SALEM — Friends, family, and clients of Sean Stellato gathered in the Ship’s Cabin roof deck at the Hawthorne Hotel Friday night to celebrate the publication of his fifth book.
The Salem native is a pride of his hometown. He was an accomplished local football player in his early years, and is now a successful NFL agent. That night, however, was all about Stellato as an author.
Stellato’s newest book is titled “Buddy and the Magic Ball: A Salem Witches Tale.” It is the third installment of his children’s book series featuring the title character, Buddy.
The previous two books were co-authored by Stellato’s eldest daughter, Gianna Stellato. However this time, one of his other daughters, Sophia Stellato, helped bring the book to life. Sophia Stellato is a Level-10 gymnast, and Sean Stellato talked about how both his and his daughter’s athletic upbringing inspired the message of Buddy’s newest adventure.
“Sophia has celiac disease, and we decided to take her passion and accomplishments in gymnastics to show hope,” Sean Stellato said. “It’s a really beautiful narrative. We’re all given opportunities in life. I used a football as my compass, it took me places I might not have ever been.”
Sean Stellato said that the main message of “Buddy and the Magic Ball” is about finding the confidence to achieve goals, and how it can come in many different ways.
“Buddy discovers this ball and really believes it has magical powers,” Sean Stellato explained. “The ball really gives him confidence, he wants to play on the football team and the ball really inspires him.”
Sean Stellato said that while the book’s subject matter was inspired by the athletic experiences of himself and his daughter, its message can apply to a much wider audience.
“I feel it has so many elements that can relate to a lot of kids and give confidence and the characteristics you need to be successful, not just in sports but in life,” he added.
Sean and Sophia Stellato crafted the children’s story in six months, and he credited his wife, Krista Stellato, for contributing to the project as well.
The book has official endorsements from Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton and ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter on its back cover.
Some of the members of Sean Stellato’s NFL family who came through to show their support for his latest passion project included Las Vegas Raiders Senior National Scout DuJuan Daniels, former Kansas City Chief draft pick Omar Easy, and former New England Patriots running back Jonas Gray.
Gray, speaking at the House of the Seven Gables after the reception moved from the Hawthorne, reflected on his relationship with Sean Stellato and why he felt it was important to be present for the Stellatos’ big moment.
“I’ve been blessed enough to have my agent be someone who has become really one of my closest friends, advisors, and mentors,” Gray said. “Anything that Sean does, it’s all about giving back and reimagining stories and bringing the stories to life that played a part for him… It feels like every couple of years they’re writing a new book.”
