Sometimes, there is nothing better than cuddling up with your child and good book on a hot summer day. You can read by the beach or pool, or stay inside to enjoy the comfort of an air-conditioned room. Local authors make this a special experience by bringing a touch of Southwest Florida to the pages of these new picture books.
Martin the Mouse books
by Richard Ballo
Naples resident Martin Ballo’s latest book, Martin the Mouse in a Green House, is due this summer. The book includes illustrations and descriptions of various plants, from ground cover to trees so parents can help their children identify the greenery. He also wrote Martin the Mouse in the Firehouse along with Martin the Mouse in a Haunted House, Martin the Mouse in Santa’s House, and Martin the Mouse in the White House. Martin the Mouse books are available at www.richardballo.com and Amazon.com.
Dave Asks Permission
by Joy Good
Estero resident Joy Good took a story about her granddog and turned it into a picture book. The book is a true story about Dave, the dog, taking a cookie off the counter and asking permission to eat it. The tale teaches kids about integrity. The book, published in October 2023, is the first in a series of Dave books. Find it at joygood.net and Amazon.com.
Gilbert’s Migration Vacation
by Susan Levine
Naples resident Susan Levine creates picture books that fascinate all ages. Her newest one, published in July 2023, features the story of Gilbert as he migrates from Canada to Marco Island. While little ones love his adventures, older kids and parents will be entertained and educated by the wealth of shorebird facts that line the margins of this book. Find the book at www.susanlevinebooks.com and Amazon.com.
Lexi Lop and the Best Bunny Facts Ever
by Andrea Stetson
In this book, published in March 2024, Lexi is about to become a big sister, so she wants to learn all about baby bunnies. Readers start a journey with Lexi to discover some amazing facts about her furry family. Also check out Lexi Lop and the Best Library Book Ever, Lexi Lop and the Best Egg Hunt Ever and Lexi Lop and the Last Day of School.
The books are available at LexiLop.com (use coupon code FriendsOfLexi for a discount) and Amazon.com.
Wrigley at the White House
by Karna Small Bodman
Karna Small Bodman, a Port Royal resident, was deputy press secretary and the highest-ranking woman on the Reagan White House staff. Bodman writes about four-year-old twins who live in the White House and get a puppy for their birthday. The story follows the funny antics of this pup as he creates havoc in the nation’s capital while also solving a mystery for the president. Published in March 2023, this is the first in a series of Wrigley Books. Find the book at www.karnabodman.com and Amazon.com.
A (mostly) Kids’ Guide to Naples, Marco Island, and The Everglades
by Karen Bartlett
When Karen Bartlett of Naples set out to create a guidebook, she made it timeless. Instead of prices and outdated times before it was even published, Bartlett filled her book with fun facts and illustrations. It’s a road map to regional discovery for the entire family. Get the book at www.mostlykidsguides.com, Amazon.com, and local gift shops.
Ollie Finds a New Home
by Roseanne Pawelec
Marco Island resident Roseanne Pawelec was so fascinated by burrowing owls that she wrote a picture book about them in 2015.
The story features an owl named Ollie who must find a new home with his family. It showcases the little owl’s fears of moving and the friendships that help make the adjustment easier.
Get the book at Amazon.com and Marco Island bookshops.
Poppy the Awesome Opossum and the Book of Runes
by Julie LeBriton
Julie LeBriton of Naples wanted her books to be fun, adventurous, and educational. In the first book of a planned trilogy, Poppy the Awesome Opossum is starting to question what life is about. This book combines the quest adventure with knowledge about runes and Norse mythology. Get the book at www.julielebriton.com and Amazon.com.
N is for Naples
by Lisa Trebilcock
This alphabet book features everything Naples from A is for Alligator to Z is for Zzz at the end of a long day in paradise, and every letter in between. Even the letter Q didn’t stump this author. The rhyming picture book, published in 2012, introduces children to the nuances of Naples. Get the book at Amazon.com.
Toofer & The Giblet
by Paulette LeBlanc
The Toofer & The Giblet series was created by Pine Island author Paulette LeBlanc and Ukrainian artist Dmitry Morozov. At the heart of the series is a deep friendship, revealed through the innocence and wisdom of its characters. Available at www.tooferandthegiblet.com or www.dragonhorsepublishing.com.
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