LEXINGTON, Ky., — Author Mike Norris will take center stage with his book, “Ring Around the Moon: Mommy Goose Rhymes,” at the next Kentucky Proud Evening, 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 in Lexington. The monthly series, hosted by Fayette County Cooperative Extension, regularly pairs captivating books from the University Press of Kentucky with author discussions and samples from Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud recipes.

“Ring Around the Moon” is a collection of original rhyming poems with Kentucky-flavored language and subject matter. Norris’s book combines the words, art and music of Appalachia, with illustrations of more than 170 hand-painted carvings from Kentucky folk artist Minnie Adkins and sheet music for the original song, “Ring Around the Moon.” The poems present classic Appalachian subjects, such as leaving the homeplace to find work, mountain folklore, country life versus city life, and touch on important themes like bullying, gender roles, the power of language and the power of kindness.

“Nursery rhymes bring back memories of a time of innocence and discovery,” said Diana Doggett, Fayette County family and consumer sciences extension agent. “Mike Norris’s lovely book celebrates Appalachian tradition with love and respect. Children and adults alike will no doubt find this Kentucky Proud Evening enchanting.”

The series is made possible through a partnership between Fayette County Cooperative Extension, which is part of the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, and the University Press of Kentucky. Kentucky Proud Evenings are held at the Fayette County Extension office, 1140 Harry Sykes Way in Lexington.

Make reservations for the event by calling 859-257-5582. Participants may purchase “Ring Around the Moon” at the event.