Childhood Experiences Inspire Johnston County Author’s ‘Orville’ Series

JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. – Johnston County native Tracy McKinley knows what it feels like to be different.

Growing up, she experienced bullying, an experience she says eventually helped inspire a children’s book character designed to encourage young readers to accept what makes them unique.

McKinley, a lifelong Johnston County resident who lives in Smithfield, is the creator of Orville the Donkey and author of Orville Goes to the Fair.

“I wanted to make a difference in children’s lives by using my own experiences to help them,” McKinley said. “Growing up, I knew what it felt like to be different, and I experienced bullying throughout my childhood.”

She said those experiences stayed with her and became part of the message behind Orville.

“They inspired me to encourage children to embrace what makes them unique, believe in themselves, and always remember that being different is something to be proud of,” McKinley said.

Now, McKinley is preparing to give Orville Goes to the Fair a second introduction to readers after an unexpected injury disrupted the book’s original launch.

Relaunch Planned In Benson

The official relaunch will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, from 1 until 3 p.m. at Mule City Feeds in Benson.

McKinley said she had planned a larger launch for the book in 2025 but broke her ankle, preventing her from carrying out the event as planned.

“Now that I’m able to move forward, we are excited to relaunch the book and give it the celebration it deserves,” she said.

She chose Mule City Feeds because of the support she has received from the business and owner Mr. Dunn.

“Mr. Dunn has always been a strong supporter of my books,” McKinley said. “His love for donkeys and mules made it feel like the perfect place to share the Orville series and its message.”

The Oct. 3 event will include an opportunity to meet McKinley and Orville, along with children’s games and activities, book signings, treats and photo opportunities.

There is no charge to attend.

Coloring Contest Underway

Leading up to the Benson event, McKinley is holding a six-week Orville Kids Club Coloring Contest.

The contest began Aug. 22 and continues through Sept. 26. A new Orville coloring page is being released each week, with one young artist selected weekly to receive an Orville’s Choice Blue Ribbon mailed to their home.

McKinley said there is no cost to enter the coloring contest or join the Orville Kids Club.

“We wanted to create something that keeps children engaged long after they finish reading the book,” she said. “The Orville Kids Club is all about kindness, creativity, friendship, and having fun together.”

In addition to coloring pages, the club includes games, recipes, activities, contests and updates about Orville.

Families can join through a QR code found inside the book or on Orville promotional materials. Updates and additional information are also available on Facebook through the My Friend Orville page.

Children attending the Oct. 3 event are encouraged to bring their completed coloring pages.

For McKinley, both the contest and the book return to the same idea that first inspired Orville — helping children understand that the qualities that make them different do not have to be something they hide.

Instead, she hopes they learn to be proud of them.