The Ledger Newspaper printed this article about me and my books.

    The Ledger
   
   
 
Looking Through a Magic Window With Francis Edwards' 3-D Books
Tunnel books draw kids in and keep them engaged

FRANCIS EDWARDS, A 70-YEAR-OLD  substitute teacher, hand-makes 3D tunnel books to help kids in Lakeland learn to like reading. Here, he displays a book about a safari and one about farm animals.
ERNST PETERS | THE LEDGER
By MARY CANNADAY
THE LEDGER
Published: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 1:38 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 1:38 p.m.

Looking through each peephole into the intricate world of Francis Edwards' tunnel books, one is reminded of panorama Easter eggs, those sugary confections hiding characters and scenery; a marvel of intricacy. You are being invited into a secret world that only one person at a time can see.
Facts
ORDERING A BOOK

Those interested in ordering a tunnel book from Francis Edwards or learning more about the books can reach him by email tunneltunnelbooks.gmail.com

Edwards, who at 70 years old substitute-teaches at all grade levels, believes he has found a way to engage even those students who normally shy away from reading.

His books, which are hand-crafted (for the time being) revolve around kid-friendly topics: safari animals, dinosaurs and barnyard animals.

"The kids sometimes think they can't accomplish all the reading they've been assigned," Edwards said. "With a tunnel book, all the reading is on one page."

The books are designed so that characteristics of their occupants are explained on the two opening pages.

The narratives correspond to a small number affixed to each animal. Then, one looks through the peephole into a tunnel whose exterior resembles an expanded accordion and whose interior contains a magical kingdom — almost lifelike in its three-dimensional format.

Edwards said he recognizes that there still will be required reading assignments, but the tunnel books may spark a connection between reading and the worlds it can open.

"Everybody learns a different way," Edwards said. "I believe they would become spellbound and it would keep their attention."

Edwards is a bachelor and has no children of his own, but said his students are his kids.

Aside from the educational aspect, the tunnels are works of art. The books as learning tools are designed for 8- to 13-year-olds, but folks of all ages may find themselves captivated by the tiny animals and settings.