Maria ‘The Ice Cream Girl’ pens children’s book
Bensonhurst icon says she wants kids to learn generosity
Maria Campanella has made a living selling ice cream from her truck for more than 25 years but these days she is also offering a bit of wisdom along with scoops of vanilla and chocolate.
Campanella, known throughout the Bensonhurst community where she lives by her nickname, “Maria The Ice Cream Girl,” has branched out into children’s literature. Her self-published book, “Maria The Ice Cream Girl,” came out last month.
The book, which is illustrated by Ardor Cardinal, contains colorful drawings of a character based on Campanella, as well as a character based on her dog “Chicken,” and her famous ice cream truck. Campanella wrote the story.