Author Jeff McMahon Entertains Kids with Books at Frugal Frigate by Kimberly Fleming - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

JULY
S M T W T F S
28 29 30 01 02 03 04
05 06 07 08 09 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31 01
View Events
Submit Events

Author Jeff McMahon Entertains Kids with Books at Frugal Frigate

By Kimberly Fleming, Community Writer
December 11, 2013 at 03:22pm. Views: 69

As rain poured down in Redlands last Saturday, families took shelter in the warm confines of children's bookstore, Frugal Frigate, where they spent a few hours with children's book author Jeff McMahon and his family as the author read aloud from his book, "Swimming to the Moon." For 20 years, McMahon, who now resides in Temecula with his family after they moved from Chicago, has devoted himself to writing a collection of poems, each inspired by his relationship with his children. In an introduction to his audience on Saturday, he explained the project — his poetic work — first began as a hobby, but as his children grew he began to read them poetry collections penned by author Shel Silverstein, like "Giraffe in a Half," "Falling Up" and "Where the Sidewalk Ends." After seeing the joy his children got out of hearing the stories told in the poems, McMahon explained he started on a quest of his own to entertain his children through his own written word. After years of work and dedication, McMahon self-published his work, "Swimming to the Moon," a collection of whimsical poems and stories described, on the front cover, as a "collection of rhymes without reason." The book features illustrations by Florida-based artist and illustrator Jessica Warwick, who has also illustrated books like "Bedtime for Sarah Silverman" and "My Daddies and Me." McMahon's daughter, Shannon McMahon, said, “I remember when my father would read to us as children and we would become so excited about reading time. My first memory goes back as far as 3 years old. My brother and I enjoyed that time with him and we are both proud of him.” Frugal Frigate store manager Scott Winn made contact with McMahon and invited him to read at the store and sign books for his young fans. He recalled what drove him to reach out to the author: ”When my wife read the book to our sick 3-year-old daughter and it was the only thing that could calm her and put her to sleep, I knew I found a hit!” he said while laughing.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 398

Volunteers prepare comfort items for cancer patients as part of a community outreach effort supporting individuals and families throughout their treatment journey.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT for City News Group.

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 369

Workers prepare customer orders inside a modern Inland Empire distribution center, one of several industries expanding seasonal hiring throughout the region this summer.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI generated image

By William Cortez, Community Writer

May 6, 2026 at 01:50pm. Views: 429

Researchers examine food samples and data as part of a community nutrition and public health study.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Paige Sullivan, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 415

A family meets an adoptable dog with the assistance of an Animal Services employee, highlighting the important role local shelters play in finding loving homes for pets while promoting responsible pet ownership.

Photo Courtesy of: sbcityecondev

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 394

A dispatch workstation inside the new Valley Communications Center showcases the advanced technology used by emergency communications professionals to coordinate police, fire, and emergency medical responses across the San Bernardino region.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Grant Ellison, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 479

Shoppers browse fresh produce, locally made goods, and artisan products during the weekly Court Street Farmers Market, supporting local farmers, small businesses, and the continued revitalization of downtown San Bernardino.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Evan Hollis, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 360

Children cool off at a city splash pad while families enjoy shaded recreation areas during a hot summer day, highlighting San Bernardino's efforts to provide safe places for residents to beat the heat.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Caleb Monroe, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 468

Participants in the Redlands Emergency Services Academy receive hands-on instruction from firefighters as they explore careers in public safety.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Brooke Langley, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 419

Volunteers assist residents in repairing household items during a community Repair Café, helping extend the life of everyday belongings instead of sending them to landfills.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Vanessa Hart, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 395

Shoppers browse fresh produce and locally made goods during the Downtown Morning Market, supporting regional farmers and small businesses.

Photo Courtesy of: University of Redlands

By University of Redlands, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 393

The University of Redlands entrance welcomes students, faculty, and visitors as the institution begins a new chapter following its historic merger with Woodbury University.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Paige Sullivan, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 422

Summer fun begins with safety first. Families who practice swimming skills together help children gain confidence while creating lasting memories in and around the water.

--> -->