At Shaker Pointe, we are fortunate to be surrounded by residents who bring incredible talents, creativity, and life experiences to our community. One of those talented individuals is resident and author Mary Stewart Granato, whose delightful children’s book Tails of High Meadows: An Autumn Adventure has captured the hearts of readers of all ages.
This beautifully written and illustrated book takes readers on an adventure through the charming world of High Meadows, where woodland animals and farm friends share stories of friendship, curiosity, and exploration. The book features engaging characters such as Rufus, Bunny Pufftail, and Jay Jay the blue jay, who guide readers through fields, ponds, and forests filled with wonder.
What makes the book even more special are the stunning watercolor illustrations by Sharon Pape, which bring the animals and landscapes to life. The soft, vibrant artwork perfectly complements the warm storytelling, making it a wonderful book to read with children or grandchildren.
Mary’s story is also rooted in her own experiences growing up in upstate New York on a family farm. Those memories of nature, animals, and open landscapes helped inspire the imaginative setting of High Meadows.
Mary is just one example of the many talented individuals who call Shaker Pointe home. Our community is fortunate to have several residents who are writers and authors, each sharing their stories and creative voices.
In fact, Shaker Pointe proudly offers a resident writing program for aspiring authors, storytellers, and those who simply enjoy putting their thoughts on paper. The program supports residents who want to explore creative writing or even publish small works of their own in a community book, Creative Elders.
Through this program:
- Two books have already been published,
- A third book is currently in development,
- And many residents continue to write and share their stories.
It’s just one of the many ways residents at Shaker Pointe continue to learn, create, and inspire one another.
We are incredibly proud of Mary and grateful to have such a gifted author in our community. Her book reminds us that imagination, creativity, and storytelling can bring joy at every stage of life.

