
My Outer Banks Vacation, a children’s book full of rhymes and vibrant illustrations of legendary local landscapes, is now available online and in local stores.
Today, local resident and author Sara Small spent the early morning delivering copies to Little Free Libraries along the Outer Banks to celebrate the book’s launch. Copies were delivered from Corolla to Ocracoke Island.
If you aren’t lucky enough to snag a copy at one of the Little Free Libraries, My Outer Banks Vacation is available at all four Gray’s locations, Island Bookstores, Mom’s Sweet Shop, Stop N’ Shop, SeaGreen Gallery, Shipwreck Gift Shop, LoveDuck, Gen Z Arts & Gifts, Rock-A-Bye Baby, the Gift Shoppe at the Elizabethan Gardens, Wings and Books to Be Red on Ocracoke Island.
The book is also available online at BarrierIslandBaby.com. Since the book is Outer Banks-themed, Sara wanted it sold through local, independent retailers — an approach she felt didn’t require a traditional publisher.
Sara is an enthusiastic beachcomber, surfer, and mama of two, always sandy, sometimes salty, beach babies.
“I was looking for a local children’s book to send to family and friends that would help their familiarity with the barrier islands we call home,” Small said.
“After leaving a career in communications to raise my family, I needed a creative project to channel my energy,” said Small.
“From blanketflowers to red drum, lighthouses to sea glass, each page showcases the unique character of the Outer Banks. I hope it inspires families and visitors to explore all our beach towns and reminds them how special our unique barrier islands are,” Small said.

The book features backdrops of Avalon Pier, Duck Boardwalk, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Ocracoke Island, Downtown Manteo, and more locations that Outer Banks enthusiasts are sure to recognize.
Copies were placed at the little free libraries in the following locations:
- Corolla – 541 Breakers Arch
- Duck – Duck Town Park
- Southern Shores – E. Dogwood Trail Beach Access
- Kitty Hawk – Beach Food Pantry
- Kill Devil Hills – Goldie Street
- Nags Head – Dowdy Park
- Buxton – Cape Hatteras Elementary School
- Ocracoke – Village Craftsmen
If you would like more information about My Outer Banks Vacation, email Sara at barrierislandbaby@gmail.com.