By 
It’s been more than two decades since 6-year-old Emily Claire Hult of Watertown succumbed to neuroblastoma, a cancer that attacks immature nerve cells. While Emily’s time on Earth was far too short, her memory lives on in everyone who knew her.
Emily Hult
Among those who can’t forget Emily is Julianne Endres of Watertown, a close friend of Emily’s parents, Bruce and Marne (Richter) Hult. Endres has written a book, “Little Bug Earns Her Spots,” in memory of Emily. The book was illustrated by Watertown artist Rebecca Hall.
Endres and Marne Hult both attended South Dakota State University at the same time, but their paths never crossed in Brookings. After graduation, they both ended up working at the Watertown Public Opinion and became close friends.
Endres participated in her friend’s wedding and, later on, their kids would play together. Endres was one of many friends of the Hults who helped them through Emily’s diagnosis, treatment and eventual passing.
Ten years passed before Endres decided to write a book honoring Emily. Writing has always been a hobby of Endres’ and a big part of her professional life, first as a feature writer for the Public Opinion and later as communications coordinator for the Watertown Area Community Foundation.
“My first story was about Princess Emily,” Endres said, “a real girl who needed to earn her spots because she was in a ladybug club. It was a cute little story, but I went through an editing process with an editor. She thought it would be a good children’s story and suggested making the main character a ladybug.
Emily enjoyed anything with spots and liked to collect ladybugs, panda bears, and Dalmatian puppies.
Endres submitted her book to a handful of publishers back then, but she got no responses.
“Of course, my feelings were hurt,” she said, “and I decided to table it; just put it aside for a while.”
But the idea of publishing a book to honor Emily stayed with her over the years, because “it was something I really wanted to do.”
Then came retirement and grandchildren for Endres, so last year she decided to revisit the book, tweak it, and get it published, 15 years after she first decided to write it.
“I thought about self-publishing it,” Endres said, “but that route was very daunting.”
That’s when Endres’ friend, Laurie Danforth of Watertown suggested, she contact Lisa Fahey for help and guidance. Fahey is an author and former Watertown resident who now owns Farmhouse Publishing in Spearfish, S.D. Endres says Fahey was invaluable in getting the book published.
Endres also enlisted Hall, a talented artist, to illustrate the book. Hall works mainly in watercolors and has donated paintings to several local charities for fundraising events. Endres’ book is the first one Hall has illustrated.
The two have worked together extensively over the past several months to complete the book.
“We knew each other a little bit before this,” Hall said, “but we’ve worked extensively together over the past several months and have become close friends.”
“Little Bug Earns Her Spots” is a story about a baby ladybug who was born without spots. Her mother tells her: “Do good deeds. Think kind thoughts. That’s how a ladybug earns her spots!”
So Little Bug follows her parental advice and spends her time being kind and helping others, eventually earning all of her spots.
The book is now available online on Amazon and Tinderbloom, and it will be available at DDR Books in downtown Watertown. All royalties from the first year of sales will go to Make-A-Wish of South Dakota & Montana.
Make-A-Wish granted a wish for Emily Hult, constructing a playhouse in her backyard.
In the book’s dedication, Endres wrote: “It is my hope that this story will continue to be Emily’s legacy, as well as a lasting legacy for those involved with the book’s production. May it bring joy to those who read it, wishes to more children, and also a first lesson in life … that kindness matters.”
“Our goal with helping the organization is to actually grant a wish for someone,” Endres said.
Endres and Hall will be featured at an author talk on Saturday, March 14 at DDR Books and will sign copies of their book afterward.
This picture of a ladybug was drawn by Emily Hult. Courtesy photo.
