Local author Bill Walton set to publish horseshoe crab story

Bill Walton has not let personal tragedy overcome his positive outlook and his dream of publishing a children's book.

Walton's home burned down due to faulty wiring earlier this year, leaving his family homeless. They sought refuge with family members in Felton. Walton said his wife and his two daughters have continued their support for his book, which is slated to be completed later this year.

The story centers on Polly, a curious horseshoe crab who is on a journey to find answers to life's questions. Walton started down the road to writing and illustrating a book after friends told him they would like to see a story to go with the drawings he was always working on at the beach.

"In Delaware, the horseshoe crab is so common, but others don't recognize it," said Walton. "They are only prominent here and in Asia, so many people have never seen one."

Walton used his idea of spreading knowledge about the horseshoe crab to kickstart a fundraising campaign to help make the book a reality.

He has now raised all the funds needed for the book, but its release was pushed back following the house fire.

"I'm going to self-publish because I really wanted to do it my way and let myself be the boss," Walton said. "I am still writing and illustrating; once that is done, I am headed to the printer."

Walton has learned a lot about horseshoe crabs in the process.

"I have tried to make the story accurate, other than the fact that it has animals that talk," Walton said.

Polly has some encounters with humans, which gives her more questions, so she sets out to find the wisest animal in the sea to find out about the world.

"It's a personal discovery kind of journey," Walton said. "Horseshoe crabs can't wander too far, so most of Polly's observations are from the shore."

Walton and his daughters are involved in children's theater in Kent County, having appeared in several plays. Walton is the kind of dad who started helping backstage and soon found himself enjoying the spotlight.

"My family is very supportive," Walton said. "My daughters are my biggest pushers - they keep telling me I can do it."

For more information on the book or to contact Walton, go to awkwardlabs.com.