NEW ULM — Jefferson Elementary School media paraprofessional Gail Boe launched her third children’s book, “Surely,” Sunday at Lykke Books.

Boe read the book to attendees before signing copies and answering questions about her year-long creative process. “Surely” follows Lee, an owlet who tries different activities each month before discovering his interest in holiday decorating in December.

“Surely” includes what Boe calls “hidden treasures,” personal details incorporated into the illustrations. The book features numbers representing family members’ ages, a buffalo plaid tree skirt matching her family’s tradition, a “W” for her maiden name, Wyffels, and references to her previous titles, “Lettuce” (2021) and “HAY” (2023).

“It is always an idea that I get that inspires me,” Boe said. “For ‘Lettuce’ it was a phrase I heard the priest say over again at church that stuck with me. For ‘HAY’ it was an idea surrounding mental health and how to help others understand we do not know what everyone has going on in their lives and the best we can do is to reach out to others, listen, and be kind. And then for ‘Surely’ it was all around my idea or love for Christmas and how much joy it brings me.”

Boe said 500 copies of “Lettuce” sold out after its 2021 release, requiring a second printing.

All three books are illustrated by Juniardi Satyanagara, who publishes under the name Junica and is based in Indonesia. Boe said she found her publisher, Mascot Kids, by submitting her manuscript online.

“I loved Juniardi Satyanagara’s illustrations because his illustrations were exactly what I was picturing in my mind,” Boe said. “It is absolutely so exciting to see all my books come to life in pictures.”

Boe said the creative process takes about a year from concept to printed book, moving through drafts, sketches, colored storyboards, and final layout.

“I love how each part builds on each other and seeing what you have envisioned in your mind become a real, physical book,” she said.

Lykke Books owner Brie Tarralson hosted the launch. Attendees who purchased the book received bookmarks and “Sparkle Specs” glasses.

“She has lots of connections with the community,” Tarralson said. “We like to support local authors, and she had another book coming out. It was a natural fit.”

Boe grew up in Minneota and now lives in New Ulm. She said her family encouraged her to pursue her ideas and projects.

Students at Jefferson Elementary frequently ask where they can find her books. Boe said positive feedback from readers and students motivates her to continue writing.

Boe said she does not have plans for a fourth book.

“I really don’t know yet,” she said. “I just see what idea comes to my mind and run with it. The idea comes with its theme.”