A CLASSIC CHILDREN'S TALE. Parents Ethan and Sherry Luhman are sharing the adventures of Rusty Raccoon with the world, with the release of Rusty Raccoon and the Sugar Bowl. Penned by Ethan and illustrated by Sherry, the binding of the book is charming in its classic-looking style. (Submitted photo)

Bedtime stories in the Luhman household to three little boys at the time (little sister Leighton came later) — Abram, Owen, Roman — were not read; they were told by dad Ethan. Wife Sherry took note.

“Ethan would come up with these stories about his adventures in the woods with his three brothers growing up on his family’s land in Browntown, Wisconsin,” she shared. “He’d create characters, on the fly, such as Rusty Raccoon, Gary Bear, Winston Squirrel and Davey Deer. I realized he had to start recording them on his phone to put in writing and share with others.”

Ethan was quick to add: “With my wife’s natural artistic talent, especially with drawing animals, of course, whatever book we would create together, she would be the artist.”

The result is Rusty Raccoon and the Sugar Bowl, a beautiful, premium linen cloth-bound book with gold filigree — words by Ethan and watercolors by Sherry. It is a delight to hold and look at, as well as read out loud.

The illustrations of the sweet animals — Rusty, Gary, Winston and Davey — come alive on the page, akin to Beatrix Potter books. The Sugar Bowl refers to a patch of wild black raspberries, which, along with a red pine tree and a white oak tree, are illustrated botanically.

That tasty treat is the adventure the four creatures embark upon. And, while they get lost on their way to the patch, Ethan, lead pastor at Peace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, commented: “Sometimes going the wrong way teaches you the right way.”

Sherry Luhman's illustrations, originally done by watercolor, bring the tale to visual life. (Submitted photo)

Rusty Raccoon has become part of their children's lives – the Luhman's youngest, Leighton (pictured), bringing her raccoon plush with her on plenty of family outings. (Photo by Ivylane Photo Company)

The book is dedicated to Ethan’s parents: his mother Beth, and in memory of his dad Gary, who sadly passed away unexpectedly and quickly from brain cancer – just 12 weeks after diagnosis — in 2018.

“That experience motivated me to share my childhood and my dad with my kids,” he said.

“The rolling hills, forests, and meadows. The thrill of adventure and the joy of time together. That’s the heart of Rusty Raccoon and the Sugar Bowl.”

The Luhman family, pictured. (Photo by Ivylane Photo Company)

Rusty Raccoon and the Sugar Bowl is available for purchase locally at The Local Store (205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire), where the family will be for a book reading event on Aug. 14 at 7pm. It is also available for purchase for $31.99 at The Luhman Collective website (theluhmancollective.com), alongside additional artworks, plushes and more. For more information, visit The Luhman Collective Facebook, Instagram or Etsy pages.