| | In The Press | Reading Time: 2 minutes

DDI’s Late Chairman Inspired Granddaughter’s Illustrations for Children’s Book

Mckenzie Bugg, 17-yearold granddaughter of Decorating Den Interiors (DDI) long-time chairman the late James S. Bugg, Sr., was so inspired by his love of painting that she has become a published illustrator while still in high school. ”The Unicorn in My Backyard” is a children’s book authored by Whitney Williams, Bugg’s daughter and McKenzie’s aunt.

When McKenzie’s grandfather wasn’t busy running North America’s largest home furnishings and interior design franchise company, he often was painting. Each year, he would send a numbered print of one of his paintings to each of the company’s franchise partners. His paintings also adorned birthday cards sent to owners.

While McKenzie’s interest in painting grew, as she got older her focus shifted to digital illustration. That made her an ideal partner for her aunt’s children’s story. The 26-page book has 30 illustrations by Bugg, plus the cover.

Amazon.com describes Williams’ tale “a whimsical bedtime story about a little girl who, after being tucked into bed, discovers a winged unicorn in her back yard. They take an exciting and secretive nighttime flight through the galaxy. It all seems so real, or was it a dream?”

Williams had been pondering over this idea for many years since her now-college-age daughter was young and was looking for stories about unicorns. “Getting an illustrator was always a challenge,” said Williams. “But as McKenzie’s talent grew, it was an ideal time to fulfil this dream. My dad would be very proud of how the artist seed he planted in McKenzie has sprouted to a published illustrator. The company birthday card even featured an illustration by her this year.”

The book is available at https://www.amazon.com/Unicorn-Back-Yard-Story-Flight/dp/1519667876/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470856381&sr=8-1&keywords=a+unicorn+in+my+backyard

WhitKenzieIMG_8706 (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

McKenzie Bugg (left) with her aunt, Whitney Bugg Williams

McKenzie painting with Jim Sr

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Young McKenzie watching her grandfather the late Jim Bugg, Sr., who inspired her artistry.

 

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