Dozens of families, educators, and community members filled the Lake George Caldwell Library on Saturday, May 18, not just for a book launch, but for a celebration of everything that makes Lake George feel like home.
The ABC’s of Lake George isn’t your typical children’s book. It’s a letter to a community, dreamed up over dinner and brought to life by three local couples, each deeply connected to education and the region itself. What began as a simple evening of reminiscing quickly turned into something much bigger.
At the table that night were Jen (Hudson Falls CSD) and Kevin Burrall (Lake George CSD), Hannah and Jacob Fetterman, and Rob (Lake George CSD) and Jen Spath (Queensbury Union Free School District), teachers, a project manager, alumni, and storytellers. Together, they started jotting down ideas for an alphabet book rooted in the sights, sounds, and spirit of Lake George. Somewhere between laughter and shared memories, the idea took hold and didn’t let go.
“Once we had our first draft, that’s when it really came alive,” Hannah Fetterman explained. “We kept playing with the words, tightening the rhythm, and suddenly it just clicked, it became something we were all really proud of.”
The result is a vibrant, heartfelt collection that captures the magic of Lake George through the eyes of those who know it best.
For illustrator Jen Spath, the project became a joyful dive into the past. “Every image brought me right back, I wasn’t just illustrating, I was reliving some of my favorite Lake George memories,” she said.
That same sense of joy carried into the library on Saturday. Children gathered for a lively reading of the book, their faces lighting up with each familiar reference. Tables were filled with art projects, snacks were shared, and laughter echoed throughout the room, a reflection of the very community the book was created to honor.
“There’s something really special about creating alongside people you love,” Jen Burrall shared. “I’ve always loved books with rhythm and rhyme, so getting to write one, especially one I can read to my own students, was incredibly rewarding.”
And this is just the beginning. The team hopes to partner with local businesses throughout Lake George to bring the book to even more families, ensuring that the stories, memories, and magic of this special place continue to be shared for generations to come.