Big Al comes to Russellville

The University of Alabama is known for many things: education, football – and Big Al. The famous elephant mascot who leads fans and incites spirit in Tuscaloosa will be at the Russellville Public Library Nov. 10 from 6-8 p.m. with author Missy Richey.

“We’re excited to have this in Russellville,” said RPL board president Cheri McCain.

Richey, a Tuscaloosa elementary schoolteacher, wrote a children’s picture book published in April titled “Big Al, Big Al, What Do You See?” The story chronicles what Big Al sees as he enjoys an Alabama football game.

Richey said second- and third-grade students from The Capitol School in Tuscaloosa, where she teaches, helped illustrate the book.

“She will be selling copies of the book, and there will be tailgate-style refreshments at the event,” RPL director Ashley Cummins said.

Children younger than 18 will be eligible to enter a drawing for a football signed by coach Nick Saban. Nick’s Kids Foundation donated the football.

Richey has a special history with the University of Alabama, which led to her writing of the book. She said it all started when she was a little girl watching the games with her large extended family. She went on to graduate from UA with a degree in early childhood education, and now her son is a drummer in the university’s marching band, the Million Dollar Band.

She has dedicated this book to all of the students she has taught over the years; her relatives who were and are educators; and her father and uncles.

“I want to thank our sponsors – the Book Lovers Study Club and the Russellville Water Department – for helping make this possible,” Cummins said.