The newest book from the United Way of Freeborn County was printed last week and delivered Monday to the United Way office. It is the eighth book from the local social-services fundraising agency.

Every year local companies sponsor a book that is distributed to children in kindergarten to second grade throughout Freeborn County. One of United Way’s national goals is to help children and youth achieve their potential, according to a news release. The hope with this initiative is to encourage reading and eventually increase literacy levels for students in our area.

The book this year is titled “Attack of the Snot-Nosed Kid.”

It was written and illustrated by Tim Engstrom, the editor of the Albert Lea Tribune. Engstrom and his wife took photographs, and then using Adobe Photoshop he made the photos look like paintings. Engstrom, his wife, Lisa, and son, Forrest, play characters in the book. He paginated the book using Adobe InDesign.

“Attack of the Snot-Nosed Kid” is a charming story that portrays a day in the life of Forrest, a little boy who has not yet learned to blow his nose. Everything is an adventure for Forrest who sneaks up and “attacks” his mother and father as they try to rest even though there is housework to be done.

Albert Lea Medical Center, Wells Fargo Bank, Alliant Energy and the Albert Lea Noon Kiwanis Club have donated printing costs. The books were published at Arrow Printing in Albert Lea.

Volunteers from the community will read and distribute the books this spring, according to United Way Executive Director Ann Austin. The children are invited to a book-signing with Engstrom, which will take place at Albert Lea Public Library, after they have received their books.

If you are interested in reading to the students or helping to distribute the books, contact Austin at 373-8670.