Victor E. Huskie might as well be a star. He has hundreds of fans, shows up to a variety of NIU sporting events and newest of all, he put out a new book.

“Hello, Victor E. Huskie!” is a children’s book that follows the mascot through the NIU campus to a football game where Victor E. cheers his team to victory. The story was published by Mascot Books, located in Chantilly, Va.

Ashley LePard, author of the book and athletic department marketing assistant, said the revenue made by the book will be used as a fundraiser.

“We’re using it as a fundraiser to send the cheerleaders to nationals in Daytona, Fla.,” LePard said.

However, the book is not just for the cheerleaders’ trip.

“We [decided to make the book] to get out into the community more,” LePard said. “It’s something we thought was a good idea for children to have.”

Mascot Books CEO Naren Aryal said a book like Victor E. Huskie’s is a different way to support a sports team.

“Books represent a unique product for families to appreciate alma maters or favorite teams,” Aryal said.

Although the book was published in late August, it did not reach the shelves of some stores until October.

Jodie Wolff, store manager of Barnes and Noble, 2439 Sycamore Road, said a signing was held on Sunday, Nov. 16 to promote the book.

“Victor and the NIU cheerleaders came for the signing and meet and greet,” Wolff said.
Book readings are in the works for Victor E. and the NIU cheerleaders.

“We’re reading [the book] at different elementary schools in the area,” LePard said. “We’re going to Rochelle this week, and we’re looking to send some cheerleaders to some of the local schools.”

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