Creating Sammy’s Adventures in Ocean City, NJ was literally a dream come true for these best friends since preschool.

Amy and Cindy were born in the same hospital just a day apart and became instant best friends at age 3. Amy loved to draw (and showed incredible talent even as a child), while Cindy loved to write. The two spent countless hours creating handmade books—starting with one called Rascal Goes to the Olympics—and dreamed of a future where they would write and illustrate books together.

As often happens with dreams, life got in the way. Amy moved to Florida, where her artistic skills were admired even by Disney, while Cindy stayed in Pennsylvania, working in academic publishing sales and marketing. Both married Marks (yes, really!)—Amy had a son named Sam (hence Sammy), and Cindy had three children: Abigail, Aaron, and Amelia. Courtney, also featured in the book, is Cindy’s niece.

Years later, when Cindy’s youngest daughter, Amelia, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, her wise and loving mother encouraged her to revisit that childhood dream. She knew that pouring energy into something creative could be healing. So Cindy called Amy... and Amy said yes.

Creating this book became both a beautiful distraction and a source of joy during a challenging time. Cindy was continually amazed by Amelia’s strength—even as an infant, taking pancreatic enzymes and undergoing physical therapy. Inspired by her daughter’s resilience, Cindy poured her heart into the project, and Amy brought Sammy and his world to life with warmth and joy.

Today, Sammy’s Adventures in Ocean City, NJ serves not only as a celebration of friendship and summer fun but also as a fundraiser and awareness tool for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation—with over $1,000 donated so far.

Group of children and adults standing outside a store with a person in a large monkey costume.

Amy and Cindy love meeting fans during book signings at SunRose Words & Music which just became Three Little Birds - same location! When in OC you have to check it out. Nancy and Roz, the owners, supported us when just in ideation phase. They gave us the confidence to take the leap!

Although their stores are closed - we are grateful to Zoi Zervoudis who ran the Butterfly Boutique and to Nancy who managed Atlantic Bookstores. Along with Sammy the humans created many great memories with incredible new friends.

Nancy Fichthorn, the best Mom I was blessed to have, who inspired so many children to follow their dreams as an elementary and prol teacher. She is the reason we created the

A smiling elderly woman with gray hair wearing a white Ocean City, New Jersey t-shirt standing next to a smiling younger woman with blonde hair wearing a denim jacket on a sandy beach with ocean waves in the background.

Nancy Fichthorn, the best Mom I was blessed to have, who inspired so many children to follow their dreams as an elementary and preschool teacher. She is the reason we created the boook.

Blue seashell and pink starfish on white background.

“Creating this book was not just about telling Sammy’s story— it was about honoring our friendship, our families, and a whole lot of love.”
– Cindy & Amy

Two women standing on a wooden boardwalk outside an entrance to an amusement park or similar attraction, smiling at the camera, at night.

A Collaborative Effort

Creating Sammy’s Adventures in Ocean City, NJ was a truly unique experience—not only for the lifelong friendship behind it, but because several talented students from Ocean City High School also contributed their creative skills to the project.

These students brought energy, imagination, and local pride to the book’s illustrations and visual style. Cindy and Amy were honored to collaborate with them and are so proud of the talents they brought to Sammy’s story.

Special thanks to:
 Nicholas Bonaventura
Marianne Bonnargent
Molly Hurff
Joseph Massaglia
Nikki Robinson
Ryan Trzecki
James Werkley
Richard Wallace

Two women standing next to a person in a large monkey costume outside a bookstore, with a table featuring books and signs nearby.
Hand-drawn sketch of two people, a woman and a child, driving a small car. There is a sign in the background that reads 'OCEAN CITY 1 MI.'
Sketch of an anthropomorphic monkey with a cheerful expression, wearing a coat with buttons and a bow tie.
A pencil sketch of a happy, smiling young boy with spiky hair, lying in bed.
A pencil drawing of a dam with a small tower and a pathway leading up to it, water below, and a boat with two people in the foreground.