Coloring Book Helps Tell Story of Meadow Brook Farms

Author Geoff Upward has edited books for famed Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell and published award-winning magazines for .

Now he can add coloring book to his list of accomplishments.

Upward is the director of and brings the history of the hall and its surrounding farm to life in Duke and Dolly's Adventure: A Meadow Brook Farms Coloring Book.

It tells the story of the Dodge family, who built Meadow Brook Hall in the 1920s. The book's heroine is Frances Dodge, the "mistress" of the country estate during the 1930s. Readers take a tour of the estate — including Knole Cottage and the fruit orchards — as Frances searches the grounds for her horse, Dolly.

The coloring book is the first publication of Meadow Brook Press, and was suggested by Frances's son, John Van Lennep.

"There are dozens of things we want to eventually publish, but this is the first," said Upward, who lives in Birmingham and has worked in several roles at the university. Next up: a coffee table book about Meadow Brook Hall and its surrounding gardens, followed by a history book about Meadow Brook Farms.

"This is one of the most fun things I've ever done," he said. "I think one of the stories we don't necessarily tell well is the story of the farm and the Dodge Stables. They were world renowned.

"This seemed like a great setting for a childrens story."

The book features Pekingese dogs, Margie and Mickey Mouse, who are "hiding" on each page. Upward got the idea for the dogs from reading Goodnight Moon (with its hidden mouse) to his twin 3-year-old grandsons.

The book was illustrated by Tim C. Jones of Virginia — Upward connected with Jones online and liked his realistic style of illustration.

The book is $5.95 and is available at the Meadow Brook Hall Museum Store during tour hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 1 to 3 p.m. weekdays. It is also available on the museum shop online.