The book, which celebrates everyone's favorite ice cream flavor, marks the store's 20th anniversary on South State Street.
NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — Upper Makefield children’s book author Shari Faden Donahue has penned another whale of a tale. And this time it’s all about one of her favorite subjects - ice cream.
In her fifth book, “Zebra Striped Whale’s Ice Cream Party,” Donahue takes her readers on another magical journey under the sea, this time with a mermaid and a cast of sea creatures as they reveal their favorite ice cream flavors.
"Mermaid sings happily, 'How scrumptious, how sweet. I love strawberry ice cream. It's my favorite treat."
"Oh no no," Carbbie cries. "That's a terrible flavor. Cookies and cream is the one that I favor."
As each creature argues why their flavor is the best, the Zebra Striped Whale enters the conversation, spouting, “Of course, we’re all different. No one is wrong or right. Ice cream with friends makes the world extra bright.”
“Everyone feels very strongly about their ice cream,” said Donahue. “And that comes through in the pages of the book. The idea is that ice cream is a smile maker and gives a connection, but also to remember that everyone has their likes and dislikes, and that’s okay.”
As a special treat, the book includes the instructions for making Zebra-Striped Whale's favorite: A Poka Dot Sundae, with the explicit instructions to "Eat right away."
Donahue published the new book in celebration of the 20th anniversary of her Newtown ice cream store. She and her husband, Tom, opened the one-of-a-kind store on South State Street two decades ago, naming it after the star of her books - the Zebra-Striped Whale.
“We had no idea what we were doing. I never had a store like this. It was just a dream,” Shari laughed, remembering that on opening day when they went to make a milkshake, they had no milk. “People were so nice and understanding,” she said.
The book-themed ice cream parlor has since become a must-experience destination in Bucks County with its whimsical decor and its delicious assortment of ice cream treats, including crepes, sundaes, and smoothies.
Husband Tom can often be found behind the counter using a frozen granite slab to make the store’s signature “Whirlwinds” by hand-whirling an array of gourmet toppings together into a luscious ice cream, yogurt or sorbet treat.
The store makes you wish you were a kid again with its fun, elegant, eclectic atmosphere with free Wi-Fi, thematic party packages for children and adults, a children’s library, original art exhibit, beautifully-wrapped chocolate pretzel gift trays and ice cream cakes.
“It’s really cool to have books associated with our store and that the character of the whale has grown with us," said Donahue. "I also love the store and the books because it connects me to my dad.”
Donahue, a book author/illustrator and publisher, made a splash 22 years ago when she published her first Zebra-Striped Whale children’s book, inspired by her father, who was an avid reader and who loved the ocean.
“My dad was a big swimmer and he loved the ocean,” she said. “The whale is a symbol of my dad. And yes, he loved ice cream.”
The new book is available for purchase at the Zebra-Striped Whale on South State Street in Newtown and through Amazon.
Her other Zebra-Striped Whale books include: Polka-Dot Power, the Alphabet Book, Zebra-Striped Whale With A Polka-Dot Tail, and the Zebra-Striped Whale: A Mask ... You Ask?”