The Adventure of Benny and Sam
The adventures of Benny and Sam begin with Benny at the Beach. This is a story about a city pigeon named Benny who accidentally ends up at the Shore. He meets a bunch of animals, including a Local Seagull named Sam who befriends him and shows him around. It is a great story about and unlikely friendship and making new friends who might be different than you. This rhyming tale is about their adventures exploring the beach together.
Now that they have explored the Shore, Benny wants to show Sam where he is from, the City. Sam in the City is the second book in this series. As their friendship continues to grow, Sam is introduced to all that the Big City has to offer. These two birds are sure to inspire lots of little laughs as they explore new places together!
I wonder where they will go next?
These books are also easily available on AMAZON!
My Journey into Children's books...
The beauty of the beach has always been a profound inspiration for me. Growing up along the Jersey Shore, the ocean has significantly influenced both my personal and artistic growth. Inspired by my family, I embarked on writing and illustrating my first book, "Benny at the Beach," after a humorous day at the beach with my two sons. Observing a pair of seagulls attempting to snatch our food, I captured their unique personalities in a photo. The birds' comical expressions led me to create the painting "Fish Breath," which sparked the idea of featuring seagulls as characters in a children's book.
After writing my story, I taught myself to illustrate on an iPad and explored self-publishing options for my book online. This journey led to the creation of my first book, "Benny at the Beach," which was released in March 2023.
As "Benny at the Beach" concluded with a cliffhanger, I felt compelled to write a sequel. Less than year later, "Sam in the City" was published in November 2023.
These charming birds embark on adventures in both the Shore and the City, where they make new friends and discover new places. The term "BENNY" has traditionally been slang at the Jersey Shore for summer visitors from North Jersey or New York. I aim for my books to highlight the joy of encountering individuals from various backgrounds. I hope that children can learn to value diversity instead of making judgments solely based on appearances. Infused with a touch of Jersey humor, I aspire for these books to challenge the stereotypes.
A highlight of my journey as a children's book author and illustrator is engaging with students in schools and connecting with my young readers. My interactive presentations aim to inspire students to read enthusiastically and encourage them to explore their own storytelling and drawing abilities.
With "Sam in the City" also leaving readers hanging, I am confident that their story is not over.
When I'm not sketching on my iPad or brainstorming new story ideas, I am spending my time running around to different sporting events and enjoying my amazing family!
The painting that inspired the book...
This painting, Fish Breathe, was created after a very humorous day at the beach with my boys. We watched a pair of seagulls as they tried to steal our food. Their distinct personalities were captured when I snapped a photo of them. He looked so mad, and she was so annoyed with him. It just cracked me up. I had to go home and paint them! I loved the painting and thought that these entertaining birds would make fantastic characters in a children's book. Soon after, Benny and the Beach became the idea for my first book.