Ollie the Elf and the Surfing Surprise!
Get ready to ride the waves this holiday season! My newest children’s book, Ollie the Elf and the Surfing Surprise, arrives November 3rd — just in time to kick off the Christmas spirit with a splash of seaside fun.
This festive story follows Ollie, a North Pole elf who dreams of trading snowflakes for surfboards. When Santa gives him the chance of a lifetime, Ollie discovers that the greatest gifts aren’t always found under the tree — sometimes they’re the experiences, friendships, and dreams we chase.
Full of rhymes, laughter, and coastal charm, Ollie the Elf and the Surfing Surprise blends holiday magic with beachside joy. It’s perfect for any family who loves the sea, the holidays, or a story that makes you smile from cover to cover.
The Adventure of Benny and Sam
Dive into the whimsical world of Benny and Sam, a delightful children's book series written and illustrated by Caitlin Accurso! The adventures begin with "Benny at the Beach," where Benny, a city pigeon, finds himself unexpectedly at the Shore. There, he meets Sam, a friendly local seagull, who introduces him to the beauty of beach life. This charming rhyming tale emphasizes the importance of friendship and acceptance, showing young readers that true connections can flourish between the most unlikely companions.
The journey continues with "Sam in the City," where Benny excitedly takes Sam on a tour of his hometown. As they explore the vibrant streets and iconic sights, children will giggle at their humorous escapades and learn about the joys of exploring new environments together. This second installment further strengthens their bond, teaching readers the value of embracing differences and learning from one another.
With enchanting illustrations and heartwarming narratives, the Benny and Sam series is perfect for children ages 4 to 8. Each book is designed to inspire laughter and spark imagination, making them ideal additions to any child's library. Start your adventure with Benny and Sam today, and watch as your young readers discover the magic of friendship and exploration!
I wonder where they will go next?
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 a 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 and to teach children to value diversity instead of making judgments based solely on appearances. Infused with a touch of Jersey humor, I hope these stories encourage kindness and understanding while celebrating the quirks of coastal life.
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 knew Benny and Sam’s adventures weren’t over—but this time, I wanted to bring something entirely new to life. That spark led to my next story, Ollie the Elf and the Surfing Surprise, a whimsical Christmas tale that combines my love of the beach with the magic of the holidays. This story follows a North Pole elf who dreams of riding waves instead of building toys, capturing the same heart and humor found in my earlier books while adding a festive, coastal twist.
When I’m not sketching on my iPad or brainstorming new story ideas, I’m usually running between sporting events, beach days, and creative projects with 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.
