it became our little tradition,” Dagnino said. Eventually, at a family reunion where she made the brew, Dagnino said her father told her she should post her witch’s brew, and the idea stuck in the back of her mind.

Last year, during the coronavirus pandemic, Dagnino decided to try to publish a book with his idea.

“It was a really fun process,” Dagnino said. “Witch’s Brew” was published by Fig Factor Media Publishing.

A portion of the proceeds from the book will go to All God’s Children International. Dagnino said her two children have been adopted internationally and that she has worked closely with the organization. Profits will help support the organization’s orphan care ministry.

“It’s my way of giving back,” Dagnino said.