The cover of the book “Up on the Rooftop” is shown above. All of the illustrations were done by cartoonist Joe Engesser of Redwing, formerly of Blue Earth.

Former Blue Earth resident and well-known cartoonist Joe Engesser has done the illustrations for a new childrens’ book that deals with an unusual topic.

Roofing.

The book was written by Marcus Eytcheson, of Fairmont Roofing. The book is titled “Up on the Rooftop” and is subtitled “Marcos the roofer.”

Eytcheson says he was inspired to write the book after reading to his daughter Esme’s elementary class.

“I wished at the time that I could have read a book about what I do for a living,” he says. “I dedicate this book to all of the hard workers out there climbing on the hot roof every single day. I’m hoping this story gives them an opportunity to read to their children at night before tucking them into bed. I believe it is extremely important for children to understand what we do to provide for our families on a daily basis.”

Engesser got involved as the illustrator because Eytcheson did Engesser’s father’s roof a few years ago.

“Marcus recently contacted me about illustrating a children’s book story he had come up with,” Engesser says. “I was grateful for his kindness in dealing with my father. And besides, I really liked the genuine sentiment expressed in the story.”

Engesser says he does not typically take on these types of assignments, but he connected with this one.

“I’ve read to all three of my sons’ classes years ago and thought this was a fun idea,” he explains about the premise of a book about what a child’s parent does for a living.

The book also has a paragraph about how Marcos does his work on each page, along with that same paragraph then also in Spanish.

Engesser was not the only current or past member of his family working on the book. The credits page has “Colors by Dawnelle Engesser” and “Layout by Ryan Engesser.”

“Although Dawnelle and I are no longer married, we’ve partnered on previous book and art projects and she enthusiastically agreed to do the color work for ‘Up on the Rooftop,'” Engesser says. “And our son Ryan has collaborated on other professional book layout and design projects as well, so his expertise came in handy. Kind of a family affair.”

Engesser, who lives in Red Wing, says Eytcheson was really pleased with the outcome of the book, and plans on marketing it through his Fairmont Roofing.

Eytcheson says he has been involved in the roofing industry most of his life.

“I started from the top (come on, that’s funny), tearing off shingles and hauling tarps to the dumpster after cleanup,” he says. “I worked my way up the ladder on various roofing crews installing asphalt shingles, flat rubber roofs and metal roofs.”