Uh Oh, Cooper!

Generations of Westport families knew Amy Lamb as a creative and caring Green’s Farms Nursery School teacher.

Many others knew her for Color Factory — an after-school and summer camp program — or as an aerobics instructor and Staples High cheerleading coach.

All of that followed her original career, working in book design for Random House and as a freelancer. During 34 years in Westport she also found time to raise 3 sons — Brandon, Trevor and Matt — with her late husband Greg.

Amy Lamb

Amy lives in Florida now. She has 7 grandchildren. But she’s embarked on a new act — one that ties together her loves of art, teaching and family.

For years, Amy thought about writing a children’s book. She had a vision for it — a curious mouse named Cooper — but considered herself an “art person,” not an author.

It took 20 years to turn her idea into reality. “Life got in the way,” she says. “And I was never sure where Cooper was going.”

Eventually Amy drew the entire book, with acrylics. She added the text later.

Cooper is “small, brave and adventurous,” Amy explains. He’s someone “kids can relate to.”

The book is called “Uh Oh Cooper.” “Kids say ‘uh oh’ a lot,” Amy notes. She expects they’ll say “uh oh” as they try to figure out Cooper’s next adventure.

There are several blank pages at the end, for young readers to draw whatever they think Cooper does next. “That’s the teacher in me,” Amy says.

The process was exhilarating. “I feel like Grandma Moses,” she says. “I think, ‘I really did this!'”

Despite her publishing background, Amy realizes the world has changed. Self-publishing is the way to go. She’s done it all — drawing, writing, uploading, producing, marketing — herself.

“I’ve been surrounded by books all my life,” Amy says.

“My grandfather was a book binder. My dad was in the paper business. He’d be proud of me.” (Her father’s cousin was Ben Shahn, so there’s art in her family too.)

Cooper seems to be clicking with young readers. Amy is getting emails, texts — even old-fashioned letters — including ideas of what Cooper will do next.

What will Cooper do next?

“It’s been fun connecting with children again,” the first-time author says. “And it’s fun that they’re thinking about new adventures. Cooper is much more than just a cute little mouse.”

The book has also stirred something in Amy. She wants to paint every day. And it’s helped her connect with many people from her past, including friends from high school, college, and her 3-plus decades in Westport.

“They all adore Cooper,” she says. “And they want more.”

Uh oh, Cooper.

You’re not done yet!

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