Shurlds to hold book signing Saturday

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Ginny Walker Shurlds, author/illustrator of Mississippi State from A to Z, will sign copies during the Holly Days Arts and Crafts Show in Vicksburg on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The book is for both the young and young-at-heart, and is licensed by Mississippi State University.

Mississippi State from A to Z takes children through the alphabet to introduce them to Mississippi State University. The book is written in a sestain rhyme scheme and features colorful pen and ink/watercolor illustrations. Although written with children in mind, alumni and fans will also enjoy reminiscing about familiar and beloved campus sites and traditions. It is available at select local stores throughout Mississippi  and online at msuabcbook.com.

 Mississippi State from A to Zlaunched September 5, 2025. The Clarion Ledger listed it on its “Mississippi Reads” list that month as the #3 top-selling children’s book in Mississippi.

BIO:

A veteran elementary, gifted, and visual art educator, Ginny Walker Shurlds wrote and illustrated the book after her young grandson inspired in her the desire for the next generation to know all about her alma mater. Drawing from her experiences from first visiting the campus as a child and later as a student at Mississippi State, Ms. Shurlds has utilized her educational and artistic background to create a memorable book for young Bulldog fans and their families. 

A native of Meridian, MS, Ginny Walker Shurlds earned a Bachelor of Arts from Mississippi State University, a Master of Education from Southeastern Louisiana University, and a Master’s-Plus-30 graduate hours designation through the University of New Orleans. She taught regular, gifted, and visual art in St. Tammany Parish (Louisiana) Public Schools for 26 years. Ms. Shurlds lives in Bay St. Louis, MS with her husband, Henry, also a Mississippi State University graduate. Besides creating art, she enjoys reading, writing, playing music, and being with family.