pj hartenaus 

  p.j. hartenaus

     Children’s book author and educator, P.J. HarteNaus, lives in the driftless area of Galena, surrounded by acres of woods, an area that is rich with history.  It is here that P.J. discovered and brought to life an 1859 one-room schoolhouse that inspired the award-winning, anti-bullying series Belden Boy. After thirty-five years of educating elementary children, P.J. retired to this setting, writing novels and picture books creating Whistleslick Press in the process, and the Belden Boy Writing Camp inside Belden School, for third grade thru high school students.  It is the setting for the book series.  

     It is within these limestone walls of the little school, that children gather every summer to write and illustrate their own story to be published. Under the guidance of P. J. and literacy teachers, each budding author learns the importance of story structure which is needed to write a story that reads well, while enjoying the camp.  Campers return year after year to reconnect with Belden School in the woods, its educators and new friends for that special Belden Boy experience. The new Belden Boy Mobile, a 1953 Chevy farm truck, is a delight to see at the camp and when it “drives” the anti-bullying message to children at schools and Midwest Farmer’s Markets! As P.J. says, “I just want to place my books in the hands and hearts of children!”   

     Whistleslick Press and P.J. are proud to announce the #beldenboygivesback program, dedicating a portion of proceeds to animal rescues and farm sanctuaries.

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