AUBURN — Auna O’Leary, a sixth-grader at the Fairview Elementary School, is the winner of the 2009 Auburn Book Project.

Auna wrote her winning book, “Art Paws,” as a fifth-grader as part of an annual book-writing contest.

Auna’s original book was inspired by her love of her six cats. Fairview librarian Robin Robertson said the book captured “the true curiosity of cats. Miss O’Leary’s ‘Art Paws’ is a wonderful story of working hard, finding self-worth, and the gifts that come with the discovery,” Robertson said in a news release. The book has original illustrations which blends with the storytelling.

Book writing seems to run in her family. Her sister, Erin O’Leary, won the award in 2006 for her book, “Food To The Rescue.” They are the daughters of Julie and Kevin O’Leary of Auburn.

Auna will be honored at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Auburn Public Library. She’ll be presenting copies of her book to the library to be archived. This event will be followed by a book sale and book signing at Waldenbooks at the Auburn Mall from 1 to 3 p.m.

The other 10 finalists will also be recognized Saturday for their work. They are: Neve Billham, Sophie Charest, Michal Cwik, Delia Demers, Aurora Devoe, Danielle Gagne, Elizabeth LaRochelle, Brooke Lever, Gareth Robinson and Liz Smith.

For the past nine years, fifth- and sixth-grade students from Auburn schools have been invited to write and illustrate original books. This year more than 60 students participated.

The goal is to promote student writing. It is funded through a local benefactor, the LA Children’s fund.

Auna O’Leary, a sixth-grader at the Fairview Elementary School, has won the 2009 Auburn Book Project for her original book, “Art Paws,” inspired by her love of cats. She’ll be honored at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Auburn Public Library.

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