![\"Danette\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/E7AYAJUNPFAWTKF4FJ66ZGMZZU.jpeg\")
Author, Danette Vigilante has penned “The Sand Beneath the Waves.” (Courtesy\/Danette Vigilante)(Courtesy\/Danette Vigilante)<\/p>\nEditor\u2019s Note: Welcome to Inside Out, our weekly roundup of stories about Staten Islanders making waves, being seen, supporting our community and just making our borough a special place to live. Have a story for Inside Out? Email Carol Ann Benanti at benanti@siadvance.com.<\/p>\n
Author, Danette Vigilante has penned “The Sand Beneath the Waves.” (Courtesy\/Danette Vigilante)(Courtesy\/Danette Vigilante)<\/p>\n
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 Seasoned author, Danette Vigilante, has now penned what she describes as a feel-good story that blends science, storytelling, and simple hands-on learning.<\/p>\n
And her latest work couldn\u2019t come at a better time, since the back-to-school year is just around the corner.<\/p>\n
The Staten Island resident, who was raised in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, reveals her new picture book titled \u201cThe Sand Beneath the Waves,\u201d invites young readers to venture \u201con a lyrical, fact-filled journey beneath the sea.\u201d<\/p>\n
She explains the book is primarily designed for children in Pre-K to grade four and basically encourages curiosity about nature and science through \u201cvibrant art and imaginative prose.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2018The Sand Beneath the Waves\u2019 invites young readers to frolic through coral reefs, swirling currents, burrowing clams \u2014 and even a prancing octopus \u2014 all while exploring the ocean\u2019s role in shaping the sand we walk on, the talented author continues.<\/p>\n
![\"Danette\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/6J2ABQCSCZEWBJQI6I6SVBGWKE.JPG\")
A page from “The Sand Beneath the Waves,” by Danette Vigilante. (Courtesy\/Danette Vigilante)Staten Island Advance<\/p>\n
What\u2019s more, the gentle and imaginative picture book \u2014 with illustrations by Olga Seregina \u2014 inspires curiosity about the natural world and all that it entails \u2014 blends playful rhyme with real elements of ocean science.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith vivid illustrations and poetic language, it\u2019s a perfect read-aloud for classrooms, beach lovers, and budding marine explorers,\u201d Vigilante gushes.<\/p>\n
The adorable tale is geared mainly for ages 4 through 9, inasmuch as it provokes wonder, sparks questions, and brings the magic of the sea to life \u2014 one page at a time.<\/p>\n
In what translates into a new and exciting endeavor, Vigilante reports that she plans to visit New York City area schools and New York Public libraries with an unusual author experience: She\u2019ll have real coral, seashells, and sand in tow to offer kids \u201ca tactile and memorable introduction to marine life and science \u2014 a fun, immersive experience where education meets imagination.\u201d<\/p>\n
She opines that her book isn\u2019t written from a scientist\u2019s perspective, but rather from \u201cthe lens of a curious storyteller, someone who\u2019s always been fascinated by the ocean and wanted to share that wonder in a way that feels both magical and educational.<\/p>\n
Marine educator Melissa Cristina M\u00e1rquez commented that \u201cThe Sand Beneath the Waves\u201d is \u201c\u2026 an absolutely charming story: lyrical, playful, and full of wonder. It weaves science and storytelling in a way that feels both magical and educational.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vigilante is thrilled to spread the word and share a spotlight on ocean learning, local literacy, and the power of storytelling during this upcoming school year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Sand Beneath the Waves,\u201d is available on Amazon.<\/p>\n
A LITTLE ABOUT THE AUTHOR<\/b><\/p>\n
Vigilante resides in Dongan Hills with her family and her energetic pup, Juniper.<\/p>\n
In addition to \u201cThe Sand Beneath the Waves,\u201d Vigilante also is the author of \u201cTia Lugo Speaks No Evil,\u201d which has garnered several prominent accolades, including a Moonbeam Children\u2019s Book Award Gold Medal, a Bronze Medal at The Independent Publisher Book Awards for multicultural fiction (JUV\/YA), and an Honorable Mention at the International Latino Book Awards. <\/p>\n
Her other works include \u201cThe Trouble With Half a Moon,\u201d a Sunshine State Young Readers Award nominee, and \u201cSaving Baby Doe,\u201d named to the New York Public Library\u2019s 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing list.<\/p>\n
Vigilante publishes her books through Chi Chi Publishing Company which was named for her maternal grandmother.<\/p>\n
MORE ABOUT VIGILANTE<\/b><\/p>\n
A passionate advocate for literacy, Vigilante fosters a love of books in her community by maintaining a Little Free Library on her front lawn. <\/p>\n
She reveals books and laughter are her favorite things, and she remains committed to inspiring young readers everywhere. <\/p>\n
At this writing, Vigilante is working on \u201cLuke and Lani\u201d and the \u201cSuper Seniors.\u201d <\/p>\n
It\u2019s a middle grade adventure about 12-year-old twins who discover their quirky grandparents are actually superheroes. <\/p>\n
The book is filled with mystery, humor, and a lot of heart as the kids team up across generations to stop a villain with a plan to steal everyone\u2019s powers. <\/p>\n
The catch? In this world, those powers aren\u2019t always what you\u2019d expect \u2014 one guy can talk to animals, but only chipmunks, and they never stop talking.<\/p>\n
CELEBRATIONS – AUG. 24 TO AUG. 30<\/b><\/p>\n
AUG. 24 <\/b><\/p>\n
Sunday is birthday time for Jack Stern, a West Brighton attorney, Michael Carpinello, Phyllis Aloi, Alexa Renee Portney, who turns 17, Andrea Hills, Jimmy Cassidy of Castleton Corners who turns 34, Bobby Heaney, Paul Monforte, Geralyn Villani, Gina Marie Bariletti and Donna Tom. <\/p>\n
AUG. 25<\/b><\/p>\n
Happy birthday Monday to Mary Beth Francis, John James Noone, Daniel Santapaga, Rebecca Zalkin, Kayla Sliger who turns 12, and Nicole Leonardi Azarraga.<\/p>\n
Kathy Taylor celebrates her 87th birthday Monday along with her cousin and travel buddy, Agnes Rubino who marks her 88th birthday on Aug. 29.<\/p>\n
AUG. 26<\/b><\/p>\n
Happy birthday Tuesday to Julia Kruse who turns 32, Erin Aversa, who turns 19 and to her sister, Michaela Aversa, who turns 22 on Sept. 1. Erin and Michaela are granddaughters of the late Jerome X. O\u2019Donovan and Vita O\u2019Donovan.<\/p>\n
Birthday best on Tuesday to Dorothy Taylor, Victoria Nicole Falco, Robert Ricco and Joseph Golden.<\/p>\n
Happy wedding anniversary Tuesday to Nora and John Rosati and to Justine and Jon Cauldwell.<\/p>\n
AUG. 27<\/b><\/p>\n
Birthday greetings on Wednesday go to Jianna Jackson who turns 15, Tony Flagello, Lulu Chiminski and Mario Naccarato, who turns 31. \u0090<\/p>\n
AUG. 28<\/b><\/p>\n
Happy birthday Thursday to Bill Van Name, Joan Mary Andersen, Christopher Giovinazzo, Marilyn Wickert, and Carol Dennis. <\/p>\n
The happiest of birthdays Thursday to twins William and John Malczewski, who turns 26 and were born on the same day as their great-grandfather John Cotton Sr. <\/b>who was a very special member of the family.<\/p>\n
Happy wedding anniversary Thursday to Carmine and Felicia DeBetta who celebrate 59 years of wedded bliss and to Colleen and Tim Kelly.<\/p>\n
AUG. 29<\/b><\/p>\n
Birthday wishes on Friday go to Jennie Sweeney, Brian Cregg, Susan Santorelli, Danielle Martino, John Edward Sciarrino who turns 19, Jeff Coogan, Ken Anderson, Nanette Scarcella and Michael Alvarado.<\/p>\n
Happy wedding anniversary on Friday to Jessica and Liam Collins. \u0090<\/p>\n
AUG. 30<\/b><\/p>\n
Happy birthday Saturday to Dylan Gaugh. <\/p>\n
Saturday is wedding anniversary time for Denise and Pat Arena. \u0090<\/p>\n
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