Local author captures true meaning of Christmas

Paula Stoneback has taken the true meaning of Christmas to heart.

Originally from Walnutport, Stoneback recently penned a 44-page illustrated holiday children’s book, “North Pole East, Santa’s New Town,” and is donating a portion of the proceeds to charitable causes.

The book is geared toward children ages 5 to 11, but is really a joy for anyone who loves Christmas.

“I wanted to write a book about Christmas that kids would enjoy,” said Stoneback. “I wanted a modern-day Christmas story.”

Stoneback said her book was inspired by Clement Clarke Moore’s “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” but with a new, current twist. In her book, Santa and Mrs. Claus announce that Santa will expand his workshop and plans to enter the 21st century by going online; however, not everyone at the North Pole is happy about this change.

“Books are fun for children,” Stoneback said, “and I just hope that they love the book and have a great time while they are reading it. I hope that it stirs their creative imaginations.”

Stoneback has made several appearances with her book, signing copies and doing readings, such as last month at the Slatington Public Library, where she was joined by her sister, Patty. The pair took turns reading a few chapters from the book, along with Madden, a 7-year-old guest.

“It’s been extremely rewarding and fulfilling to see the children enjoying Christmas with my book,” said Stoneback.

While all the words are Stoneback’s, the main illustrator was Parker Simpson of South Carolina. A few of the illustrations of the main character were drawn by Julea Foley, a neighbor of Stoneback’s, who was just 9 years old when she created her drawings.

“North Pole East, Santa’s New Town” was a first for Stoneback, but it probably won’t be her last.

“I’m hoping to write a sequel to ‘North Pole East: Santa’s New Town,’” said Stoneback. “I also plan on writing a book next year based on a story about a dog who was lost in the West Virginia mountains for four months and survived.”

Stoneback now lives in Green Lane in Montgomery County. She graduated from Northern Lehigh High School in 1982. She owned a wedding photography business, Creative Images Photography, for 18 years. She also graduated from Albright College with a degree in accounting and is now employed by St. Luke’s University Health Network as an accountant.

Stoneback has chosen her employer as beneficiary of her largesse.

“Portions of the proceeds are going to St. Luke’s Hospital Pediatric Unit and to the St. Luke’s Hospital Literacy Initiative,” said Stoneback. “They are both great causes for children, and since I work at St. Luke’s, I couldn’t think of some better places for the proceeds to go to!”

“North Pole East, Santa’s New Town” is available on Amazon.com.

There is also a copy at the Slatington Public Library for those wishing to check it out there.