Yamaguchi inspires kids at Anderson’s stop
By Hilary Decent For The Sun March 29, 2011 8:34PM
Olympic figure skating gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi poses Tuesday with her new children's book at Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville. | Terence Guider-Shaw~For Sun-Times Media
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Updated: May 29, 2011 4:48AM
Olympic gold medalist and “Dancing With The Stars” champion Kristi Yamaguchi may be traveling the country promoting her new children’s book “Dream Big, Little Pig!,” but in a way she was near home when she stopped Tuesday at Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville.
The book is the 16th New York Times best-seller for Naperville publisher Sourcebooks.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” Yamaguchi told a crowd of about 300 children and adults. “Sourcebooks are based here in Naperville so we are back in their hometown. I feel so privileged they stumbled across me.”
Sourcebooks Publisher and CEO Dominique Raccah said not only was Yamaguchi’s book a perfect fit for them, but unlike some celebrity books, it was obviously written by the celebrity.
“This is not the average celebrity book,” she said. “Sometimes we wonder how involved the celebrity is, but you can tell this is Kristi. It’s about finding your dreams and inspiring people. We are known for books which inspire with a lot of heart, which is why we have so many best-sellers. They reach people.”
Sourcebooks invited Tim Bowers to illustrate the book.
“He was our first choice,” Raccah said. “Tim brought an attitude of joy to Poppy. She has a joie de vivre.”
The book tells the inspirational tale of a pig called Poppy who dreams big and ends up being a champion ice skater. Yamaguchi’s motto is “Always Dream,” and proceeds from the book will be going to her Always Dream Foundation.
Before greeting fans, she explained why she had chosen to tell her own life story through the eyes of a pig. As mother to two daughters, she wanted to write a children’s book for them.
“I think a children’s book should be imaginative and whimsical and fun — something a little out of the ordinary. I knew Poppy would have obstacles to overcome,” she said.
Yamaguchi says pigs have always been part of her life. She was born in the Year of the Pig and collects pig ornaments. “I love Miss Piggy,” she added.
The skater is a friend of Naperville’s own Olympic ice skating gold medalist, Evan Lysacek.
“I know his parents, so hopefully his mom will come along,” she said.
Yamaguchi has certainly inspired young ice skaters, many of whom were in the crowd.
“I just wanted to see her and get the book signed,” said Alyssa Dunn, 9, of Plainfield. “I started skating when I was 5. My aim is to get to the Olympics.”
Michelle Karpisiak, 13, of Streamwood started skating two years ago.
“I skate every day and my dream is to become an Olympic medalist,” she said. “I want to ask her how she started and for some advice.”
Kristina Burn of Naperville was there with her daughter Hannah, 13.
“She’s been skating for 6 1/2 years and is a member of the same club as Evan. We are huge fans of figure skating. Kristi has had an amazing career and we admire it. It’s exciting she’s here.”
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