HUNTSVILLE – Nine-year-old Mason Balbo and his mother have co-authored a children’s book that reveals what children want most from their parents.

Based in downtown Huntsville, “Date Night With Mom” tells Mason’s true story, when he was seven years old. His mother surprised him after school to take Mason on a ‘date. During their spontaneous fun, Mason and his mother Maryann spent quality time together eating chicken wings and playing video games.

“The simple story from a child’s perspective promotes a powerful message: What children crave most from parents is their time,” Maryann said. The book includes interactive suggestions for a parent to schedule a ‘date night’ and a contest involving social media for free gifts.

Mason is a third-grader at Holy Spirit Regional School in Huntsville. The family lives in The Reserves off Zierdt Road.

Scenes in the book are based in downtown Huntsville with views of Holy Spirit Regional School, Harrison Brothers Hardware, U.G. White, Pints and Pixels, Green Street Market, Madison County Courthouse and city parking garage.

Local artist Heather Legge-Click designed the book’s illustrations.

The Facebook page (Facebook/Date Night With Mom) and their Instagram account are filled with photographs of children featured with the book locally and as far away as Hawaii.

Maryann Balbo works as General Manager of The Valley’s CW broadcast station.

The Balbos conducted a book signing and launch party at Harrison Brothers Hardware on Dec. 1. Guests enjoyed a visit from Santa, hot chocolate, reading of the book by the author and book signings.

Books are on sale locally at U.G. White, Harrison Brothers Hardware, Envy Boutique and Learning Express. In addition, the book is available on Amazon. Autographed copies are available direct from the authors on Facebook/Pay Pal.

For more information about “Date Night With Mom,” visit datenightwithmom.com or Facebook/Date Night With Mother.

The authors and illustrator are available for book signings and story hour. Currently, the Balbos are planning charity events in the community and donating copies of their book to local libraries.