LAURI CRUVER CHERIAN

Meet Lauri Cruver Cherian

Poet, author and educator from the Pacific Northwest

COMING IN THE FALL…

COME ON IN,

DON’T GET LONESOME

A beautiful story, told by a gifted author, based on her ancestors of a century ago and the immigrant workers who lived in their boarding house in a boom town.

It is 1910, and Tacoma, Washington is booming. Immigrants flock to the City of Destiny to find work at the Tideflats, railroad, waterfront, and sawmills, to pursue the American Dream. A lucky few have found a home at the Old Alpha, a boarding house with the slogan: “Come on in, don’t get lonesome!” Amidst the hustle and bustle of activity in the boarding house lives a little girl. She is intrigued by the stories and friendships she makes with the immigrant men boarding at the Old Alpha on Tacoma Avenue South. This tender story will touch your heart as you follow the life of this little girl and the boarders who share her home in a boom town.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING…

  “Here is a beautiful story, told by a gifted author, based on her ancestors of a century ago and the immigrant workers who lived in their boarding house. It resonates with perfect characterizations, a compelling plot, and an abundance of memorable moments. Like this bit of sage advice handed down from Lauri Cruver Cherian’s great grandfather: “So, you must smile and be full of nice talk, greet people happily, and tell some old story.” This is a fine old story indeed, that made me not only smile but hang on to that quote as a mantra and a bright star to steer by.” -Ron Rozelle, author of The Windows of Heaven

 “Ms. Cherian has done a beautiful job of painting the formative years of the region in a sepia toned recollection. It was effortless to dip into the chapters."  -Chris Staudinger of Pretty Gritty Tours, journalist, historian, and guide of walking tours of Tacoma and author of Secret Tacoma

 “It is a well-written historical novel with a very specific setting. The author uses abundant period details to create vivid scenes that transport the reader to the early 1900’s in the Puget Sound area, including references to historical events and people.” -Susan Donnelly, poet and teacher

 “Lauri Cruver Cherian portrays the rich history of Tacoma at the turn of the twentieth century through the eyes of seven-year-old Myrtle who is the author’s grandmother. The reader meets compelling immigrants from around the world who board in the house owned and operated by Myrtle’s parents. The story is peppered with time period cuisine, entertainment, jokes, poetry, music, and all the ‘newfangled’ inventions introduced into their day-to-day lives. As in our own times, Ms. Cherian’s historical narrative unfolds with love woven through the happiness and heartache Myrtle and her family experience.” -Patricia M. Stricklin, author of  What Lies in Truth 

“Love, love, loved it! I can’t wait for everyone else to enjoy it as well. Such an endearing story of a curious and intelligent little girl and the colorful characters that filled her world. Based on factual people and places in our Pacific Northwest history. I guarantee it will draw you in!” -Suzette Dron Gradilla.

PRESENTING…

Four Anxious Armadillos

A children’s chapter book about four unique species of armadillos on a journey to conquer their anxieties.

Set in Argentina, there is just enough Spanish in this story for you to learn about 50 words, pick up fun facts about armadillos, and even learn some practical anxiety coping skills!

This book will be the perfect gift for kids, parents, grandparents, teachers, and counselors.

Lauri was inspired to write Four Anxious Armadillos after an armadillo burrowed under her patio. Prompted to educate herself on armadillo behavior, Lauri’s internet search on the local nine-banded armadillos found in Texas, led her to other armadillos, such as the pink fairy armadillo of Argentina, the screaming hairy armadillo of Bolivia, and the three-banded armadillo of Brazil. She thought, “This is too good to be true; these characters deserve a story!”

Each armadillo specie has their own unique way of responding to anxiety, just as we humans do, so perhaps we can learn some anxiety coping skills as we take an adventure south to Argentina with four anxious armadillos!

What People Are Saying

“As a children’s librarian, I’m always looking for a book that is fun, engaging, and that opens the door to further study. Four Anxious Armadillos fits the bill. Lauri Cherian’s appropriate mixture of Spanish phrases into the text adds a happy challenge for teacher “read aloud” time (much to the delight of bilingual students). The author’s inclusion of information about the four species of armadillo is great, but I would anticipate a stampede to the non-fiction section to learn more about, not just the animals, but the magnificent setting of the journey. The storyline is simple, but timely to the extreme. Each armadillo has its own unique anxiety, along with a coping mechanism. Their mutual quest to overcome their individual fears succeeds, as they help each other. What a terrific springboard for teachers, parents, counselors, even the kids to discuss issues that cause stress and anxiety. If I wasn’t retired, this book would find its way into my collection. In fact, I may just gift it into the collections of our local schools.”

— Raymond Wells, Media Specialist, Brazosport ISD, Retired

Join the adventurous quartet of armadillo friends—Nilda, Adelina, Pelé, and Hilario—as they embark on a journey to discover the antidote for their anxious worries. Through enchanting landscapes and whimsical encounters, these resilient armadillos learn valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and confronting fears. Will their quest unveil the secret to a worry-free life? Find out in this heartwarming tale of bravery and self-discovery, perfect for young readers navigating the challenges of growing up.

— Bronwyn Rumsey, School Librarian, Brazosport ISD

“Four Anxious Armadillos is a story that not only teaches Spanish, geography, and science but Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) as well, all while introducing us to four lovable characters.
As an assistant principal in an elementary school, I find this book incredibly timely. Post COVID students are struggling with more anxiety than what was seen pre-pandemic. Reading this book to a student or a class opens doors to discuss anxiety and strategies to manage it when students experience it. The author doesn’t mention grit, but her characters display and model it, working through difficulties and overcoming obstacles using tenacity and teamwork.
It’s a well written book and should be in every elementary library. I look forward to reading Lauri Cherian’s next book.”

— Kara Del Mar, Assistant Principal, Kennewick SD

Books released

Four Anxious Armadillos

BRAVE AS THISTLES

POEMS OF THE POINT

brave as thistles

Collection of poems that explore what it means to journey bravely through life.

Poems of the Point

Collection of poems in tribute to growing up on the beach in the Pacific Northwest.

what people are saying

  • Poems of the point

    “I’ve long wanted to visit places in the Northwest like Gig Harbor, Washington. Now, via Lauri Cherian's beautiful poems, I can. Poems of the Point is brimming with beautiful descriptions of a special place and great truths about the power of family, loyalties and traditions. When Lauri tells me in the first poem how certain landmarks and memories bring her home to Gig Harbor it brings me home as well, to the very distant and different little East Texas town that raised me many years ago. Lauri is a gifted poet and storyteller; I will come back to this collection occasionally."

    Ron Rozelle, author of Into That Good Night, The Windows of Heaven and Touching Winter

  • Brave as Thistles

    “Lauri Cherian’s collection, Brave as Thistles, is emotional, evocative, and thoughtful in her exploration of the essence of what it means to be brave. Her poems travel through the Scottish Highlands, the heart of Norway, and the heat of Texas. It examines the metamorphosis of accepting the change and loss that accompanies mid-life’s messiness. And like the butterflies in her poem, There's Joy, it ends with bravery and hope seasoned with a dash of joy.”

    -Tracy Cram Perkins, author of Dementia Home Care

  • POEMS OF THE POINT

    "Poems of the Point recaptures a delicious childhood of bike rides, beach walks, and twenty-five-cent Snickers bars. Cherian's strong images recreate the salty shores of Puget Sound, transporting the reader to places washed by memory and love. This debut collection is a heartfelt tribute to the enduring power of place."

    -Susan Donnelly, poet and teacher

  • Brave as Thistles

    Description “This collection of poetry is transcendent. The author writes about the particulars of her experiences of travel, loss, chronic illness, pain, aging, joy and faith — but all of it has universal resonance. It is a brave and beautiful book, thanks to Lauri Cruver Cherian’s graceful writing and her vulnerability in every verse. Get at least two copies — one for you and another for a friend.”

    -Sneha Villalva, executive speechwriter UCLA

  • Poems of the Point

    "Lauri Cherian's collection, Poems of the Point, invites us to wander barefoot in the cool sands of childhood memories and family tributes. Rich in detail, from gutting Pacific Codfish (A knife is offered to whomever/ wants to pop the air sacks) to searching for moon snails (... lays her eggs in a collar of sand), Cherian's poems describe a deep attachment to home. In "Orcas" we learn: Legend says that Orcas protect/ those who travel away from home/ and will lead them back when the time comes. Cherian's poems are a delight-filled homing journey to Gig Harbor."

    -Ann Farley, author of Tell Her Yes

  • brave as thistles

    “The author has an incredible ability with her candor and transparency to evoke such emotion through her poetry. She shares her struggles of both the pain of life and the pain of disease with hope in the midst of them. I, a fighter of a degenerative disease, could so identify with many of her struggles. Therefore, many of the poems seemed to resonate with me and my situation. While reading the final poems, I felt very encouraged and inspired to resist the negative of my days and embrace the positive. I am determined to be “Brave as Thistles.”

    -Stephanie McKay, teacher and musician