Seymour joined The Kite Club at West Ranch High School and with the help of a few other students, he built a kite strong enough to lift him up from the ground.
As the wind carried him higher, Seymour had the chance to see the Santa Clarita Valley from a bird’s-eye view and become one with the sky above.
But not long after he floated through the air, his kite malfunctioned, and he began to lose his stance. The students from the ground watching began to freak out, alarmed at what might happen next.
Would Seymour succeed in making his way down to the ground safely? Or would his fate be different?
But, Seymour isn’t a human being. He’s a fictional mouse inspired by a small critter that one day paid a visit to Adam Holland’s history class at West Ranch High School about two years ago.
Instead of coming face to face with a mouse trap, the tiny, beady-eyed rodent opened a conversation among Holland and his students, who suggested it be given a name.
“They were like, ‘Can we name it?’” Holland said in a recent phone interview. Shortly after, one of his students named the rodent Seymour.
But behind Seymour’s exciting adventure is a much deeper story.
The local high school educator always enjoyed writing but really started thinking about creating a book after he was diagnosed with brain cancer.
During his treatment journey, he wrote down meaningful quotes that helped him overcome his trials and tribulations and then began to think to himself, “Could I put this into a book? Could my experience as a cancer patient (and) survivor help somebody else?” he said.
He then published his first two religious books, titled “Anchored in the Storm: Pursuing Christ in the Midst of Life’s Trials,” and “Anchored to the Son: Pursuing Christ when the Storm Calms.”
As someone who was confronted with a life-changing event, Holland grew a new perspective on life, and began to appreciate those around him more. He also wanted the message of encouragement to reach people who needed to hear it most through his written works.
“I would hope that any book I write has some impact in how somebody could better live their lives, or get some encouragement, with whatever that could be. Cancer or school, you know each person has their own difficulties.”
Holland stepped out of his comfort zone and wrote his first novel, “The Adventures of Seymour of West Ranch,” a tale about the critter’s time exploring the school’s hallways and beyond.
The book pays homage to Holland’s school community, with many significant characters inspired by real-life people who have crossed his path in his nearly 20 years at West Ranch.
There’s Ms. Penelope, inspired by a few birds that have peeked into his classroom throughout the years, and The Crew, a tribute to former students who have since died, and teachers like Mrs. Math, Mr. Principal and Mr. Letters.
The book is meant to offer young readers universal themes related to life in high school, everyday lessons, and choosing friendship during difficult times, Holland said, but it was also written to remember those who have made an impact in his life.
“It was definitely to memorialize them and give them a place. Most of those students that have passed away, were students that had an impact on me, that had an impact on our school at the time,” Holland said, and rather than choosing random names for the characters it was a way to “honor them and just have a place (for them) in the story.”
“What I felt with the cancer, and I think what I feel with teaching, is it’s not just about me as a person. Life is a journey, and it’s about the people that you meet along the way.”
Before Seymour could bring readers into his journey of exploration, Holland knew the mouse needed a face. Keeping the community theme of the story intact, he sought out a local artist who could capture Seymour’s essence.
Sam Irazarry, a storyboard artist, was the perfect man for the job. He hand-drew the illustrations and then converted it to digital, Holland said, which he really appreciated because it was a personal touch “that I think sets it apart, and I think it provides some personality and a human element.”
Some illustrations include Seymour playing football, with his family, performing on stage and even celebrating the holidays.
Holland began writing “The Adventures of Seymour of West Ranch” during a time when it was difficult to manage balancing his overall health and making sure his students received the knowledge needed for them to succeed throughout the school year.
Although the story isn’t directly about himself, “it was a personal story.” he said. “I put my heart into it.”
Many have asked if a second book for Seymour is possible in the future. Holland said he’s had a few thoughts about it, but nothing has been solidified.
Until then, he hopes readers find a few life lessons throughout Seymour’s adventures and get a glimpse of how special West Ranch truly is.
“They took a chance on me 18 years ago, and I’m incredibly grateful for those past years. Some easy years, and difficult years, many normal and all are a blessing to me … I’m just grateful to walk this life of education with you Wildcats.”
