Rebecca McClantoc, a Baldwin County author and publisher, has earned the 2025 Writely Literary Award for her debut children's picture book, The Lonely Penny. The recognition has led to a national distribution agreement, expanding the book's availability across the United States later this year. The story, part of a series on kindness and self-worth, draws inspiration from local landmarks.
Rebecca McClantoc's independently published book, The Lonely Penny, was honored at a July ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee, for excellence in children’s literature. Released through her imprint, Harbor Haven Publishing, the title marks the first in The Currency Crew Collection, a rhyming series that explores themes of kindness, identity, and self-worth. The narrative follows a small penny on a journey to find purpose and belonging, reminding young readers of the value in overlooked things.
Subtle nods to Fairhope landmarks and local businesses add a layer of Baldwin County charm to the story. McClantoc, a resident of Daphne, conceived the idea before broader discussions about discontinuing the penny. She imagined the journeys of currency through countless hands, starting with a penny overlooked on the ground until recognized by a little girl.
"As a Baldwin County author, it has been incredibly meaningful to see this story resonate beyond our local community," McClantoc said. "This book was written to help children understand their worth and to encourage kindness in everyday moments."
The book has gained traction through independent YouTube read-aloud videos, attracting thousands of views from families and classrooms nationwide. An audiobook edition, narrated by Dave McCormack—the voice of Bandit in the animated series Bluey—is scheduled for release in September, aligning with the national rollout.
McClantoc is developing additional titles in the series, each focusing on different coins and a one-dollar bill to further examine value and character. The award and distribution deal represent a milestone for the project, which began as a local endeavor but now reaches a broader audience.
