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Craig Cantaloupe’s Life is Upended When His Parents Divorce

by Meryl S. Brown | Author
     Growing up in Fruitland, Craig thought his life provided an example of perfection, an example of living the “good life.” The Cantaloupes lived close to the Pacific Ocean in an elegant, two-story home. Mrs. Cantaloupe cooked gourmet meals each evening, or so Craig thought. Teaching middle-school computer courses, Mr. Cantaloupe earned the respect of all of his students; they lovingly called him “Mr. C.”

Stanley Squash: Always a Planner

by Meryl S. Brown | Author
     At an early age, Mr. and Mrs. Sloan Squash knew that Stanley, their oldest child, had SUCCESS written all over his life. Stanley taught the family’s puppy 10 commands and five tricks. Just amazing for a five-year-old! For his sixth birthday, Stanley requested a pocket planner. He wanted to keep track of his daily goals and accomplishments.

Porter Pineapple

by Meryl S. Brown | Author
     Six weeks prior to his graduation from Fruitland University, Porter received more than five job offers in Business Management, his major. One position required him to work sixty-hours a week; within a year, he would be the manager of an upscale, fast-food franchise. Porter liked that the job was in Maui, Hawaii, his desired location, but he didn’t think the hours would allow him to enjoy life. (When would he have time to spend with his new wife? When could they surf?)

Communicating with Your Hero

by Meryl S. Brown | Author

     As Benny Blueberry learned, having the guts to communicate with his hero, Doug Gurwell, resulted in making his vinyl release party a truly memorable event. Peter Pineapple encouraged Benny to invite Doug to participate in the unique occasion when the friends learned that Doug lived nearby. “Friendship Changed Me,” the song Benny wrote for Peter, has meaning on several levels.
     In Living the Coconut Life, Peter’s friendship releases Benny from his world filled with rejection. Formerly known as a bully, Benny uses his vocal skills to turn peoples’ lives around while also using his connection with his Uncle Bert to provide exceptionably fun-filled experiences for his new friends.
     We all need to feel loved and accepted; Benny is certainly no exception...

Frank Fig

by Meryl S. Brown | Author
    Most of Frank’s young life had been devoted to just surviving, since his family moved nearly every year. He truly didn’t know how to make friends, so he spent hours alone in his room. Unlike Fifi, his older sister, Frank didn’t have anything that kept him motivated. Thanks to Grandmother Fredericka Fig, wherever the family moved, Fifi had private ballet lessons. Grandmother Fig suggested hobbies or classes for Frank, but he just had no interest in any of them. Neither of his parents cared to monitor his free time, so Frank constantly played video games. Each morning, he woke up feeling really sad. He knew that Grandmother Fig and Fifi loved him, but he felt invisible to his parents.

Who and What Changed Nick Nectarine?

by Meryl S. Brown | Author
     Just a short while ago, a few guys in Fruitland were known as “the three bullies of Ocean Lane”: Benny Blueberry, Tommy Tomato, and Nick Nectarine. Peter Pineapple encouraging Benny and his singing skills thankfully transformed his life. Tommy Tomato finally graduated from Fruitland High School. (Neighbors believe that it took seven years.) Tommy’s parents rewarded him by sending him to live with his Uncle Theodore Tomato in Washington state. Uncle Teddy has a ranch, and everyone hoped that Tommy would learn to take good care of the animals. If not, he’d return in six months, which would give the neighborhood time to recuperate from Tommy’s lies and maddening ways. Nick’s conversion didn’t appear obvious, since only one person knew about it: Benny Blueberry.

Hamilton Huckleberry, DJ

by Meryl S. Brown | Author
     When just five-years-old, Hamilton became fascinated by music and singing. Every morning, Hugo, his ten-year-old brother would awaken his baby brother by singing what he called “The Song of the Day.” Hamilton’s favorite became Friday’s song: “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” He asked Hugo to teach him the words, which his brother lovingly did.
     As Hamilton’s parents looked forward to their son’s sixth birthday, Mr. and Mrs. Holden Huckleberry felt confused. Why would Huckleberry want a voice recording studio?

Fredericka Fig

by Meryl S. Brown | Author
     Whenever Fredericka Fuji looked in the mirror, she saw an accomplished scientist. A picture of Marie Curie, Fredericka’s idol, hung nearby. In fact, neighborhood kids knew of Fredericka’s excellent scientific skills, and they often asked her to help them with their homework. Without hesitation, Fredericka joyfully assisted them. She was also known as an encourager, and the same kids knew to share their family problems along with their homework challenges. At the end of each session, the kids experienced academic success and walked away with clear suggestions for solving their family problems.

The Blueberry Brothers and Their Unique Relationships

by Meryl S. Brown | Author
     When the Pineapples settled in the beach community in the 1990s, Peter’s grandfather, Prescott, stressed the importance of protecting the sand dunes and the nearby sea life. Of course, that made a great deal of sense for a marine biologist. The community leaders noted those and all of the other vital decisions Prescott made, and they unanimously elected him mayor of the community. In fact, they were so impressed with his accomplishments that they renamed the street where the family lived Pineapple Lane.

Yoshi Gurwell and Fifi Fig: The Backstory

by Meryl S. Brown | Author
     Yoshi Gurwell, a classically trained pianist, began playing the piano at the age of four. She currently serves as a ballet pianist in multiple locations in Southern California. Her nine CDs reflect the depth of her skills along with a unique ability to arrange a variety of musical compositions.

Doug Gurwell: The Backstory

by Meryl S. Brown | Author

     Here I am, a devoted jazz lover who never learned to read music; yet, I am someone who can name a familiar tune in two notes. Whenever I meet people who are able to read and write music along with possessing the talent to sing and play multiple instruments, I am in awe.
     Most professional musicians focus on honing their skillful use of one instrument. However, Doug goes beyond that level...

Daniela Date: The Backstory

by Meryl S. Brown | Author
     When just four, Daniela Date began taking ballet lessons. She quickly excelled and started to dream about a professional career. Her grandfather’s Beach Bonanza sold sporting goods and attire, but no ballet clothing or shoes, something that truly bothered Daniela.
     Not one to speak often, whenever she voiced her opinion, people took notice. For her tenth birthday, she requested that her grandfather buy her new pointe shoes and begin stocking them in his store. Daniela also insisted that he sell age-appropriate ballet attire. Although not pleased with Daniela’s demands, Grandfather Date followed through.

Diana Date: The Backstory

by Meryl S. Brown | Author
     Mr. and Mrs. Desmond Date were parents and long-time residents of Fruitland. After graduating from high school, their oldest daughter, Diana, stayed in town to attend Fruitland University. Soon after she earned a degree in Business Management, Dawson Date, her grandfather, decided that it was time to retire as manager of the family business.

Olga Olive: The Backstory

Olga Olive: The Backstory
by Meryl S. Brown | Author

 

     Olga Olive and Candace Coconut became friends in third grade, soon after Olga and her family moved from Greece. Before assigning Olga a seat, Mrs. Wilma Watermelon, the third grade teacher, researched which of her class members lived closest to her newest student. She joyfully learned that her brightest and kindest pupil, Candace, lived just four doors from Olga’s home on Avenue H. By seating Olga next to Candace, Olga’s comfort was guaranteed, both in the classroom and in the community of Fruitland. 

Simone Squash: The Backstory

Simone Squash: The Backstory
by Meryl S. Brown | Author

     Simone always looked up to her older brother. She smiled when she remembered Stanley starting his dog-walking service, his first business. Although just eight-years old, Stanley knew how to communicate with his clients, how to make them feel valued. Of course, that translated into happy dogs, ones who seemed to hover near the front door, anticipating Stanley’s arrival. He even had a waiting list!
     Viewing those interactions made Simone long to also become a business owner. During middle school, one of her teachers required the entire class to find ways to help others.

Peter Pineapple: The Backstory

Peter Pineapple: The Backstory
by Meryl S. Brown | Author

     When the Pineapples settled in the beach community in the 1990s, Peter’s grandfather, Prescott, stressed the importance of protecting the sand dunes and the nearby sea life. Of course, that made a great deal of sense for a marine biologist. The community leaders noted those and all of the other vital decisions Prescott made, and they unanimously elected him mayor of the community. In fact, they were so impressed with his accomplishments that they renamed the street where the family lived Pineapple Lane.

Auntie Clarissa: The Backstory

Auntie Clarissa: The Backstory
by Meryl S. Brown | Author
 

     Auntie Clarissa is known as the wisest member of the Coconuts. Even when she was a little child, older kids in the neighborhood requested that she guide them in their decision-making processes. She earned nearly perfect scores on all of her tests, but she never bragged about her successes.

Bennie Blueberry: The Backstory

Bennie Blueberry: The Backstory
by Meryl S. Brown | Author
 

     On a bright, summer day, Bennie Blueberry sat on a worn-out bench overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Joy-filled family groups and clusters of kids could be seen just a 100-feet below him. Sadly, Bennie hadn’t been invited to join any of them. At the age of ten, he had learned to protect himself from hurt. His solution: being mean.