The Legend of the Fire Stag - Paperback

by Sheri Phillabaum (Author), Roy Ellzey (Author), Liz Painter (Illustrator)

Winner, 2025 Conservation Society of San Antonio Publication Award

The Legend of the Fire Stag celebrates the deep connections that can form between the land and its inhabitants, human and nonhuman. This is the story of a magnificent stag who once guarded and cared for the creatures of the land that became Cielo Grande Ranch, and of the young boy who inherits his legacy.

The book will encourage children to establish a connection with nature, be in tune with their surroundings and use their imaginations.

Author Biography

SHERI PHILLABAUM is a former English professor, having held faculty positions at universities in Florida and Texas. She holds a bachelor's degree in religious studies and a Ph.D. in Renaissance drama. She lives in San Antonio with her husband, Dr. Roy Ellzey, an astronomy enthusiast, and a passionate advocate for dark skies. ROY ELLZEY is professor emeritus of computer science at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, where he served for eighteen years as chair of the Department of Computing and Mathematical Sciences. During his tenure he published multiple textbooks and other academic writings. LIZ PAINTER is a freelance artist living in the Texas Hill Country. She specializes in wildlife art, drawing inspiration from the native wildlife of the area. Liz has a bachelor of arts degree in biology from Texas A&M University. Upon graduation, she was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and served eight years of active duty, including a combat deployment.