Book author creates father son series

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) - Author and single dad, Fred Neff writes children's books, designed to inspire parents to spend more time doing things with their children.

His latest book: Pirate Calvin Meets The Wise Seaport Rat is another in his Calvin and Dad series.

"I hope Calvin and Dad stories inspire parents everywhere to invest more time doing simple things in life with their kids...to draw out the extraordinary love that children are just waiting to give in return for their time. This is what creates precious moments and wonderful memories," says Neff.

Neff lives and writes in the Seaport town of Mystic, Connecticut. He's enjoyed rhyming since before he can remember, and after seven books, he can still be found at his favorite writer's lair, Friendly's Restaurant in Mystic, rhyming his stories over breakfast and a fresh pot of coffee.

His young son, Calvin, has inspired him to write numerous children's stories, including the Calvin and Dad series which includes, The Memory Tree which is a true Christmas story about two trees, one of which brings back memories each year.

Other books in the series include Grocery Shopping with Dad, Always an adventure for Dad with Calvin on the loose, Calvin and the Red Neck Wagon, another true adventure as Calvin and Dad visit Auntie Carol and Uncle Loren on their southern plantation in Goochland Virginia, and Pirate Calvin meets the Wise Seaport Rat, an adventure in imagination where young Calvin chases a dream to be a pirate at Schooner Seaport.

Calvin chases the flamboyant rascal throughout the shipyard and up onto the legendary pirate ship, Myles B. Shogun, where he faces and overcomes his greatest fear, climbing to the crow's nest atop the tallest mast, where he finds the pesky critter brimming with wise advice for a youngster willing to listen. There he encourages Calvin to share his quest with other children, so they can learn to overcome their fears and chase after dreams of their own imagination.

Other children's stories include: The Great Mouse Caper, Popular Yarn, and many more.

Coming out in September, 2011: Can Gi-Normus the Tow Truck and Squawky Palone Save Christmas.

Coming out in October, 2011: I Live in Two Houses, Calvin and Dad ponder the realities of divorce, and the lifestyle changes each household brings.