Father and son literary power duo Paul and Charlie Carafotes.

By Jim Clark

In the years following the publication of Somerville native Paul Carafotes’ delightful children’s book, The Adventures of Charlie Bubbles, the author has followed up that initial offering with a successful string of sequels. And now, the actual inspiration for the first book – his own son Charlie – is following in his father’s footsteps by penning his own forthcoming contribution to the series, Charlie Bubbles! Zena the Great!

Of the original book in the series, published in 2012, the elder Carafotes said, “It’s a very sweet story about a boy who can blow bubbles that transport him into and out of trouble. It has to do with friendship and what friendship means. It asks ‘what’s the cost, what’s the price of friendship?’ That’s really what it’s all about.”

Paul Carafotes with group of ardent “Charlie Bubbles” fans.

The inspiration for the book came from real life. “When my son was a baby the first things he reacted to were bubbles. His eyes would light up and he’d grab at the bubbles.” This motivated Carafotes to develop the story and his imagination took over from there.

Since then, an entire line of Charlie Bubbles books has been produced and is beloved by many fans of the series.

In spite of this literary success, Paul Carafotes is best known as a professional actor. He broke into the business in 1980 with a critically acclaimed performance in the 20th Century Fox film Headin’ for Broadway, and has worked steadily in the industry ever since. He has appeared in many classic television programs throughout the ensuing years, including Diff’rent Strokes, The Greatest American Hero, Trapper John, M.D., Murder, She Wrote, St. Elsewhere, Knight Rider, Hotel, NYPD Blue, Fantasy Island, The District, Without a Trace, CSI, ER, and many others. The role of Harold Dyer on Knots Landing was particularly well regarded by fans and critics.

Carafotes has recently taken part in a new TV pilot – a show titled Firecracker – hopefully to be picked up for broadcast in the near future.

The upcoming latest installment in the “Charlie Bubbles” saga, Zena the Great!” penned by Charlie himself.

Following the success of the Charlie Bubbles book series, Carafotes established the non-profit organization Charlie Bubbles Cares for Kids, providing the books to disadvantaged children with the intent of serving as a positive influence in their lives. Patrons have enabled the organization to donate hundreds of books to children’s hospitals in Boston, Los Angeles and San Diego, as well as Boston and Los Angeles schools and the annual Christmas in the City events.

Tax deductible contributions help in providing more books for children to enjoy the experience of reading. Donations can be made via Paypal: CharlieBubblesBooks@yahoo.com; with Venmo: @Charlie-Bubbles; or by check to Charlie Bubbles Cares for Kids, 2914 Franklin Street, La Crescenta, CA 91214. Charity EIN# 86-2470498.

Paul’s son, the real-life Charlie, has joined in alongside his father in writing his own Charlie Bubbles story, Zena the Great!

“Coming for the holidays a brand-new release from the Charlie Bubbles Storybook collection,” says Paul. “The writer of this new story is the inspiration for the series, my son Charlie. The Illustrator is a discovery of mine fortuitously at my son’s freshman baseball game. Her name is Harper Pam. She is going to be an exceptional graphic artist. This is her first storybook and it will not be her last!”

“The story was written during the pandemic,” Paul continues. “My son put pen to paper, deciding to write a rhyme book using our newest addition, Zena, as the focus of the story. Charlie, though frustrated and bored blows his bubble takes off during inclement weather.”

With this latest chapter in the Charlie Bubbles saga, it is clear that imagination and talent runs strong in the Carafotes family.

To learn more about the World of Charlie Bubbles, go to https://charliebubblesbook.com.