Join us at Wind City Books Tuesday, August 12th 11am - 1pm for a book signing with author Rena Olsen featuring her children's picture book about her mother "Maxine's Joy."
About the Book:
Inspired by the real life of Maxine Landrum Thaxton, Maxine’s Joy takes children on a heartwarming journey through significant historical moments like The Great Depression, The Dust Bowl, and World War II. Despite facing difficult times, Maxine’s joy always shone through. Her story teaches young readers that joy comes from within, is resilient through adversity, and is best when shared.
With gentle touches of faith, this timeless tale introduces important topics such as family, Alzheimer’s Disease, the loss of a loved one, and the hope of heaven—handled with care and compassion.
Whimsical illustrations by Kompal Rana bring Maxine’s radiant spirit to life, making the book a joyful experience for readers of all ages.
Key life lessons include:
Never giving up, even when times are tough
Recognizing that joy is always present in our hearts
The power of resilience
Sharing joy to make life more meaningful
Interactive tools and discussion activities are available on the Maxine’s Joy page of the author’s website, encouraging deeper conversations around the themes in the book.
About the Author:
Rena Olsen is the founder and creator of Uncommon Philanthropist. The UP platform is a culmination of her calling to generate significant funding and awareness for important causes while utilizing her skills as a storyteller, connector, creative, inspirer and nonprofit consultant to get it done.
Rena believes in the transformative power of serving others, which benefits both the giver and receiver of the gift. She also believes that philanthropy, defined as “love of humanity,” is something we are all called to do…to love and serve one another.
Through her work with the nonprofit Ubora Tanzania, she’s seen first-hand the devastating impact of systemic poverty in Africa and the overwhelming need that exists both here at home and around the world. While her one-person offering—in terms of time, expertise and financial gifts—was helping, and supporting the tremendous work of Ubora, it was a proverbial drop-in-the-bucket.
A restlessness brewed in her heart and she knew that she needed to do more. More people were needed to be informed, encouraged and challenged to engage in charitable works and giving. More nonprofits needed new ways to share their stories and engage with donors and volunteers. Americans, those with so much potential yet disheartened in so many ways, needed a new narrative and a way to make more of their lives. Uncommon Philanthropist was born.
Before UP, Rena spent her professional years working in marketing communications, crafting campaigns, messaging and events for both for-profit and nonprofit organizations.
When she’s not sharing stories, connecting people or causes or listening to Tanzanian gospel music, Rena Olsen brings hard yet hope-filled stories to the world on her Relevate Podcast. She’s a Rotarian (Rotary Club of Alpharetta) and Cowboy (graduate of the University of Wyoming).
Rena is married to her husband and best friend, Bobby. Together they have raised two exceptional adult children, both now married to their BFFs. Rena and Bobby are hopelessly smitten by their first granddaughter, Janie Grace, and their chocolate goldendoodle, Sister Hazel Rae.
Learn more at:
https://www.rena-olsen.com/
Also check out other Arts events in Casper, Literary Art events in Casper, Nonprofit events in Casper.
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