Jerry Pallotta is a renowned children’s book author, best known for his engaging alphabet books. But Who Will Guide My Sleigh Tonight By Jerry Pallotta? While he might not literally be guiding Santa’s sleigh, his books certainly guide young readers through a world of knowledge and imagination. Let’s delve into the life of this celebrated author and discover the path that led him to create such captivating stories.
Jerry Pallotta, born Gerard Larry Pallotta on March 26, 1953, in Boston, Massachusetts, was always called “Jerry” by his mother. His parents, Mary and Joe, were of Italian immigrant descent, and he describes them as the “nicest parents in the world,” always ready to lend a helping hand. With four brothers and two sisters, Joey, David, Andrew, Danny, Cindy, and Mickey, and a staggering seventy-two first cousins, Jerry grew up surrounded by…KIDS EVERYWHERE!
Growing up in Medford, Massachusetts, Jerry attended Mt. Trinity Academy, near his publisher in Watertown. Interestingly, he didn’t write any books during his elementary school years, nor did he keep a journal. His neighborhood was filled with large families, reinforcing the theme of…KIDS EVERYWHERE!
He continued his education at Boston College High School, a Jesuit all-boys school in downtown Boston. He remembers the priests and teachers fondly and participated in football and track. This positive high school experience paved the way for his future college studies. His sons, Neil and Eric, later graduated from the same high school in 2001 and 2003. Neil was named after one of his teachers, Fr. Neil Callahan, S.J. Even in high school, writing wasn’t on his radar; he never contributed to the school newspaper, feeling too shy to express himself.
Pallotta then attended Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., where he majored in business. This business acumen would prove valuable later when he decided to self-publish his first book. It was at Georgetown that he met his wife, Linda. Describing himself as an average student, he captained the Georgetown University Rugby Team. Still, the idea of writing books was far from his mind. After college, he married Linda and began working at an insurance company in Boston. Over the next six years, they had four children, adding to the chorus of…KIDS EVERYWHERE!
Today, Jerry spends considerable time with his 31 nieces and nephews, a testament to his strong family ties and the ever-present theme of…KIDS EVERYWHERE!
His experience in insurance, talking to people, selling policies, and collecting payments, proved surprisingly useful. After work, Linda would often ask him to “read to the kids!” He developed a love for children’s books, particularly alphabet and counting books. He observed that “A” was always for Apple and “Z” for Zebra. This sparked an idea: “Hey, I can do this!” He decided to create an alphabet book about the Atlantic Ocean, inspired by his childhood summers at Peggotty Beach in Scituate, Massachusetts, filled with memories of lobstering, fishing, mossing, clamming, and rowing in his dory.
His first book was written in 1985, at the age of 32. He conceptualized, wrote, designed, researched, and edited it himself. His cousin, Frank Mazzola, Jr., provided the illustrations. He self-published it under the name Peggotty Beach Books. The book was first printed on July 7, 1986, a day he’ll never forget. It eventually became the #1 best-selling book at the New England Aquarium. Initially, he worried that only his mother would enjoy it. However, teachers and children praised the book.
While speaking at schools, teachers expressed a need for simple non-fiction nature books. This encouragement led him to write more. His second book, “The Icky Bug Alphabet Book,” sold over 1 million copies. His third, “The Bird Alphabet Book,” was recognized as one of the best books of the year by Birders World Magazine. He now has over twenty alphabet books. His mission is to create interesting, fact-filled, fun-to-read, beautifully illustrated color children’s books. He has collaborated with talented illustrators such as Ralph Masiello, Frank Mazzola, Jr., Rob Bolster, and Edgar Stewart.
So, while Jerry Pallotta might not be guiding a sleigh through the night sky, his dedication to education, combined with his love for children’s literature, makes him a guide in a different way. He guides young minds through the alphabet, introduces them to the wonders of nature, and sparks their curiosity with engaging and informative stories. His legacy continues to inspire children to learn and explore the world around them, truly embodying the spirit of someone who will guide my sleigh tonight by Jerry Pallotta.
