Published: March 27, 2008 12:23 am            

Former attorney general will sign book

Transcript Staff

Oklahoma author Larry Derryberry will sign copies of his book "The Oklahoma Scranimal" 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Borders Books Music Movies -- Cafe, 300 Norman Center Court.

As a young boy, growing up on a farm in Jackson County, Derryberry wondered what would happen if five farm animals -- a cow, sheep, horse pig and duck -- were picked up by a tornado and stirred together like a skillet full of scrambled eggs. Fifty years later, he wrote a book about his idea, "The Oklahoma Scranimal."

Derryberry has been sharing stories about his Oklahoma-designated centennial book in various book stores and schools in Oklahoma.

Graduating from Altus High School in 1957, he received his law degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1963. As a junior in law school, he was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives, where he served eight years.

In 1979, Derryberry was elected attorney general of Oklahoma and reelected in 1974.

Several years ago, Derryberry began writing poems and stories for his four grandchildren, now aged 8-11. After his wife, Gale, gave him a musical keyboard, he put many of his works to music and continues to entertain his grandchildren with stores about Papa Derryberry's farm.

When a friend read his Scranimal story, it was suggested that he submit it to Tate Publishing Company. Tate sent him a contract within a day after they reviewed his book.

Gale Derryberry did the illustrations and the accompanying CD has Derryberry signing with other Oklahomans who provided the voices for the individual animals. Gov. Brad Henry is the voice of the sheep, Oklahoma's Miss America Jayne Jayroe is the duck, former Oklahoma football coach Barry Switzer is the voice of the pig, rancher and horseman Bob Funk vocalizes as the horse, gymnast Nadia Comaneci is the cow and war hero Gen. Tommy Franks is "The Oklahoma Scranimal."

Derryberry practices law full time at the Derryberry -- Naifeh firm in Oklahoma City, but during his free time he continues writing stories and composing songs for children. The book he is working on, which will be published in late spring is "The Scranimal-apolis 500," featuring the Scranimal as the referee of a race between zoo and farm animals.

        

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