While Beatrice Cook of Floral Park played a geography game with her grandsons, the 37-year village resident realized how little they knew about U.S. state capitals. It was that experience that inspired her to pen a children's book, Journey With the Spider & Snake to Arizona.

"They were in awe of my knowledge and wanted to learn more so I was inspired to write my book," Cook said. "I decided to create a bedtime story that would educate and entertain them."

Cook hopes this short story is the first in a potential series of adventures about an unusual pair of friends - Betty the spider and Jake the rattlesnake. Their journey takes them to different U.S. states. Betty and Jake met in the Yuma Desert of Arizona in the first book. Jake, Cook said, is looking for Cliff, the cactus wren, and Betty joins him in the search.

"Children enjoy reading about animals and I wanted to keep the books fun," Cook continued. "Although the books were written with children in mind, I believe they will appeal to families in general."

Cook continued, adding that her books are educational but playful and interesting as well. "My books are definitely not the traditional 'dry' geography textbook but they are just as informative," she said.

"Grandma Coach," as many around town call Cook, has coached Floral Park soccer for more than two decades. She currently coaches 13-year-old boys playing for the New Hyde Park Wild Cats. The grandmother of six also plays tennis, kickboxes and volunteers in cancer hospitals.

With statistics revealing that Americans are some of the least geography-savvy people in the world, the retired economic analyst and financial officer hopes her books educate as well as entertain. Cook incorporates state facts in each short story - like the state's capital, bird or flower.

"It's important for children to become interested in the world around them at an early age," Cook said. "My grandsons inspired me to write these books for all children to learn from. My grandsons can't wait to hear what Betty and Jake will do next, and I think all children will feel the same way!"

A Journey With the Spider & Snake to Arizona was released in December 2007. It is currently available at Levine's Stationery on Tulip Avenue in Floral Park and at www.amazon.com for $14.95. Cook's next book is entitled A Journey With the Spider & Snake to California.