Rocky
The Okeeheelee Bandit
by
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In the safety of his nest, Rocky could not take his eyes off of his new treasure. “This is the greatest day of my life,” he thought. He gently picked it up. “Better start making friends”.
“Hello Cheery, if that’s really your name,” he said. “I’m Rocky and this is your new home!” He gestured with his paws at all the things he had stashed around the nest.
But, Cheery didn’t say a word, she just sat there.
“Don’t be afraid,” he continued. “You don’t have to talk right away. I’ll just hold your hand until you’re ready. Is that okay Cheery?” Not knowing what he was doing, Rocky accidentally pushed the activation button and symbols began to light up.
“What can I help you with?” Cheery asked sweetly.
“Well, that’s very nice of you,” Rocky answered in surprise, “but I really don’t need anything right now. Welcome to my home.”
“Would you like me to search the web for places called “welcome?” Cheery answered.
“Wow! You’re so cool,” Rocky exclaimed.
“I am? Why thanks! That’s cool.” Cheery replied. “There are six ‘welcomes’ located fairly close to you.”
“What are you talking about?” Rocky asked. This was a puzzling conversation.
“It’s been a pleasure,” Cheery said, “Okay, good-bye then.”
“Wait! Don’t go anywhere,” Rocky pleaded.
Cheery didn’t move. She just continued to sit quietly in Rocky’s nest.
“Thank you,” said Rocky.
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About the Book
Rocky Raccoon loves living on a golf course. Morning is his favorite time because that is when the treasures hidden in his nest at the top of a tall palm tree shine their brightest. But Rocky is not satisfied with the soda cans, shiny food wrappers, and coins he has already collected. There is one flashy prize he is dying to own, but he knows he cannot do it alone.
With the help of Henrietta Hawk, Rocky finally manages to snatch Billionaire Bill’s cell phone for his collection. But it is not long before he learns the valuable lesson that he should be more careful what he wishes for in life. As he attempts to make friends with the talking and squawking phone he now calls Cheery, Rocky must carefully dodge Gary Gator’s and Ranger Rick’s attempts to find it.
In this charming children’s tale inspired by a real-life event on a golf course in southern Florida, a raccoon obsessed with shiny objects discovers that the one thing he wants comes with more challenges than he ever imagined.
About the Author
Joanne Robertson-Eletto is an associate professor at St. John’s University who specializes in reading and writing development and children’s literature. Timothy is a sixth grader who likes to write and perform his own songs under the rap name of T.I.M. This is their first picture book.
Illustrator Beth Angelone, a decorated veteran of foreign war, received her BFA in painting and sculpture from the College of Sante Fe, New Mexico. She hand-sketched and illustrated the book’s vivid images using Autodesk Sketchbook Pro 6.