The official launch of Tom Catalano’s new children’s Christmas book, “The Wish List: Putting Others Before Yourself,” will take place Oct. 16 at Brown Sparrow Books in Crossville.
Fairfield Glade author Catalano and Lake Tansi artist Debbie Goodwin will be there to personally sign copies from noon-5 p.m.
Catalano said “The Wish List: Putting Others Before Yourself” is the rhyming story of a young child making out a list of what she’d like Santa to bring her for Christmas.
“She is excited about the prospect of getting a lot of gifts from Santa, but has a change of heart when she overhears a poor boy and his father talking behind her,” he said. “What happens next is a touching reminder to consider the needs of others before yourself.”
Catalano said the book is ideal for any child looking forward to getting gifts from Santa Claus.
“The Wish List: Putting Others Before Yourself” is Catalano’s 16th published book. It is his first fully illustrated book with hand-drawn art.
The colorful illustrations were all drawn by Goodwin. No AI was used in the writing or illustrations.
“I didn’t want the book to look cartoonish, like so many children’s books,” Catalano said. “The moral of the story is too important to have the book seem like a joke. That is why I decided to work with an artist who is known for her realistic works.”
Goodwin has won multiple awards for her artwork. Most recently, she won Best of Tennessee Champion at the Tennessee State Fair in August. It was her third time winning that particular award.
Catalano, an award-winning author, has written more than 2,000 poems. Many have appeared in magazines and newspapers across North America. His mystery/suspense fiction has been published in science fiction anthologies. He has given hundreds of presentations at schools, clubs, and community events around the U.S.
“The Wish List: Putting Others Before Yourself” (36 pages, paperback) was soft-launched last month with limited availability to gauge reader response.
“I’m extremely pleased,” Catalano said. “People have said we need more kindness in the world, and my book helps promote that. It’s time to roll it out!”
Brown Sparrow Books is at 229 Interstate Drive in Crossville. Books are available for purchase; there is no additional cost to have the book signed or personalized.