‘Ridiculously talented’ North Grove fifth grader publishes graphic novel

Two years in the making, a fifth-grade student at North Grove Elementary held a signing for his newly published graphic novel.

Titus Ehlen told his mom, Cherie Ehlen, two years ago that he wanted to make a comic book. She told him if he did it, she would publish it. Two weeks after their conversation, Titus presented his mom with a freshly finished comic book. Since then, his mom has worked to keep her promise to publish Titus’ book, “Terrific Titus.”

On Thursday they held a book signing at Pleasant Grove Elementary to celebrate his hand-drawn comic book.

Former teachers and students shuffled in and out of the library to get a signed copy of “Terrific Titus.” Teachers praised Titus for his accomplishment, telling them how proud they were to see him publish a book. Students excitedly approached Titus telling him it was “cool” to have him sign their book.

It’s been a learning process for Cherie over the last two years, she said. She had to learn how to format the book for publication, find a publisher and find an affordable process to get the book out there. She also had to scan each hand drawing, make them a specific size for print and learn different software to put it together, she said. When Titus is ready to publish his next book, she will be too, she said.

“I’m really proud of him,” Cherie said. “It’s really cute, he’s worked really hard on it. It’s been a learning process for me. It’s been really fun.”

Titus takes inspiration from Lincoln Peirce’s “Big Nate” books, he said. So much so that he thought “Why not make my own cartoon?” he said. His favorite part is page three where he pulls a pickle out of a Christmas Tree. He’s never pulled a pickle out of a Christmas Tree, but he heard it was a tradition and wanted to incorporate it into his book.

“I’m very very happy,” Titus said.

It’s also his former art teacher, Shannon Thayer’s favorite part as well, she said.

Thayer was first in line for the book signing on Thursday because she was so excited to see the book finished. She’s been discussing the process with his mom and seeing his talent since he was in kindergarten so it’s wonderful to have a completed, and signed, copy in her hands. Titus is “ridiculously talented,” and she’s not surprised by the accomplishment of being a published author at such a young age.

“It’s amazing. I can’t wait for more,” Thayer said. “I am in no way surprised, he has so much talent.”

Copies of “Terrific Titus” can be found at North Grove Elementary’s book vending machine.