INEZ — Eastern Kentucky author and historian Joe Clark has released two beautifully illustrated children’s books that shine a light on one of Martin County’s most remarkable stories — the life of Martin Himler and the Hungarian immigrant community of Himlerville.

The first book, “Martin Himler: The Boy with Big Dreams,” tells the inspiring true story of Martin Himler, a Hungarian immigrant who arrived in America with little more than determination. After working in the coal mines of Kentucky, Himler went on to establish the town of Himlerville in 1919, a community built on pride, hard work, and the American dream.

Through simple storytelling and warm illustrations, the book takes young readers through Martin’s journey from Hungary, across the ocean, into the coalfields, through the building of Himlerville, and even into his later years as a U.S. Army veteran and journalist.

The companion book, “The Little Town of Himlerville,” introduces children to the town itself. Using friendly narration and colorful artwork, it paints a picture of what daily life was like in Himlerville — the homes, schools, gardens, dances, and close-knit community that thrived there before floods and the Great Depression brought it to an end.

“These books are about more than history,” Clark said. “They’re about dreams, courage, and community. Martin Himler believed in building something better, and his story still speaks to us today.”

A portion of the proceeds from both books will be donated to the Save the Himler House Project, a community effort to preserve the historic home of Martin Himler in Himlerville, Martin County, Kentucky. Both books are now available in paperback and Kindle editions through Amazon.

Clark, who has devoted his career to preserving Appalachian stories, said his goal is to help young readers see how ordinary people can do extraordinary things, a message that echoes the enduring spirit of Himlerville itself.