When author Andrea Mower began writing her first book, "Boss & Hunky: The Adventures of an Out-of-Work Gargoyle," she intended it to be a chapter book targeted to 8- to 13-year-olds. As it turns out, the story and characters in the book, which covers topics such as friendship, loyalty and hope, actually offer life lessons to adults as well.

"The artist in me wanted to create a fanciful story that children could embrace, and the professional in me wanted to relay a message to which readers of all ages could relate," Mower said of her new book.

Mower, who splits her time between homes in Exton and Brigantine, N.J., works in the human resources field, and she has used lessons learned in the business to create the book. "I always joked around that I was going to write a book and the (people I met) were all going to be in it," she shared.

The story revolves around two gargoyles, Boss and Hunky, who adorn a 200-year-old structure in the fictional city of Metanoia. After the building is set to be demolished, the two are separated. A wealthy aristocrat acquires Hunky, but because Boss has a broken ear, he is scheduled to be sent to the grinder. After four seasons and a series of incidences and mishaps, the friends are reunited with the help of Don, one of their favorite pigeons.

"I was actually in Brigantine on the beach and my husband, Tim, and I saw this art deco (building) that used to be the Brigantine Inn. I thought there should be gargoyles on the building," said Mower. "(I began thinking), 'What happens to a gargoyle if their building is torn down?' 'What would happen if they lost their jobs and what could they do for a living?' My husband said it sounded like a good story, which is where the idea came from."

She began the book in 2017, and it was published in the fall 2021. "I started to write 'Boss and Hunky' as a children's play. In the beginning of the book there is a lot of dialogue as they sit on top of the building and talk about their fate," she recalled. "Then, I turned it into a chapter book. As people started reading my draft, (I realized) this relates to everyone."

The book is highlighted by questions at the end of each chapter, which encourage readers to discuss concepts that are covered in the dialogue. "People can use it as a workbook," she said. "People tell me this is a great business tool."

Mower chose animator Robert Bahn to illustrate the book. "Robert and I went to the University of the Arts, but we graduated 31 years apart. I found him on the alumni website," she said. "We met, he read the book and he got it. He (created) the pictures of the gargoyles that were in my head."

Currently, Mower is planning a second book in the series, "Boss and Hunky: The Disappearance of the Despondent Doorstop."

"Every book will have a lesson. The lesson in the first book talks about being displaced (and) having to find your way," she said. "The next one will talk about (what to do) when you are taken for granted."

For more information about the book, visit http://www.facebook.com/BossAndHunky or contact Mower at thehrgoddess@comcast.net.