Ole Miss Grad Focuses Second Children’s Book on Alma Mater

Illustration by Taylor Harston Wiedemann

Ole Miss alum Alex Beene, author of Lessons from a Southern Mother, is keeping his attention on children’s books with a story made by Rebels for every little Rebel. The Lion & the Lyceum, set for release this fall, is about a little boy learning his ABCs through the beauties of the University of Mississippi campus.

“People young and old can relate to the sense of wonderment walking around this beloved school for the first time,” Beene said. “This book looks to capture that and inspire imagination and education in a new generation of young Rebels.”

The book represents the culmination of a dream for illustrator Taylor Harston Wiedemann. Since her time at Ole Miss, she hoped to produce a children’s book to reflect the passion she carried for the university that gave her so many wonderful memories.

Longtime dean of students Sparky Reardon is also lending a hand with the project, writing the forward for The Lion and the Lyceum.

“For decades, Sparky was and continues to be seen as a pillar of Ole Miss heritage and history,” Beene said. “We are honored to have him introducing our work.”

The book has been written and is in the illustration phase before its publication this year. To get the process rolling, the duo created a Kickstarter project.

The Lion & the Lyceum will be published by Hilliard Press and will be available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, iBooks and a variety of local retailers throughout Mississippi.

Amelia Camurati is editor of HottyToddy.com and can be reached at amelia.camurati@hottytoddy.com.