A children’s picture book inspired by a small coin and a big idea is headed for a national audience.

Rebecca McClantoc, a Baldwin County author and publisher, has earned the 2025 Writely Literary Award for her debut picture book, "The Lonely Penny," and secured a national distribution agreement that will expand the book’s retail availability across the country later this year.

McClantoc was honored at a July ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee, where "The Lonely Penny" was recognized for excellence in children’s literature. The award marks a milestone for the independently published title, which launched through her imprint, Harbor Haven Publishing.

The book is the first installment in "The Currency Crew Collection," a rhyming children’s series centered on themes of kindness, identity and self-worth. The story follows a small penny searching for purpose and belonging, offering young readers a reminder that even something small or overlooked can still hold tremendous value.

Subtle references to Fairhope landmarks and local businesses are woven throughout the story, adding a layer of Baldwin County charm. What began as a project rooted in the local community will reach shelves nationwide this fall.

An audiobook edition, narrated by Dave McCormack, the voice behind Bandit in the hit animated series "Bluey," is scheduled for release in September to coincide with the national rollout.

In addition to its literary recognition, "The Lonely Penny" has gained organic momentum online. Independent read-aloud videos posted to YouTube have collectively drawn thousands of views from families and classrooms across the country, introducing the story to audiences beyond the Gulf Coast.

“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.”

McClantoc told Gulf Coast Media that the idea for "The Lonely Penny" came to her before there was any broader cultural discussion about discontinuing the coin. She wanted to create something that felt both fresh and familiar and said the first image that surfaced was a penny.

"As for what inspired 'The Lonely Penny' — oddly enough, the idea came to me before there was any cultural conversation about discontinuing the penny," she said. "I simply wanted to write about something that felt fresh and different, but still familiar and meaningful. For some reason, the first image that came to mind was a penny."

She became intrigued by the journey of currency, imagining the many hands coins and bills pass through and the stories they might carry if they had thoughts and feelings of their own.

"Coins and bills travel constantly from place to place, passing through countless hands and experiences. I loved the idea of imagining what their ‘journey’ might look like if they had thoughts and feelings like we do," she said.

She chose a penny as her starting point, picturing it lying on the ground, dirty and overlooked until a little girl recognizes its worth.

"I started with a penny because I pictured it lying on the ground — dirty, overlooked, and stepped on — until a little girl picks it up and sees its value. That simple image became the heart of the story," she said.

That concept ultimately expanded beyond a single book.

"From there, the idea grew into a full series called 'The Currency Crew Collection,' where each book focuses on a different coin — and eventually the one-dollar bill — exploring themes of value, identity, and character," she said.

A Daphne resident, McClantoc is continuing to expand "The Currency Crew Collection," with additional titles currently in development.

For more information about "The Lonely Penny" and "The Currency Crew Collection," visit www.rebeccamcclantoc.com.