Children's author Roseanne Critelli has released 'Spirit of Christmas,' the third installment in The Adventures of Luca and Sonny series published by Franklin Publishers. This holiday tale follows the canine duo Luca and Sonny as they bring gifts to children at a local shelter while exploring Williamsburg's snow-covered streets, discovering that Christmas magic lies in kindness, generosity, and love.
The book continues Critelli's literary journey that began with 'Luca Meets Sonny,' which introduced the characters and explored themes of friendship, sharing, and empathy. Her second book, 'Sonny's Summertime Sillies,' celebrated summer, friendship, and community through the characters' playful antics. With 'Spirit of Christmas,' Critelli maintains her focus on universal themes that resonate with readers of all ages, particularly emphasizing kindness, inclusion, and community values.
This release represents more than just another book publication in the children's literature market. The expansion into custom Christmas merchandise available exclusively on Roseanne's website demonstrates how authors are increasingly building multimedia brands around their literary creations. This merchandise strategy creates additional revenue streams while deepening reader engagement with the characters beyond the pages of the books.
Media recognition from Newsday, a prominent Long Island newspaper, and scheduled events at Barnes & Noble locations in Manhasset and Bridgehampton indicate growing professional recognition for Critelli's work. These storytime sessions and author signings provide valuable opportunities for young readers to connect directly with the creator of stories they enjoy, potentially fostering lifelong reading habits and appreciation for literature.
The book's availability through major retailers like Amazon and traditional publisher Franklin Publishers ensures accessibility for diverse audiences. This dual distribution approach reflects current publishing industry trends where authors leverage both established publishers and direct-to-consumer platforms to reach readers. The continued popularity of the Luca and Sonny series, with its beloved characters and vibrant illustrations, suggests sustained demand for children's literature that combines engaging storytelling with meaningful life lessons.
Critelli's work exemplifies how children's authors contribute to cultural conversations about values like kindness and community while building sustainable creative careers. The seasonal timing of 'Spirit of Christmas' aligns with holiday shopping patterns, potentially increasing visibility and sales during the peak book-buying season. As families seek meaningful holiday content, books like Critelli's offer alternatives to commercial entertainment while supporting local authors and independent publishing ventures.
