Local Teen Author Donates Book Proceeds to the Florida Keys Wildlife Society

Holly Joy Eddleston recently presented a $500 check to the Florida Keys Wildlife Society from the proceeds of her book Can a Key Deer Save Christmas?The book has been so successful that this is the second $500 donation Holly has made to the Society.

Holly is a Junior in High School and splits her time between Duck Key and Rhode Island. Her book is about a Key deer who helps Santa and his reindeer deliver gifts in the Florida Keys. And Eddleston is well on the way to publishing a second book featuring other iconic Keys wildlife.

Holly first learned about Florida’s Key deer while living on Duck Key. One night on a drive back from Key West with her family, she encountered a small group of Key deer peacefully grazing on Big Pine Key. She was later surprised to learn that there are fewer than 800 in existence. That fact, along with their incredible cuteness, gave her two ideas: to create a Christmas story that showcases Key deer, and inspire others to support their protection. She hopes this story teaches children about the beautiful Florida Keys islands and the many amazing animals that live here and need conservation.

The book, available in either hard or soft cover, can be purchased from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or the Nature Store at the Nature Center on Big Pine Key.