Keith Carson

Keith Carson is a children’s book author who was raised in a family that always taught him the importance of books and reading. Growing up, in his spare time he was rarely found without a book in his hand, and oftentimes would read under the covers with a flashlight when he was supposed to be sleeping. 

Through his career as a police officer for 25 years, volunteer work, running two 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, and sharing his experiences with others, Carson’s entire life has been devoted to helping others. His priority has always been putting smiles on the faces of children. 

Carson is also an actor and entertainer. Since 2003, Carson has attended many pirate festivals and pirate-themed events as Captain Kidd Carson, where he’s quick to entertain with his special brand of humor, and always stops when he gets a request for a photo or to talk to a child and hand out some treasure. More important to him though, is regularly visiting children in hospitals (in character), and his literacy program, Captain Kidd Carson’s Bookaneers, featuring pirate stories from various children’s authors who have all graciously donated books to the program. He’s made it his mission to bring literature to life, and to bring the excitement back to reading for all ages. Captain Kidd Carson invades elementary schools, libraries and pirate-themed events to share a tale or two with the children, inspiring them to read, learn, and succeed. He is trying to help as many children as possible discover the joy and magic of books. 

Carson also portrayed Santa Claus for the past 18 years, including at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall for the Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes. In 2012, Keith launched the Believe in Santa Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. He provided visits to children in need all year long. Children living in poverty, crime victims, disaster survivors, hospitalized, terminally ill, and the children of brave members of our armed forces were among those Carson visited. Each visit included spending quality time with each child, handing out presents, and posing for photos. The overall goal was to bring love, hope, and joy to a child in their time of need. The Believe in Santa Foundation visited nearly every children’s hospital in the State of Florida until 2023, Carson’s final year portraying Santa Claus. He visited with more than 6000 children in Florida each year. 

Carson’s greatest inspiration for his career as an author is his now 25-year-old daughter, Christina. He raised her as he was raised, teaching her how important it was to read and write. Before he ever became a published author himself, his daughter had already published several award-winning stories. He attributes her love of reading and writing to her being a straight-A student from the time she was in grade school through college.  

Keith Carson’s first book, The Pirate Who Learned to Love, has been well-received, and he still regularly does book signings and story time appearances. His next book, How the Pirates Saved Christmas, is expected to be released in 2025.