Last night at the Portage la Prairie Regional Library, local author and retired teacher Shirley Case debuted her first children's book entitled "Jellybeans".

Case says the book was inspired by her youngest grandson's inability to speak at a young age.

"He didn't talk in English, he had strange things to say," says Case. "One night he woke up his dad  saying 'kiki oof'. That was the inspiration."

The title of the book was inspired by Grandpa's special treat for their grandson.

She says she was lucky to work with local artist Tim Keep, who drew each picture by hand. She was glad to see him at the launch to celebrate, noting he was tired from the whole process by the end, as one picture had to be redone five times. She adds compared to other local authors, having an illustrator in Portage was a bonus for Case, as it was easier to collaborate.

The new book has been over 20 years in the making, as the idea for it happened when Case's grandson Kyle was only four. He's now 26.

Though it was inspired by true events, Case says her imagination got the best of her.

"As it happens when you're writing, your imagination takes over," Case says. "You start with something you know, and then the imagination takes over and you make a story out of it."

Case says the book is available at the library, or you can contact her by phone at 204-428-3625.

Case has been a part of Prairie Pens writing group for thirty years. She's been published in the Manitoba Cooperator. She's had two articles published in the Winnipeg Free Press, one of which won third place in a writing competition. She's also just completed a book of poetry which she plans to publish online.

Illustrator Tim Keep, Shirley Case, and grandson Kyle.

Case reads her book to the crowd alongside tiny helpers.