More than a year after Tropical Storm Irene, Vermonters are still cleaning up the mess. A new children's book simplifies the disaster for young readers. Written by Ferrisburgh resident Kevin Fitton and illustrated by Caldecott-award winner Mary Azarian, Higher Ground presents a tale of a dairy farmer whose cows were endangered by the storm. Fitton's story, which was inspired by news coverage of a Royalton farm, shows the positive side of the historic flood, focusing on the neighbors and community members who pitched in to help. Both Fitton and Azarian donated their services to produce the book, as did Orleans publisher Radiant Hen. Meet the author-illustrator team at a 7 p.m. reading on September 20 at the Bixby Memorial Library in Vergennes. Or order the book online at radianthen.com.

Higher Ground: By Kevin Fitton, with illustrations by Mary Azarian. Radiant Hen Publishing, 32 pages, $10.95, ages 4 to 7. Proceeds go to the Vermont Farm Disaster Relief Fund.