Local children's author celebrates Christmas early with new book

Many children grow up believing two things about Christmas: There must be a chimney and there must be snow. But for Tanya Waxler, she sees the holiday different and created something universal for every Floridian child.

The Sarasota children’s author released her first official publication of the book “Santa’s Extreme Dream Team and the Hospital Mission.” On Saturday, Waxler and 1 Hot Cookie & Ice Cream in Osprey came together for a Christmas in July book signing to celebrate. Attendees could get Christmas-themed cookies and ice cream, and go outside to enjoy live holiday steel drums. 

Managing partners Eric Turner and Stan Writesel have worked with nonprofits before, but this was the first time a customer came in and asked to work together. 

“Everybody suffers a little bit in the summertime. The business just isn’t as busy as it is during season,” Turner said. “I try to concentrate on doing things for them (locals) more than anything, especially specials, and because they’re here all the time.” 

The book is focused on Santa’s special mission reindeer, which are based on Key deer found in Key West. These deer have special abilities such as invisibility and swimming. 

In this book, they must save Christmas for a little girl in the hospital named Isla, who only wants to see her kitty, Rascal.

Waxler recognizes that not every child grows up in the same conditions as the traditional Santa Claus stories told during the holiday. Now, children have the Dream Team to make their sunny Christmas magical. 

“You get the palm trees, sunshine, swimming in a pool and Santa’s gonna find you. Now he has the Dream Team, and they’ll find you no matter what. If you’re in a condo or apartment, they can make the windows disappear. They don’t need a chimney,” Waxler said.

"Santa's Extreme Dream Team, and the Hospital Mission" is sold in Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Walmart and at other book suppliers.