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Over 30 years ago, San Mateo resident Scott Sollers would hand-write and illustrate storybooks to read to his daughter Stephanie at night. Stephanie is now 35 years old and Sollers is publishing her bedtime stories for the first time, looking to share them with a new generation.
Sollers grew up in Spokane, Washington, and would often spend his summers as a child reading and playing outside. As an active reader, Sollers said that reading book series such as “Nancy Drew” and “Horiatio Hornblower” gave him the vivid imagination that allowed him to write unique stories for his children. He’s written over 10 children’s books throughout the years.
The first story to get published is “A Tall Tale: How Ostriches Got Their Long Necks and Long Legs,” a fable about two rival communities: the Have-Alls, who live on fertile land with their pet Squatz, and the Have-Nots, who inhabit a desolate valley. Driven by jealousy, the Have-Nots steal the Squatz from the other village, leading to a game of tug-of-war in which the Squatz get caught in the middle. The story “teaches young readers about the pitfalls of envy and the virtues of compromise and collaboration.”
“All my stories are family-oriented, and there’s a challenge or a conflict that needs to be addressed,” Sollers said.
When Stephanie was 5 years old, Sollers would sit in bed with his daughter at night and use his creativity and imagination to come up with stories. Occasionally he would jot down storylines, but would often tell her stories off the cuff. After so many stories, he bought a blank book and started to write them all out, including simple illustrations to accompany the text.
All of Sollers’ books are dedicated to his daughter. In the top right corner of every book is a label with the text “Stephanie’s Stories,” and written inside is an acknowledgement dedicated to her.
As a mother, Stephanie Sollers is able to read her father’s books to her own 3-year-old son, who also shares a love of bedtime stories. She and her husband read him anywhere from three to nine books a night, she said.
“As a parent now, I am beyond impressed by these stories. Thirty years later, my dad is continuing the commitment to them and giving them new life,” she said.
Scott Sollers said he has more books in the publication pipeline, including Stephanie’s favorite story titled “Lake Omigosh.” “A Tall Tale” has already been recognized with a Gold Mom’s Choice Award and a Literary Titan Award.
Sollers said parents and grandparents have told him their child will ask them to read the book to them three to four times. “How often does that happen!” Sollers said.
For other aspiring children’s book authors, Sollers said persistence and organization is key. “You can’t dilly dally around. You’ve got to focus on it, you’ve got to be disciplined. It takes work but it’s not work, it’s fun,” he explained.
Proceeds from his book will also be donated to the San Francisco Zoo’s Leanne B. Roberts African Savanna habitat. “A Tall Tale” will also be available at the zoo’s gift shop.
Sollers’ book was released Aug. 6 and is available for purchase through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. He will also be holding a book reading and signing Aug. 24 from noon to 2 p.m. at the San Francisco Zoo and Sept. 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble in Burlingame.
For more information on Sollers and his books, visit scottsollersauthor.com.
