WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Vacations are in full swing as families grasp what’s left of the summer days and nights. Although some beloved pets are left behind while their humans hit the waves and bask in the sun, others, like Waffles the guinea pig and her furry friends, are along for the ride in a recently released children’s book, “Waffles Goes to the Beach,” by author Tom Speicher, a writer/video producer at Pennsylvania College of Technology.
As with all Speicher's books, a portion of sales will benefit a good cause: A portion of the proceeds from this latest installment, as well as from the first Waffles book — “A Week with Waffles" — and the young adult novel “Bucky Deacon’s Dilemma,” of which Speicher was a co-author, will be donated to Penn College’s Emergency Scholarship Fund. The initiative offers programs in support of students facing unforeseen financial hardships that may impact their ability to remain at the college. For the second Waffles book, "A Day with Waffles and Alexis," a donation of proceeds was made to Penn State Women’s Rugby.
“Behind each one of Tom’s fun and light-hearted books is true experience, meaning and purpose,” said Loni N. Kline, senior vice president for College Relations at Penn College. “That’s exactly how I would describe his goal for the Emergency Scholarship Fund. The proceeds benefiting the scholarship are creating a path for students to continue their education and create and follow their own dreams and purpose. I’m grateful for Tom’s thoughtful generosity.”
About the book
In this third installation in the Waffles series, best friends Waffles, Cashew, Leon and Django take on the waves, explore the boardwalk, build sandcastles and, of course, relax. Each of the books has been brought to life by Argentinian illustrator Marina Saumell.
“Waffles is the main character in all the books,” Speicher said. “I’m included at times, as well as my partner, Maria. Beloved pets Cashew the dog, and cats, Leon and Django, are also included in the books. Cashew belongs to a family friend, and Leon and Django were adopted by Maria’s daughter, Nicole, and son-in-law, Dylan.”
All three animals, he added, play a major role alongside their friend Waffles, Speicher’s late guinea pig. A pet for his daughter, Waffles spent the last few years in his care, Speicher said.
“She was a fun, unique guinea pig,” Speicher said. “She loved her grapes but hated getting her nails clipped!”
The inspiration for the series began, Speicher said, when he wrote a press release in 2021 about the publication of a book written by Megan E. Rogers, information desk assistant at Penn College, which had been illustrated by Saumell.
“Seeing Megan’s book and talking with her illustrator inspired me to do my own book for kids based on Waffles,” Speicher said. “I wrote the manuscript for ‘A Week with Waffles’ to help teach kids the days of the week.”
He later reached out to Saumell to illustrate the book, he said, and the result was a series of colorful, vibrant pages that come to life and inspire creative thought and conversation when paired with a question related to each page’s content. On one page, Waffles and the gang race toward the beach, floaties, umbrellas and balls in hand, under the careful watch of Tom and Maria. “Who,” the book asks, “looks after you?” Later, as night falls and the family enjoys the sights from the Ferris wheel – a full moon, the bright ocean and dolphins just offshore – readers are asked “Who are some friendly animals that you know?”
“I think the questions make all the ‘Waffles’ books unique,” Speicher said, adding that the Waffles series is written with preschool through early elementary-aged students in mind. “Many parents have told me that they appreciate the questions because reading the books becomes an interactive experience. Of course, Marina’s beautiful illustrations add a distinctive element to that experience. She has definitely brought the characters to life. She does amazing work. Her artistry and attention to detail are second to none. I especially love how she always has Waffles’ tongue out when engaged in activities. I also appreciate that she makes Maria and I look younger in every book.”
To contact Speicher, email tspeiche@pct.edu.
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