By Ron Hayes
There’s a world of titles to choose from when deciding which children’s books to give this holiday season — and some of them were written close to home, by local neighbors.
Here’s a sampling set in Palm Beach County and written by Palm Beach County authors:
The Tree That Went SailingAuthor: Dennis Johnson, West Palm Beach
Illustrator: Sherrie Tengbergen
For ages: Kindergarten-age to 9 years
What’s it about?
A Palm Beach family looking for the perfect tree to grace its garden finds a green buttonwood on Ibis Isle in the Intracoastal Waterway and has it moved by crane and barge.
Where can I get it locally?
Main Street News, Classic Bookshop and Green’s Pharmacy, all in Palm Beach
Price: $21.99; coloring book version, $4.99
Author’s Web site: www.thetreethatwentsailing.com
Dead Fred, Flying Lunchboxes And The Good Luck CircleAuthor: Frank McKinney, Delray Beach
For ages: 9 and up
What’s it about?
Inspired by the author's walks to school with his daughter, this fantasy adventure features a 50-foot prehistoric Megalodon shark who lives under a drawbridge, a dead fish that talks and flying lunchboxes escorted by flying fish.
Where can I get it locally?
Barnes & Noble, Borders
Price: $18.95 retail.
Author’s Web site: www.dead-fred.com
The American Jungle: The Adventures of Charlie PierceAuthor: Harvey Oyer III, West Palm Beach
Illustrator: James Balkovek
For ages: 7 to 12
What’s it about?
Based on the actual diaries of Charlie Pierce, the author’s great granduncle, this fictionalized account dramatizes pioneer life in South Florida during the 1870s.
Where can I get it locally?
The Richard & Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum; Jupiter Lighthouse gift shop, Hand's bookstore, 325 E.Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach
Price: $19.95
Author’s Web site: www.theamericanjungle.com
Whispers From The BayAuthor: John Tkac, Delray Beach
For ages: Fifth-graders and up
What’s it about?
Winner of the 2008 Florida Book Award for young adult literature, Whispers From The Bay is the story of a young boy living on Key Biscayne in the 1950s who mysteriously learns how to telepathically talk to dolphins.
Where can I get it locally? Barnes & Noble (or online)
Price: $22.95 in stores, $13.77 online
Author’s Web site: www.whispersfromthebay.com
The Popup Story of Delray Beach: The All-American Village By The SeaAuthor: Roger Culbertson, Lake Worth
Illustrator: Al Margolis For ages: 5 and up
What’s it about?
A historically accurate account of the city and all it has to offer, with each popup page highlighting a different aspect, from Delray Beach history to arts and culture and parks and recreation. One hundred percent of the sale price supports Delray Beach public and private schools.
Where can I get it locally? Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce; Hand’s, 325 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach
Price: $25.00
Author’s Web site: www.delraypopupbook.com
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