Local Author Launches New Children's Book in Groton

Children dressed in pirate garb and princess dresses gathered Sunday in Groton for the book launch party of The Pirate Scope by local author Christina Cody.

The Pirate Scope is a tale of adventure and treasure on the high seas, with a seek-and-find picture game as an added element of intrigue. The book is targeted for children ages five to nine, but older children and adults can also enjoy the familiar childhood memories invoked by the theme of the book.

“My son loves pirates. When I told him we were coming to this event, he got so excited and got out all of his pirate gear," said Tricia Morales.

About 25 children and their families attended the launch party at the Balfour Beatty Community Center, which was open to the public. The party included games, crafts, and a reading of the book by Cody.

Children colored pirate pictures and created their own pirate scopes using cardboard tubes decorated with markers and stickers. After completing their scopes, Cody encouraged the children to use their imaginations and determine what they saw through their scopes.

“I see a big pirate house and a pirate ship with loot!” said Logan Lemay, 4.

The children were given chocolate chip cookies, the coveted treasure in The Pirate Scope, and bags of pirate loot including stickers, pencils, and temporary tattoos.

“This was a nice, intimate group to celebrate with. I was excited it turned out this way,” Cody said.

This is Cody’s second book, following the launch of The Perfectly Imperfect Pumpkin last May. She hopes to debut a children’s poetry book next summer.

As a Navy wife, Cody has moved around the country with her husband and two children, Creed and Amzy, who often inspire her work.

“It was my daughter Amzy that actually inspired me to write The Pirate Scope,” she said.

Her daughter rolled up a piece of paper, looked out the window, and told Cody what she saw through her “pirate scope.” The idea stuck, and Cody decided to turn it into a children’s book.

Cody’s next public appearance will be at the Shoreline Spring Festival in Madison on May 21^st.