Sidney Lanier is not just the name of a poet.

He is also a big dog, and the star of local author Sally Hursey’s new children’s book, “Big Sid.”

Hursey and her husband, Hugh, rescued Sid when they found him as a malnourished puppy living in a water pipe. Hursey always thought he was the “funniest dog in town” and would be a perfect character for a children’s book, she said.

Tim Davis contributed illustrations to the book.

This is Hursey’s second children’s book. Her first was “Molly To The Rescue,” about a rescue dog who becomes an elite service dog for a veteran.

The Book Shelf in Tryon, will host a launch party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday for Hursey and her new book. Guests may enjoy dog bone shaped cookies and drawings for prizes, along with the book signing.

Hursey will also sign her book from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at Hub City in Spartanburg.

– Submitted by Linda List