Discovery Park Hosts Signing for Children’s Book Inspired by the Museum and Park’s Cat, Disco
January 16, 2025
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Union City, Tenn., Jan. 16, 2025 — Discovery Park of America is hosting a book signing for “Meet Disco & Friends” on Friday, Jan. 24, from 4-6 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and have their books signed by the authors, Randy Anding and Nathaniel Newlin, and illustrator, Dylan Schaefer, along with special characters from the book, including John Watkins, Discovery Park’s director of grounds, and Disco herself.
“Disco & Friends” celebrates friendship through the adventures of Disco, a calico cat, as she and her friends explore Discovery Park. The book was inspired by the real-life Disco, who has been a part of the museum and Heritage Park since its construction in 2012.
The book’s co-creator, Randy Anding, a security guard who recently retired from Discovery Park after working at the museum eight years, drew inspiration from his time on the job. “During my rounds, I would often see Disco, and sometimes she’d hop in the golf cart to join me for the ride,” Anding said. “The book captures the essence of this special feline. Today, I know she continues to charm guests with her occasional strolls through the park.”
To craft the story, Anding collaborated with Nathaniel Newlin, a former assistant education director at Discovery Park. Dylan Schaefer, an illustrator and Discovery Park’s graphic designer, designed and illustrated the book.
“Disco, whose name is short for “Discovery,” is a beautiful and reclusive calico queen who wandered onto the property and made it her own. For those of us who have worked there, she is family.” said Newlin. “I am grateful I get to play a small part in introducing her to Discovery Park’s guests from around the world.”
Copies of Disco & Friends are available for purchase now at the Discovery Park gift shop, on museum’s online store, and on Amazon. Copies will be available for purchase at the event.
For more information, please visit Discovery Park’s website or contact Zac Willis at zwillis@discoveryparkofamerica.com.
Photo caption: Disco, Discovery Park’s calico
cat, reacting to her picture on the back of the book.
Download High-Resolution Photo