By China Cassidy The Petrified Forest National Park’s artist-in-residence program is in full swing with author and illustrator Charlene Pulsonetti. This is Pulsonetti’s second residency with the park as she works on her second book, “Joey Visits the Petrified Forest,” which will be released in the fall. In Pulsonetti’s first book, “Howdy Joey,” the main character, Joey, is a puppy that wants to be a sheriff. Pulsonetti explained, “That book turned out to be about him being a puppy but wanting to be the cliché old west sheriff (and) in the meantime, he learns about the importance of community service, taking care of the people around you and being compassionate.” Her experience at PFNP and passion for preserving the area was what determined that her second book would take place at the Petrified Forest. “I think it’s my familiarity with the park itself. But also, this park just seems very special to me because its visually stunning (and) it’s amazing how much history is here. I love the surrounding area too.” In her quest to teach the kids how important conservation of the earth’s history is, Pulsonetti’s book has illustrations that include direction on how to find plants and other items in nature. “He’s (Joey) going to meet a raven that lives at the park who will teach him about conservation and that you need to conserve the park and be a steward of the land. There’s so much life at the park, that you need to preserve it so it’s history can continue. So, people can come a hundred years from now and say, ‘oh look, there’s fossils or there’s parts of Route 66.’ Things like that.” When kids visit the park, they’ll also be able to visit the various locations illustrated in the book and learn about its history. “The book will cover the places specifically, but in the end, it’s going to tie together where kids learn about leaving fossils or petrified wood in place so other people can see it, learning about why it’s important that we study these places, and how it has a greater meaning.” Pulsonetti said that teaching the youth is an important part of preservation because of their natural ability to learn and understand. “I think we don’t give kids enough credit. They are very intuitive, and they listen so well so that when they’re reading a book, they’re going to pick up on things and they’re going to gain that deeper understanding.” She also wants to introduce younger generations to the possibilities offered through the National Park Service. “You can be a ranger, a scientist; you can do so many things. I think for a young person to know that that is an option that they can work towards at such a young age, that is what I want to give to kids as well.” Though she has worked at other national parks, such as the Redwood National Forest and Gila Cliff Dwellings National Park, Pulsonetti had a list of reasons why PFNP was without a doubt, her choice for the book to take place but added that the preservation of communities surrounding the park was also a deciding factor. “I would visit Window Rock or I would spend more time in Holbrook and go to the museum because I love the town (and) the history and the people here have always been so welcoming as well and very kind. I’ve been all over the country, but this place, there is just something in particular that makes it special. I love that right now the Roxy Theater is doing their concession stand on Friday. I got my chilé rellenos at Mr. Maestas. So, it’s a great town. It hasn’t really changed; the charm is still there.” Pulsonetti said the book will be released in September of this year and can be found on her website at www.charlenepulsonetti.com or facebook.com/howdyjoey. Pulsonetti will be at the park until the end of the week.
