Grayslake Father and Son Write Kids' Book

Finding himself bored one night, Woodview student Joshua Truelove, 8, of , decided he wanted to write a book for kids based on a favorite stuffed animal and a few interesting household items, including the handy  backscratcher he kept in his room.

"The backscratcher came to mind because I used it, so it's like a real life connection, like an autobiography."

The end result of his wonderfully creative mind is "Black-Eye Teddy & the Backscratcher."

"It's about made up characters who go on a lot of adventures and find friendship," said Joshua, who loves photography, reading and writing stories, like the 7-pager he wrote about a penguin for school that the other kids really liked.

Joshua's dad, Jay, said he created the drawings inspired by his son's story ideas.

"We printed 200 copies and have sold five," he said.

It's a start.

The Trueloves have set up a Web site where people can purchase the book, which sells for under $5. Go to www.thisbookrules.com.

It's also being sold at on dowtown Center Street.