Second ‘Waffles’ book pays poignant tribute to ‘one of a kind’

A lovable guinea pig, who captivated readers last year in an award-winning children’s book by a Pennsylvania College of Technology writer/video producer, is back in a new title etched in grief but teeming with life.

“A Day With Waffles and Alexis,” written by Tom Speicher and published this month, was inspired by the unexpected May death of Alexis “Alex” Weisser, the elder daughter of the author’s partner, Maria. While born in tragedy, the book – a follow-up to “A Week With Waffles” – counters that sadness with smiles, as human and rodent play tag-along on a series of high-spirited adventures.

“Obviously, this particular book was not planned,” Speicher explained. “I was intending to do another Waffles book, related to baseball, but Alexis’ untimely passing prompted a change.”

“A Day With Waffles and Alexis” is available in paperback for $11.99 through Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and at the Otto bookstore in downtown Williamsport.

“The loss of Alexis has left a hole in the hearts of her family and countless friends. She truly was one of a kind and was loved by so many,” he added. “Writing the book was a way to grieve by celebrating her and her uniqueness. My wish is for it to bring healing and smiles to all who knew and loved her.”

Page after colorful page treats readers to a very busy day, during which Waffles – modeled after Speicher’s real-life pet, an Abyssinian guinea pig – obliges many of Alexis’ favorite pursuits: crafting handmade greeting cards, a coffee shop visit, dog-sitting, crosswords, reading, and enjoying a favorite TV sitcom and a stage musical. (Area residents will readily recognize the Community Arts Center in downtown Williamsport.)

“You didn’t need to know Alexis to appreciate the book’s content. She and Waffles have a lot of fun engaging in different, relatable activities throughout the pages,” Speicher said. “The reader is also asked questions inspired by their adventures to spark creative thought and discussion. I think the questions make the book unique.”

As with the earlier work, Speicher turned to Argentinian illustrator Marina Saumell, who inimitably imbues Waffles and friends with transcendent personality.

“She did an amazing job capturing the essence of Alexis and devising the illustrations in a timely manner,” he said. “It was truly a blessing to collaborate with Marina again. I feel very fortunate that she was able to share her considerable talent for this special book.”

Saumell said Speicher fully described Alexis, providing reference photos that helped her to know her subject better. She also did research on the places that Alexis liked to visit, such as the former Saint’s Café in State College and the Penn State rugby pitch.

“I try to picture her in those places, performing the actions that Tom describes in his book,” she said. “In this particular case, it was a personal challenge and a big one. I felt really committed to depict her as close as possible to how she was, as this book is a tribute to her and her life. It was a truly touching project for me.”

How does an artist in South America collaborate – not once, but twice – with an author so far removed from her workspace? Despite online communication making the world smaller, what’s the secret to a successful professional relationship when you’re 5,600 miles apart?

“Working for Tom is not hard at all,” Saumell said. “He is very clear about his ideas. I love his stories and the way he writes, which makes my work more enjoyable. I think his books are really inviting for young people.”

A former architect who turned to illustration after the birth of her first child, Saumell divides her process into stages: character design, storyboarding, detailed black-and-white illustrations, and final color artwork.

“These steps allow authors to follow the development of the artwork and ask for changes if needed,” she said, “and, for me, it is a way of moving forward on solid ground knowing that, when I get to color the illustrations, the authors are happy with the results.”

That output and the quick turnaround in producing it mirror Saumell’s respect for the writers who trust her with their own artistic endeavors.

“It's important to be available at all times. I usually work for first-time authors without any previous experience in the publishing world,” she said. “In order to publish a book, authors need to make a lot of decisions and, in my case, perform many tasks besides creating the artwork. After many years of experience, I’m happy to be able to help and guide them through the process so they can have their books published.

“I feel blessed to have been able to turn my passion into a work that not only allows me to make a living out of it, but also fills my heart with the love I receive from my authors, many of whom I consider friends – like Tom.”

“Passion” also describes Alexis’ love of rugby, featured prominently in print.

“Penn State Women’s Rugby was a second family for Alexis, both as a player and more recently as a volunteer coach,” Speicher said. “She loved the sport but loved her teammates even more. And they loved her! We’re all very thankful for how the rugby community embraced Alexis and continues to honor her.”

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of “A Day With Waffles and Alexis” will be donated to Penn State Women’s Rugby, which paid tribute to Alexis at its Oct. 21 match against Army.

“Tom captured Alex so perfectly in this story. It’s so simply done but shows her thoughtfulness, selflessness and love of life's simple pleasures,” said Kate Daley, the team’s coach. “Alex will live in all of our memories forever, and this sweet story allows us to share her with everyone.”

Speicher enlisted several campus co-workers during the publication process, including Jennifer A. Cline, editor of Penn College Magazine, who proofread the manuscript; and writer/photo editor Cindy Davis Meixel, who lent her technical assistance.

“A Week With Waffles” received two honors in the Reader Views 2022-23 Literary Awards competition: a gold medal in the preschool/toddler category and selection as a Best Children’s Picture Book. Sales of that book helped Penn College students facing financial difficulties through the Emergency Scholarship Fund.

For more about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.