Spreading Holiday Cheer: The Story Behind Shelby Farms Park’s First Children’s Book

Writing Park Pals & the Grand Opening of Starry Nights has been an incredibly rewarding experience and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the magic of Starry Nights and the beauty of Shelby Farms Park. Collaborating with Shelby Farms Park and working alongside the talented Memphis-based illustrator Martheus Wade made this project a true labor of love. Together, we’ve created a story that captures the essence of a cherished Memphis tradition and the spirit of the park.

A children's book titled "Park Pals and the Grand Opening of Starry Nights" is perched on a stack of red and white wrapped gifts with twinkling red ribbons.

This journey began when my sister, Courtney Blackburn, who serves as Shelby Farms Park Conservancy’s Event Manager, approached me with the idea of creating a children’s book for Starry Nights. The idea immediately resonated with me as a kid who enjoyed Starry Nights year after year. Starry Nights has been a hallmark of Memphis holiday celebrations for decades, and it felt like a meaningful way to contribute to this beloved tradition.

Bella, Beale, and the Spirit of the Park

At the heart of the story are Bella and Beale, two buffaloes who lead the “Park Pals” on a festive journey through Shelby Farms Park & Starry Nights. Along the way, they meet other charming characters such as Dawn the Deer, Henry the Heron, and Grumps the Goose. Each character was carefully designed to represent the park’s unique wildlife and its vibrant, welcoming environment.

To ensure authenticity, I worked with Shelby Farms Park Rangers, including my brother Adam Hughes, to learn more about the animals and natural features of the park. This collaboration helped create a story that not only entertains but also reflects the real-world wonder of Shelby Farms.

Additionally, we had the privilege of involving local kindergarten and fourth-grade students as “junior editors.” Their insights and feedback played a key role in shaping the book’s final draft, and their contributions are honored in a special thank-you page.

Capturing the Magic Through Art

Martheus Wade’s illustrations bring the story to life with whimsical artwork. Inspired by “classic Disney” animation and drawing from his expertise as a comic book artist, Martheus infused each page with movement, emotion, and holiday cheer.

Martheus’ personal connection to Starry Nights also played a significant role in his work. His own family’s annual visits to Shelby Farms Park inspired the heartfelt and nostalgic tone of the illustrations, ensuring that each page feels as magical as the event itself.

Sharing the Spirit of Starry Nights

Starry Nights has always been more than a dazzling light display. It is an experience that brings families and communities together to create lasting memories. Through Park Pals, we aimed to extend that sense of connection and celebration, inspiring families to explore Shelby Farms Park and make Starry Nights a part of their own holiday traditions.

For me, this book is a reflection of the joy, creativity, and community spirit that define Shelby Farms and Memphis as a whole. It is my hope that Park Pals becomes a beloved story for readers of all ages, year after year.

Where to Purchase Park Pals

If you would like to add Park Pals & the Grand Opening of Starry Nights to your holiday collection, the book is available for purchase at the Shelby Farms gift shop or during your visit to Starry Nights. It is also available at Novel and Burke’s Bookstore, as well as online.

Thank you for allowing Park Pals to be part of your holiday season. I hope it brings as much joy to your family as creating it has brought to mine.

Warm holiday wishes,

Nicole Hughes

This blog was written by Nicole Hughes

Nicole Hughes is a proud Memphian, founder of Glassable Productions, and the playwright of Graceland Too, a new play that premiered at New York Theatre Festival. Shelby Farms Park plays a huge role in her family’s life with her sister, Courtney Blackburn, as the Park’s Events Manager, and her brother, Adam Hughes, as a Park Ranger. Nicole is honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with Shelby Farms Park to bring the magic of Starry Nights to life in their first children’s book, Park Pals and the Grand Opening of Starry Nights.

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