Chris Hoy wrote “The Elk in the Attic" for children, but the book itself helps a very adult pursuit -- theatre. All proceeds from sales of the book will be used to restore the Elks Opera House.

“I wrote ‘The Elk in the Attic’ for readers aged seven to ten,” said Hoy, “but adults enjoy it, too.” The story is about drought-weary forest animals that temporarily take up residence in a small town. Nine-year-old Tim Armstrong discovers a huge bull elk named Bill living in the attic above his bedroom, and he’s not the only kid at his school with new animal friends. The adults grow increasingly alarmed, while the animals, trained by Coyote and guided by Grandmother Owl, struggle to survive among humans. Just as events threaten to get out of hand, high-flying Eagle returns from a trip to the top of the world with important news.

“The story is a delight to read, with a moral so deep one is engaged long after the book is put down,” says Elisabeth Ruffner, Founding Secretary of the Elks Opera House Foundation. 

Readers of the book learn that “Bill” currently enjoys a magnificent view of Prescott from the roof of the Elks Opera House. To read a sample chapter of “The Elk in the Attic,” visit the author’s web site at http://www.elkintheattic.com/. The book is available in select stores in Prescott and can also be purchased in the lobby of the Elks Opera House. To order the book online, visit http://www.elksoperahouse.com/.

Many local people donated their time and talent to create the book. Chris Hoy donated his manuscript; Walt Anderson created the illustrations; and Bridget Reynolds contributed the book design. Leslie Hoy edited the story, and Elisabeth and Melissa Ruffner, owners of Primrose Press, published the book. Wendy Elgen, owner of Classic Prescott Printing, is printing 2,000 copies of “The Elk in the Attic.” She generously kept production costs exceptionally low for this charitable community project.

 In addition to being a children's writer, Chris has contributed to Read It Here. Read his stories here:
Wapiti Dreams
Lords of the Flies