Naperville North High School English teacher Mitch Martin reads to his sons, Soren and Alec, from his new children's book, "Op-Op the Triceratops: A Cretaceous Christmas Tale." Martin says he was inspired to write the 24-page, brightly illustrated book to help teach his kids, and others, to value their family and not their wish list.

Scott Sanders | Staff Photographer

English teacher Mitch Martin is used to working with high school students at Naperville North, but his first book is geared to youngsters ages 4 to 8.

Mark Black | Staff Photographer

Mitch Martin at his Lisle home with sons Soren and Alec, who served as an inspiration for his first book, "Op-Op the Triceratops: A Cretaceous Christmas Tale."

Mark Black | Staff Photographer

Mitch Martin's first book, "Op-Op the Triceratops," is available in print via Amazon and as an e-book for Amazon's Kindle. E-books are pending for iPads and Barnes & Noble's Nook.

Mark Black | Staff Photographer

"Op-Op" was illustrated by Beth Tomashek, 18, a former Naperville North student who now studies computer animation at the Ringling College of Art and Design.

Mark Black | Staff Photographer

Beth Tomashek, 18, who studies computer animation at the Ringling College of Art and Design, did all the illustrations for "Op-Op the Triceratops."

Courtesy Beth Tomashek