Local Artist and Writer Amy Fortunato debuts new children’s book – Horsing Around in the Town of Gold Hill: A Story to Stirrup the Imagination and Spur Creativity PHOTOS PROVIDED BY AMY FORTUNATO[/caption]

Shortly after the Fourmile Canyon Fire ravaged the foothills outside of Boulder in the mountain town of Gold Hill in 2010, local jewelry designer Amy Fortunato was heartened by the community’s resiliency. That unity set the stage and inspired her book, Horsing Around in the Town of Gold Hill: A Story to Stirrup the Imagination and Spur Creativity.

Even though it’s a picture book designed for young children, with rhyming and sensory lessons, it’s also a book intended for people of all ages who are young at heart. Set in Gold Hill, Colorado, the reader follows the adventures of a disgruntled horse and a group of clever animal characters whose quest begins with a simple search for an answer. What they discover is a lesson more valuable than gold!

One of the motifs in the book is a fence, a recurring element with symbolic significance. It draws the reader’s attention to the story’s main character, a horse, who struggles to figure out what is possible, achievable, and practical relating to ambitions and future goals. Most self-limiting beliefs arise during the developmental stages of childhood. “This book is a lighthearted celebration of where we live, work, and play,” said Amy Fortunato, author. “With this book, I aim to inspire kids to view new challenges (and reading) as fun and exciting rather than intimidating, allowing them to recognize how they hold themselves back from reaching their full potential. At the same time, it encourages kids to be kind and supportive of other children who are struggling.” It’s no secret that the pandemic’s impact on families has left parents exhausted, children struggling with low self-esteem, and a variety of other debilitating concerns. With this in mind, she presents her humorous, intelligent, fun, and compassionate book to assuage some of that damage.

Fortunato adds, “All children at one time or another struggle with confidence, worth, discipline, and low self-esteem. I hope this book offers a gentle nudge for anyone having a difficult time dealing with these setbacks.”

About The Book...

Horsing Around in the Town of Gold Hill: A Story to Stirrup the Imagination and Spur Creativity was written and self-published by Amy Fortunato and illustrated by Sidney Meireles. The book is available online and at local bookstores along the Front Range. It will also be available at her seasonal Cowboy’s Sweetheart tiny shop on Main Street in Gold Hill. For more information on how to purchase the book or about the author visit, cowboys-sweetheart.com/horsing-around-gold-hill/

About Amy Fortunato, Author...

Award-winning jewelry designer and long time Gold Hill resident, Amy Fortunato has written her first children’s book, Horsing Around in the Town of Gold Hill. As an art teacher and educator, Amy has worked closely with children and young adults nurturing their creativity and imaginations. She has poured her efforts into creating this light-hearted, rhyming book with an uplifting lesson as an invitation to readers of all ages to head outdoors and observe the wonder and beauty of nature. By weaving together themes such as climate change and personal responsibility - both difficult and heavy conversations in the eyes of youngsters - Amy brings principles and answers to life through her book’s clever characters. To view Amy’s jewelry designs, visit cowboys-sweetheart.com.