Don Alhart’s Second Children’s Book to Benefit Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp
Pre-sale orders available now for “McCurdy’s Christmas Surprise”
A second children’s book written by acclaimed broadcast news anchor Don Alhart will benefit children with disabilities attending Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp.
“McCurdy’s Christmas Surprise” is a sequel to Alhart’s first book, “Sibley’s Christmas Adventure,” which followed Sibley the mouse’s journey to the North Pole to be with Santa after Sibley’s Department Store closed. The sequel tells the story of McCurdy, a mouse who assisted Sibley on his adventure in the first book.
“I was inspired to write this second book for children based on a question that I was asked by a young child during a book signing in 2025,” Alhart said. “Isla Button asked me: ‘What happened to McCurdy, the mouse who helped Sibley get to the North Pole? He was left behind.’ McCurdy’s Christmas Surprise answers Isla’s question, and this book is dedicated to her.”
“McCurdy’s Christmas Surprise” will debut at Rochester Rotary’s Trail Mix 5K event at Sunshine Camp on Friday, Oct. 16, and it is now available for pre-sale orders for a price of $25. A limited number of special boxed-set editions including both books are available for $50. Pre-sale orders can be placed online at mccurdyschristmas.com.
Don Alhart will hold several book signings this fall, including at the following events held at Sunshine Camp, including Rochester Rotary’s Trail Mix 5K event, Oct. 16; Rochester Rotary’s Pasta Dinner, Oct. 26; and at Rochester Rotary’s Breakfast with Santa event, Dec. 12, as well as at Rochester Rotary’s RPO Gala Holiday Pops Concert, Dec. 17. Isla Button will also sign books at the Breakfast with Santa and RPO events. Other book-signing dates will be announced.
Both of Don Alhart’s books will benefit local charitable causes. While proceeds from the second book will go to Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp, the first book benefited the Arc Foundation of Monroe. Former Arc Foundation of Monroe intern Doug Hoyt illustrated both children’s books.
About Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp
Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp (sunshinecamp.org), a fully accessible residential summer camp in Rush, N.Y., has met the needs of children with paralysis and other physical challenges and their families since 1922. Each summer, children and young-adult campers (ages 7 to 21 years old) with disabilities take advantage of this 157-acre campground. It is the only camping facility of its kind in Greater Rochester that gives children with special needs unique overnight camping experiences. The camp is owned by Rochester Rotary Charitable Trusts Inc. and operated by the Rochester Rotary Club.