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?
Benny & Sam 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.