“The 30A Book,” a children’s book published by local author George Wickey, takes readers on a journey to Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A — a place known for its timeless beauty, laidback lifestyle and unique beach rituals popular with locals and visitors alike.
A Chicago native, Wickey now lives, works and plays on 30A. He fulfilled his dream of moving to the beach in 2007, and since has founded 30A Games, a small firm that specializes in creating locally-themed products that promote the area, celebrate its lifestyle and encourage people to unplug and play together. In 2013 he brought to market the area’s official Hasbro Monopoly game — the Monopoly Visit South Walton Edition.
The beautiful, hand-painted illustrations in “The 30A Book” are by Claudia Gadotti, an Italian artist living in Auckland, New Zealand. Gadotti painted each illustration using a medium of acrylic and water-soluble pastels on board. She mixed the paint with gesso and modeling paste to maintain the textured look of her work in the book’s scanned illustrations.
The book is available for sale at Sundog Books in Seaside, retailers across 30A and South Walton, and online at 30ABook.com for $18.95.
Visit Sundog Books online
An excerpt:
Sleep in a cottage on bunks stacked in threes,
Romp through playgrounds, catch fish, fly a kite and climb trees.
Tour state parks, ride a YOLO Board, watch dolphins at play!
Board games on the porch pass the whole lazy day.
Visit Seaside, WaterColor, Rosemary and Alys Beach.
Which one is my favorite?
I’d have to say each.