Mary Beth Paradise didn’t originally set out to write a children’s book that would sell nearly 5,000 copies, but she simply couldn’t get one specific experience out of her mind.

GOOD TO GIVE: The author donates to pediatric literacy programs and to the Chris & Dana Reeve Foundation. Meet her at The Dune Market July 17.

Years ago, on the beach with her kids, who were disappointed after coming up empty on a shell hunt, Paradise noticed a stranger with a long white beard and a fisherman’s hat benevolently eavesdropping on their conversation. He smiled and quietly tossed a few perfect conch shells onto the sand.