There is something so special about connecting places you love to visit in your community and the people you met along the way. Shawn Keane is not only a local Long Island author that we are excited to spotlight but, he is a local educator and owner of Olde Towne Gardens in Setauket, NY. When you visit Olde Towne Gardens you are not only visiting one of the most beautiful garden centers on Long Island but, you are supporting a local family-owned business that is warm and inviting and loves to have visitors of all ages stop in. There are two events that Olde Town Gardens is known for and that is their Spooky Village for Fall Fun and Marshmallow World which are family-friendly magical seasonal walk-through experiences.

When you walk through the Spooky Village you are walking through the creative imagination of Shawn Keane. When you enter and explore Gourdvilla the Pumpkin Queen’s Spooky Walk you enter a story created by Shawn. You will walk through in awe of all the incredible details you will see. I encourage you to not race through walk and look around. There are many animatronic characters that are telling the story along the way. This is a Halloween tradition your family will look forward to each year.

We encourage you to visit when the Spooky Walk opens this September 27th, 2026.

Amazon #1 Bestselling Children’s Book “The Tale of Gourdvilla”

Book Review

A bit of a spooky tale that is perfect for the Halloween season. Kids that love going to the pumpkin patch and love a good scare will love this book.

“When jealous farmers destroy Gourdvilla’s prize-winning pumpkins, she turns to dark magic for revenge. Now, as the Pumpkin Patch Queen, her twisting vines creep through fields, turning children into zombie pumpkins one by one.”

We just love reading this book together and talking about the tale of Gourdvilla and her vines. What I love most about the book is that it is written in a rhyme scheme which makes reading it to my kids so much fun. It will start a conversation with kids and their parents and teachers about jealousy and why it is important to be kind and respectful which is the key theme throughout the story. In the back of the book, you will see pages that are a guide for parents and educators to connect to the theme of the book with critical thinking notes and key takeaways. I encourage not only adding this book to your home library but, your classroom, as well.

About Shawn Keane

Shawn Keane is a certified New York State public secondary school teacher, industrial arts educator of 20+ years, and the creative force behind Olde Towne Gardens; home of the beloved fall tradition Spooky Village. With a deep love for hands-on learning and seasonal storytelling. Shawn transforms his garden center into a Halloween haven each year, complete with pumpkins, playful frights, and immersive experiences that bring community together.

Known for his quick wit and big heart, Shawn has received multipe honors for his dedication to youth and education, including the SEPTA Jenkins award (2019), Hudson-Kramer Memorial Grant Award (2018), PTA Jenkins Award (2017), and the SPARC Award (2010). Whether he’s mentoring students or setting the stage for spooky fun, Shawn is passionate about helping people grow through creativity, laughter, and a little Halloween magic.

Author visit inquiries or additional information, contact Shawn Keane at oldetownegardensltd@gmail.com

Located at: 360 Old Town Road East Setauket, NY 11733

Open 7 days a week from 10am – 5pm