Detroit Lakes Teacher Celebrates Launch of New Children’s Book

Jackie Jenson, a language arts teacher from Detroit Lakes, has recently launched her new children’s book titled A Cat Named Taco. The book, which is written entirely in haiku, was celebrated during a book signing event at La Barista in Detroit Lakes. Jenson undertook this creative challenge to inspire her students, who are in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades at Holy Rosary School.

Haiku, a traditional Japanese form of poetry, consists of three lines with a 5-7-5 syllable structure. Jenson, who has taught language arts for eight years, said, “I challenged myself to write it all in poetry, because I challenged my class to do that.” Her passion for writing has been a lifelong endeavor, beginning in childhood when she kept journals and crafted stories.

From Inspiration to Publication

The idea for A Cat Named Taco has been brewing for over a decade. “I first had the idea about 10 years ago,” Jenson explained, noting her extensive experience with cats as a source of inspiration. The book is her third publication, following her earlier works, Jon and the Soggy Leaf, released in 2012, and Sharp Bites and Other Pesky Poems, published in 2017.

Her first book was published by Beavers Pond Press and featured illustrations from local artist Megan Hagel. Jenson’s second book included contributions from her daughters, who took on roles as editor and illustrator. For A Cat Named Taco, the illustrations are provided by her niece, Haylee Hovanec.

Jenson’s journey into teaching followed a career in the corporate world, where she worked for Target in various locations, including the Twin Cities, Chicago, and Fargo. Before becoming a teacher, she also spent years as a writer for Detroit Lakes Newspapers. “I decided I wanted to write again, so I applied for a job at the newspaper,” she said.

Community Engagement and Future Projects

Jenson and her husband, Bob Jenson, raised three daughters—Alexis, Casey, and Jess—in Detroit Lakes. While Jess continues to live in Minnesota as a graduate student at the University of Minnesota, Alexis has moved to California, and Casey resides in Colorado. The family’s connection to storytelling resonates through Jenson’s writing, particularly the bedtime stories she created for her daughters.

All three of Jenson’s books, including A Cat Named Taco, are available for purchase through her website, byjackiejenson.com, and at Bluebird Books in downtown Detroit Lakes. As she celebrates this new release, Jenson hints at future projects, showcasing her ongoing commitment to children’s literature and education.