Local Bay Area Author, Johnny DePalma, Publishes Whimsical and Moving Children’s Story: ‘52 – A Tale of Loneliness’

Umbrelly Books Publishing, an independent publisher of unique children’s literature, this week announced they have published their highly anticipated children’s story, “52 – A Tale of Loneliness” by award winning, Bay Area author, Johnny DePalma, this week.

Known throughout the San Francisco Bay Area for curating the pandemic’s Emergency Art Museum (emergencyartmuseum.com), DePalma’s latest literary accomplishment dives deep into innate human feelings, emotions, and loneliness – something very common in a COVID-19 world.

“I would say all of my books are somewhat autobiographical,” said DePalma. “Loneliness is such a universal and complex emotion. It can mean so many things to people. For me, my days of loneliness were also my days of beauty, magic, and unlimited imagination. I would take the time to appreciate the small, seemingly invisible things in my life. Years later, when I learned about that 52Hz whale, also known as the loneliest whale in the world, I knew I wanted to write a book that reconnects with that misunderstood emotion.”

This children’s tale, recommended for ages 4 -8, takes place far beneath the beautiful sea, where a unique whale sings a song that is all his own. Told in short, poetic passages, this whale, simply known as 52, celebrates the joy of life he’s found beneath the ocean waves – even if others would consider it lonely. Despite his isolation, 52 remains optimistic, and introduces readers to the joy, beauty, and magic found within his invisible world.

DePalma details the beauty of isolation with effortlessness throughout the book, writing, “And that’s all mine! I get to see, the things invisible, like me! So, every night, I say hello, to all the barnacles below. To every bubble, kelp, and shell. To every grain of sand as well. For all these things make up my home, and with them, I don’t feel alone.”

“I sought out inspiration from the California coast when writing this book,” said DePalma. I traveled with my good friend, and illustrator Kyle Brown, from Point Conception, to Monterey, and eventually to San Francisco to find the creative spark needed for the images throughout the story. It’s my intention that children and families alike will uncover that same spark of joy that 52 has found.”

One recent reviewer stated, “Although 52 experiences loneliness, and sometimes feels invisible, he still sings, and his tale is not a sad one. This good-natured whale exemplifies themes of self-acceptance, individuality, contentment, empathy, bravery, and joy.” said Cecilia_L

To date, 52 – A Tale of Loneliness has won a Mom’s Choice Award – Gold, and a Reader’s Favorite Five Stars. The book also includes a companion audiobook read by Emmy award-winning actor, Patton Oswalt.

For more information about A Tale of Loneliness, visit: https://umbrellybooks.com/52tale/.

For more information regarding Umbrelly Books, visit: https://umbrellybooks.com/.