Studer Community Institute

Local author Theriault says 'Goodnight Pensacola'

July 3, 2015
/ Mike Ensley
/ training-development

It’s a bedtime story for those who love Pensacola – both those who live here year round and visitors. But when author Anna Whibbs Theriault began writing her children’s book, “Goodnight Pensacola,” it was for a very specific audience. “I wrote it a long time ago,” Theriault said. “I wrote it for my two sons.” “Goodnight Pensacola” was inspired by the classic children’s book, “Goodnight Moon,” featuring local landmarks including the Graffiti Bridge and the Pensacola Beach sign. “I looked and around and tried to choose those landmarks that appealed to everyone,” Theriault said. “I really wanted people to feel connected to the community when they read the book.” Theriault says her own boys – ages 5 and 6 – really do make the connection. “We will drive by one of the landmarks and they will say, ‘Oh, my goodness!’ because they recognize it from the book,” she said. And Theriault is very connected to the area as well. She was born and raised in Pensacola, attended Catholic High School, earned her Bachelors, Masters and Specialist Degree from the University of Florida and returned to the area to work as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor working with at-risk youth. She also grew up related to one of the most prominent Pensacolians of the recent times. “Pensacola Mayor Vince Whibbs was my grandfather,” she said. “He was always a big supporter of Pensacola and he inspired his children and grandchildren to love this community.” The book would have been a point of pride for the late Whibbs. “He would have loved the book,” Theriault said. “He had a great love of our history and also really encouraged children to get interested in reading.” The local community has been very supportive of the book as well. It is being carried locally by Pizzaz in Gulf Breeze, Artesana and Celebrations in Pensacola and The Market in Portofino Island Resort. “Everyone has embraced the book and the stores have been amazing in getting the word out about it,” she said. But it’s not just locals that find comfort in the book’s pages – visitors also find a lot to love. “I have heard from a lot of visitors that they buy the book not just for their kids, but also to remember the Summer here in Pensacola,” Theriault said. As for her future writing endeavors, Theriault doesn’t have anything in the works yet, but doesn’t rule out the possibility. “Right now, I am very focused on my work with at-risk youth and working on expanding early literacy programs here in the city,” she said. “But honestly, I would love to write another one one day."

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Local author Theriault says 'Goodnight Pensacola'

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