Local author pens children’s tale

‘Miki: the most unusual German frog’ was inspired by his grandchildren

After writing two books about the horrors of growing up in Germany during and after World War II, local author Walt Horcher has turned his attention to children’s tales.
His latest book is “Miki: the most unusual German frog.”
It is the first in what he anticipates to be a three-book series.
Horcher was inspired to write this children’s book by his eight grandchildren, who range in age from six to 21. “When I started, I realized how fun it is,” said Horcher, 70. “I made up the story as I went. It came to me like a dream.”
It’s the type of book he wishes he would have had to read when he was a child.
“Miki: the most unusual German frog” is 150 pages long. Miki is German because “I’m a Kraut,” explained Horcher.
Miki embarks on many adventures, all the while searching for a place for his family to live in peace. He befriends a heron – despite the fact that herons typically prey on frogs.
The underlying themes of the book are faith and trust, according to the author.
OVER 300 SOLD SINCE JANUARY
Horcher began the book one year ago; it took six months to write, and longer to get it printed. Once it was formatted one way, Horcher learned it needed to be redone. He’s grateful for assistance from a friend, Bill Leigh.
The first copies were in his hand the second week of January 2009. In the last two months, Horcher has sold over 300 books.
Many people have attended a book signing and bought half a dozen or more, one for each of their grandchildren, noted Horcher.
“It feels like an accomplishment,” noted Horcher. “It makes me happy that I plowed my way through it. If you don’t give up, you usually come up with something that is enjoyable.”
He’s especially thrilled that his own grandchildren love the tale.
GET YOUR OWN COPY
“Miki: the most unusual German frog” is available at Bear Books in Isanti and Scout and Morgan Bookstore in Cambridge, as well as at Walgreens and the Cambridge Medical Center gift shop. Horcher and his distributor are also working to place it in larger chains, such as Barnes and Noble and Border Books. The price is $11.95.
Horcher’s earlier books, “Born into Hell” and “Guns for Sales,” are also still available. They are currently being sold all over the world, including South Africa, Brazil, Australia and Germany.