SUBMITTED PHOTO Paislee Mann takes a first peek at the recently released childrena’s book “Tile, Vinyl, and Carpet — You’re Beautiful the Way You Are.” The book is part of the Marshall T. Trowel Family Collection authored by Joe Carter and illustrated by his daughter, Hanna Carter.

Children’s book author Joe Carter is releasing his fourth book aimed at getting kids excited about the construction trades.

As President and CEO of MARSHALLTOWN, a manufacturer of industry-leading professional construction tools and equipment, Carter has a wealth of knowledge on the topic. As the father of three, Carter also has fond memories of reading to his young children with his wife every night. Connecting the trades, positive life lessons, and stories families can enjoy together has inspired the creation of four books in the Marshall T. Trowel and Family collection.

“The books are a fun way to show the tools of the trades with cute characters and pair it with a positive lesson,” Carter said. “Getting children exposed to real projects and interested in construction is important as we continue to see shortages in skilled labor.”

The newest to the collection, “Tile, Vinyl, and Carpet — You’re Beautiful the Way You Are,” is set in Marshalltown following the devastating EF-3 tornado that swept through the heart of the community in 2018, causing significant damage to homes and businesses. In the book, the family of tools works together to replace the flooring at Thompson True Value.

Tying in the life lesson is the story of a tool that is teased for looking different from the others but learns to be proud of who she is. Through the book, children learn how important it is to always be confident in themselves and to know it doesn’t matter what others say or think about them.

“This book provided an opportunity to showcase the resiliency of Marshalltown, the place where our company began 133 years ago, and a community my family and I are proud to be a part of,” Carter said. “The new Thompson’s store is a perfect example of turning tragedy into triumph.”

A book launch event is scheduled from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 3 at Thompson True Value, 106 S. Center St. Carter will sign books and visit with children and their parents. Light snacks and refreshments will be served.

The book joins three others in the Marshall T. Trowel and Family series: “Concrete – Work Hard. Work Together,” “Drywall – You Can be Anything You Want to Be,” and “Brick – You Decide What Your Day Will Look Like.”

Each book has been a collaboration with Carter’s daughter, Hanna Carter, a graphic designer who has illustrated each book.

“Tile, Vinyl, and Carpet — You’re Beautiful the Way You Are,” is available locally at Thompson True Value, Strand’s Flooring & Paint, Hellberg’s Jewelers, McGregors Furniture & Mattress, and Stepping Stones. The entire collection can be purchased at MARSHALLTOWN.