Anyone who's been late for school as a child can relate to the feeling of the ominous walk of shame to the office.

Henry–a first-grader and main character in Northfielder Mary Evanson Bleckwehl's first children's book–is perpetually late for school and worries about facing the office secretary, even though he has little control over his tardiness. Late parents and other circumstances cause Henry's delays, but he's the one who must face the scary secretary.

Evanson Bleckwehl will introduce her first children's book, Henry! you're late AGAIN!, at a launch event from 2-4 p.m. Sunday at the Northfield Arts Guild. At the event, Evanson Bleckwehl and the book's illustrator, Brian Barber, will sign copies of the book published by Beaver's Pond Press.

"This is a story about the fact that there are things in our lives that we can't always control," said Evanson Bleckwehl, a first-time author.

She's no stranger to the inside of a school, having taught in the Northfield elementary school system for 13 years and now regularly volunteers and substitute teaches.

After evaluating the work of several illustrators and remaining true to her desire to work with a Minnesota illustrator, Evanson Bleckwehl was introduced to Barber by staff at her publisher's office. Barber took on the task of capturing the essence of the characters in the book through his illustrations.

"The book hopefully offers a whimsical feeling for adults and kids," said Barber. "I work a lot of color and texture through the piece to give the book its own character."

The color, texture, lines and exaggerated shapes accomplish the task of giving the book its own unique fingerprint, said the artist. This is the third children's book illustrated by Barber.

The NAG, a supporter of all arts, was a natural fit for the launch.

"Supporting the literary artists of greater Northfield is part of the Northfield Arts Guild mission," said Ann Mosey, executive director of the NAG. "I'm very excited about the event being held [at the NAG]."

For each book sold at Sunday's launch event, $1 will be donated to the NAG's A+ Arts Club funding scholarships geared for young adults living with autism, said Mosey.

About a dozen students currently participate in the program piloted last fall where professional artists teach young adults with autism. Coordinated with the guidance of an autism specialist, A+ Arts Club classes feature a new professional artist every two weeks who comes in to lead a project with enrolled students.

"I chose the A+ Art Club because my youngest son has autism and has been in the class," said Evanson Bleckwehl. "The class is a unique way to use art to bridge the gap between individuals with communication and social skills challenges and the rest of the world."

The book is dedicated to Evanson Bleckwehl's younger sister, Nancy, who died after lifelong health complications the day after it was announced the book would be published.

Henry! you're late AGAIN! can be found at Cocoa Bean, Fine Threads, Paper Petalum, Northfield Arts Guild gift shop, Monkey See Monkey Read and the bookstores at St. Olaf and Carleton colleges. 

IF YOU GO
WHAT: Henry! you're late AGAIN! book launch with author Mary Evanson Bleckwehl and illustrator Brian Barber
When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Northfield Arts Guild, 304 Division St., upstairs dance studio
Who: Free and open to the public