Cesar Arboleda, Co-owner of LaBelle Winery, Releases Debut Children’s Book “Frankie the Ghost Train”
- Michelle Thornton
- Nov 25, 2025
- 3 min read
Amherst, New Hampshire — Author and LaBelle Winery co-owner Cesar Arboleda, announces the release of his debut children’s book, “Frankie the Ghost Train,” published on November 15, 2025, by The Acre Publishing Co. of Amherst, New Hampshire. The story was inspired by a bedtime story Arboleda created for his sons, Jackson and Luca.
In “Frankie the Ghost Train,” readers meet a child who has just arrived in the United States and does not yet speak English. Feeling invisible in his bustling mill town, he discovers an old black train hidden behind the warehouses. The train becomes his secret refuge and a reminder that imagination can help children feel strong, grounded and seen.
“This story is for anyone who has ever felt invisible,” said Arboleda. “I wanted children to understand that imagination can be a powerful friend when you are finding your place in the world.”
Arboleda drew on his own childhood experience immigrating to the United States from Colombia. He wrote the book to honor the resilience and creativity that help children adapt and feel like they belong.
“Frankie represents that spark inside all of us that says, ‘you can do this, you belong here’,” Arboleda said. “I hope readers finish the book feeling uplifted and believing in their own strength.”
The book was edited by Amy LaBelle and illustrated by Monica Greenwood, who created the artwork using a blend of hand-direction and digital tools. Arboleda collaborated with LaBelle and Greenwood on the book’s final text and visual presentation.
“The biggest challenge was keeping the words simple while projecting the wonder that children feel,” Arboleda said. “I wanted it to be a story parents could read to their kids at bedtime that still carries meaning for them, too.”
Book Launch Event
A book launch and signing event will take place on Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at LaBelle Winery in Derry, New Hampshire. The event is free and open to the public. Guests may pre-purchase a signed copy of “Frankie the Ghost Train” online or at the event.
Availability
The hardcover edition of Frankie the Ghost Train is available now at LaBelle Winery retail locations in Amherst and Derry, New Hampshire. The book is also available for online at LaBelle Winery.
Copies will be sold at the Great New England Holiday Craft Market at LaBelle Winery Derry from November 21 to 23, 2025.
Additional retail partners will be announced as they are confirmed.
Arboleda is available for interviews, school visits, and readings. Media inquiries and appearance requests can be directed to him directly.
Email: cesar@theacrepublishing.com
About the Author
Cesar Arboleda immigrated as a young boy from Colombia to Lowell, Massachusetts. He is a proud American citizen, husband, father and storyteller who believes in the quiet magic found in unexpected places. “Frankie the Ghost Train” is his first book, inspired by a bedtime story he created for his sons, Jackson and Luca.
Arboleda is the co-owner of LaBelle Winery, founder of The Acre Publishing Co. and husband to Amy LaBelle, winemaker and co-owner of LaBelle Winery.
About The Acre Publishing Co.
The Acre Publishing Co. is an independent publisher based in Amherst, New Hampshire, focused on meaningful stories for families and early readers. The imprint was founded by Cesar Arboleda and is named in honor of The Acre neighborhood in Lowell, Massachusetts.
d in honor of The Acre neighborhood in Lowell, Massachusetts.
Book Details
Author: Cesar Arboleda
Illustrator: Monica Greenwood
Publisher: The Acre Publishing Co., New Hampshire
Publication Date: November 15, 2025
Format: Hardcover
Price: $20.00 USD
ISBN: 979-8-9998816-0-1
Page Count: 39 pages
Trim Size: 11 x 9 x 0.25 inches
Age Range: Ages 3 to 12
Color: Full color
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