If I Could book cover.jpg

Imagination, curiosity and adventure.

All the necessary ingredients for a happy childhood — and any worthwhile children’s tale.

“If I Could,” a new children’s picture book by former Grant County resident Sigrid Scully, fills that bill quite nicely.

This charming story leads readers on several imaginative excursions, such as riding a giraffe in a parade, picnicking with an anteater and ice-skating with a penguin.

And without spoiling the endearing ending, let’s just say that all the carefree cavorting leads back to home sweet home — and shelves of stuffed animals in a child’s room.

It’s a humorous, imaginative tale, written in poetic style, sure to charm any child — and a few grown-ups, too. Be ready for requests to re-read this one!

This charming book is the literary collaboration of Scully and her longtime friend, Judy Ruderman-Shupack, who created the cheery illustrations.

Scully, 96, was born in Berlin, Germany, and moved to the United States as a young girl. She and her late husband, who served in the Air Force during World War II, had three children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Now calling Hood River home, Scully previously lived in Bend and John Day, where her daughter, Sue Philo, still lives.

Grant County residents might remember GG’s, a collectibles and coffee shop in John Day the mother-daughter duo owned for several years. Scully also volunteered in the SMART reading program at Humbolt School in Canyon City and was a member of the now inactive River Valley Writers of Dayville.

Ruderman-Shupack, who also lives in the Pacific Northwest, has harbored a longtime desire to illustrate children’s books. A mother and grandmother herself, she provided the soft and welcoming artwork for the book’s story, cover and design.

The pair met years ago while working at Marshall High School in Bend.

According to Scully, “If I Could” is actually a poem she wrote about eight years ago. She forgot all about it until she shared it at a weekly writer’s group meeting. She said the other members applauded and encouraged her to get it published.

“That’s too good to waste!” was their response, Scully said.

Ruderman-Shupack came to visit. She shared her artistic dreams and Scully toyed with the idea of publishing a book. Soon after, Ruderman-Shupack attended a gallery event where she met a publisher.

A casual conversation with him about book publishing led to their association with Cave Moon Press of Yakima, Washington.

“If I Could” was published in September 2023.

Scully said she has written her whole life and writes “pretty much every week — stories, poems, fiction, nonfiction.”

The former assistant librarian also said, “I read everything I can get my hands on.”

Undoubtedly, her full and active life has provided her with plenty of material for her collection.

The nonagenarian has served as a volunteer, ombudsman, tutor and held a variety of jobs. She’s traveled extensively abroad and has visited all 50 states, living in six of them. In 2014, she was awarded the Oregon Governor’s Lifetime achievement award for her many years of volunteer work.

“I just have this feeling about helping people,” she said. “I’ve lived all over and traveled all over and have had wonderful experiences. Amazing things happen in my life.”

Philo affirms her mother’s curious nature and enthusiasm.

“Imagination and curiosity are so big to her, and she always encourages that in other people, too,” Philo said.

Scully also rallies people to “Live life! Be a part of it instead of sitting in a chair.”

“You should take a chance; don’t wait until tomorrow,” she said. “Dreams do come true.”

Cave Moon Press connects writers and artists with charities; proceeds from sales benefit their chosen charity.

Scully and Ruderman-Shupack selected SafeSpace Children’s Advocacy Center of the Gorge, which serves Hood River, Wasco, Gilliam, Wheeler and Klickitat counties. Proceeds from “If I Could” will help the nonprofit whose goal is to reduce trauma for young victims of abuse.

For more information about the publisher, visit cavemoonpress.com. To learn about SafeSpace, visit safespacecac.org.

“You should take a chance; don’t wait until tomorrow. Dreams do come true.”

— Sigrid Scully, 96, author of “If I Could”