What began as a project in college has mushroomed into a children’s book written for first and second grade students. “Sammy’s New Home” was self-published by West Windsor resident Nishan Patel, a graduate of High School South, Class of 2005. He will read his book to children on Tuesday, December 22, at West Windsor Library.
Born in Glen Rock, Patel has lived in West Windsor since 1992. After attending Dutch Neck, Village, Upper Elementary, and Grover Middle schools, he received a bachelor degree in fine arts from Syracuse University. Patel, an illustrator and designer based in New York City, considers himself lucky to create art for a living.
Sammy is a sasquatch, a hairy creature often referred to as Bigfoot. The book’s heroine, Mallory, is based on Patel’s sister, Pooja, 17, a junior at High School South. “I did not tell her that the character was based on her — but the minute Pooja looked at the character design, she knew right away and was very excited,” says Patel.
Their mother, Sangita Patel, an interior decorator, owns Kalakar Interiors. Their father, Kiran Patel, owns several hotels in northern and central New Jersey.
Patel’s love of art began when he was visiting India at the age of four. His uncle’s friend taught him the basics and he remembers drawing a turtle shortly after the first lesson. “I’ve been drawing every since,” he says. He continued drawing and painting, some serious, some political, some humorous through college.
In the past few months Patel has presented his book to children at Wicoff and Dutch Neck schools. “It is very different when you are a kid,” he says. “Everything looks big.” During his recent reading at Dutch Neck he learned that one of his teachers is still there. He plans to present her books for the school after the holidays.
Although he entered college as a business major, he switched first to graphics and then to illustrations during his freshman year. He misses sharing studio space with fellow illustrators in college but still bounces ideas off other creative people.
Although Sammy’s New Home is Patel’s first book, a sequel is in the works. The book is available through Patel for $12.50 including shipping. Contact him by E-mail at nishanarts@gmail.com. Visit his website www.nishanpatel.com for more information.
— Lynn Miller
Author Event, West Windsor Library, 333 North Post Road. Tuesday, December 22, 4 p.m. Nishan Patel, author of “Sammy’s New Home,” reads. 609-799-0462.
