Special to The Leader

DALLAS – Texas House Representative Jason Villalba (R-Dallas) has added another role to his resume: children’s author. Starting September 12, readers may pre-order The Little Boy and The Old Woman, a book that Villalba originally wrote for his three children. “I’m just a Papa who wanted more interesting and unique stories for his kids,” Villalba remarked. In keeping with his deep appreciation for Texas talent, the District 114 Representative chose a local artist, Kate Stipp, to illustrate a story that has become one of his children’s favorites. He calls the process “a labor of love.”

The Little Boy and The Old Woman reinforces the age-old lesson that kindness makes our world go ‘round, even when our appearances may seem deceiving. Villalba paints this proverbial tale in a new and relatable way.

Young George, the protagonist of the story, suffers from a minor physical malady. George’s peers are reluctant to accept him because he appears different, which often leaves him to play by himself. The counsel he receives from a sage yet elusive old woman in the park leads him to his first true friend, a young girl with a stutter named Elena. He learns the power of kindness and personal connection from the old woman, who he continues to consult throughout his lifetime and refer to as Abuelita, which recalls Villalba’s own Latino roots.

Although The Little Boy and The Old Woman began as a story for his children, its themes are indicative of the ideologies behind Texans for Jason Villalba. Ever since his election in November 2012, Representative Villalba has promoted community values that strengthen the community and the state as a whole, such as support for public education and funding and our local economy. Jason Villalba continues to represent Lake Highlands, Preston Hollow and North West Dallas as the Representative for District 114, and we can surely expect more unpredictably enriching and constructive projects from him in the future.