Boardwalk Caricaturist Creates 'The ABC's Of Ocean City'

Natassia Schreiner's dream started when she was 4 years old—and was accomplished just last year.

The ABC's Of Ocean City is an illustrated, full-color, children's book that shows the best parts of Ocean City for each letter of the alphabet.

The ideas for each letter came after Schreiner saw a July 4 kite-flying contest in Ocean City. Stationed at the Surf Mall at a booth where she draws caricatures, Schreiner saw both bright colors and the fun that everyone was having. The inspiration started there.

"Ocean City is exactly what a vacation town should be. I got three different images from looking around, and I said wait a minute," she said.

The book features not only items, but events as well. For example, N is for Night in Venice, and T is for Taffy. Each page has illustrations in caricature form. The book also has a space for Schreiner to draw a caricature of each book owner if they go to her stand at Surf Mall.

Released last August, the book has received great feedback from readers, Schreiner said. 

"Kids read it before they come down and read it every night. I was trying to think from a child's perspective what would get kids excited for the books. Knowing that kids are enjoying the books is awesome. It makes me want to write another one when I can," Schreiner said.

The books can be purchased at Sun Rose Words and Music at 756 Asbury Avenue, on the Boardwalk, or at the caricature stand in the Surf Mall at 12th Street and Boardwalk. 

A book-signing is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, August 23, at Sun Rose.