Dutchess' longtime amateur golf chairman authors children's book

Poughkeepsie resident Jim Bernard built a long career as a color chemist and business owner. He was chairman of the Dutchess County Amateur Golf Committee for 30 years. At 79, he has added another title to his resumé: children's author.

Bernard has written a children's book based on a beloved family character he created to the delight of his children, and later grandchildren, during nightly story times.

The book, "FRANK," follows the journey of a lonely being — he is, of course, named Frank — who lives in the woods, eager to find someone in need of his help.

"There are some universal messages that kids of all ages can take to heart and learn from," Bernard said of the book.

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About the book: 'FRANK'

The suggested age range for readers of "FRANK" is 3 to 7, but the themes of the story present relatable topics for everyone. Bernard said you'll see tropes concerning the idea that you can be anything you want to be, as long as you try hard enough, as well as reminders to be kind and nice to everyone, treating each individual you meet with respect. Also, to always try to help others.

Frank is lonely living in the woods, but he has a big heart. He is always looking to help others, but most of the time people are too afraid to go into the woods, because they've heard something strange moves within them.

As the story progresses, Frank hears a cry for help, which is quite unusual. He follows the noise and finally gets his chance to help someone, but not without first using his special powers to change his appearance into something less scary.

About the author, Jim Bernard

Bernard's career was centered around being a color chemist at Berncolors-Poughkeepsie — manufacturing dyes and colors — which he ran for 35 years. He originally got into the industry because of his father, who was a partner in the business.

"I wanted to show our family that Dad had made the right choice, and I wanted to make it a success," he said. "That was the driving force."

Bernard now helps a young color chemist situated in the Midwest, with their budding business First Source Worldwide.

Throughout his career and up to now, Bernard has worked to solve problems, finding creative solutions to each situation he faced. That creativity surfaced in his personal life in the form of storytelling.

When helping his kids get ready for bed, he'd read them stories, but also made up a story about the adventures of Frank, the friendly giant.

"Now, interestingly enough, about that time, Roald Dahl came out with 'The BFG,' so rather than fight Roald Dahl when I started thinking about having these things published, I just switched up the story a little bit, and I made Frank who he is today."

Frank's legend, as a being who lives in the woods, was one his children always asked for again and again. After his children grew up and had their own families, Bernard's grandchildren began requesting the same bedtime stories their parents did.

Now, Bernard and his grandkids search the woods on his property, which the grandkids have deemed "Paradise," for Frank. The being has been a fan favorite bedtime story for two generations now, and Bernard thought about what it would be like to make Frank's story a reality.

"Writing was the easy part," he said. "Getting the story published was very hard and something I was so na?ve about."

What it took to get 'FRANK' published

Bernard's story has taken eight months to develop, and he went through Amazon to have his story published. With a team to work with at his side and ideas already in mind for where he wanted illustrations to go, he was ready to breathe life into Frank's escapades.

The nitty gritty details though, including font size, the type of font and developing each aspect of the characters' illustrations, were things he would have never thought about beforehand.

Now, a month after publishing, Bernard is excited and proud he was able to publish his book. His wife, he said, has also been an immense support throughout this entire process.

"FRANK" is available for purchase on Amazon, and will soon be available for purchase at major booksellers, including Barnes & Noble.

Frank's story is still being written, with many chapters ahead. Bernard already has two sequels written with hopes to continue Frank's tale.

His two youngest grandchildren, Sonny and Archie Gallagher, who are 6 and 3, respectively, are visiting from Montana for a couple weeks later this summer, and they're already gearing up to search for Frank in Bernard's woods.

This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Poughkeepsie children's author inspired by family bedtime stories