fuonlyknew

MY REVIEW

I learned so much following Sammy and Scarlett, two small fish, as they join up with Howie the turtle, traveling from their tidal pool to the Florida Keys and the barrier reef. The beautiful illustrations made me feel like I was under the sea with them, learning about other sea creatures, such as which ones are safe and which are dangerous. And about the perils created by human’s throwing their trash in the sea.  Scarlett saved Howie from certain death when he mistook a plastic bag for a jellyfish.

I love being around and in the water and enjoy the creatures of the sea when I come across them. This book was a learning experience as much as an adventure and with each turn of the page I was more and more captivated.

5 STARS

Question #1: What made you decide to focus your children’s books upon the environment?

Answer: In my opinion the human race has more than demonstrated their inability to protect this planet and the irreplaceable animal lives and resources within the natural world. Influential voices such as the late great Jacques Cousteau and Sir David Attenborough have been raising concerns about environmental protection for half a century. Still humanity forges ahead.  Education of the younger generations is vital to making a difference because it is not too late to save the planet.

Question #2: Where do you get inspiration for your stories?

Answer: Inspiration for my stories comes from spending time out in the environment and observing the dynamics of what’s happening all around us. Whether you are hiking through the desert, a great forest or down the beach, just stop and see what’s around you. Nature is everywhere. The greatest show on earth.

Question #3: Do you ever get writers block?

Answer: Yes, like all writers I do. My approach to this occurrence is rather unusual though. When I get a block, I simply relax a bit and move onto another activity. People eat when they are hungry and sleep when they are tired because their inner voice directs them to do so.  My inner voice also tells me when it’s time to write. I largely adhere to the phenomenal advice of Stephen King in his best-selling book “On Writing”’.  One of his tips that works for me is if I have an idea even a fleeting one during my busy day when not writing, I write it down for later reading. This absolutely works.

Question #4: Do you believe that your books could positively influence children?

Answer: Absolutely. My books are intended to be a multi-generational call to arms on environmental protection. Meaning that younger children can have the books read to them by family members and once the children can read themselves, perhaps they will read the books for the enjoyment of themselves and others. The stated goal therefore is “To help inspire children and their families to put down the electronics, get off the couch and learn how to make a difference in protection of the natural world”. Small steps in the right direction can be as simple as recycling properly, leave no litter after family picnics and cookouts…  Bigger steps could include donate time and money to local cleanup activities, become active in coral and or forest restoration volunteer activities…

Question #5: What is your next writing project?

Answer: My fourth children’s book will be in stores this fall. It’s a fun story set in the ever-stunning Florida Keys. I am well into the writing of my first novel for adults. More to come.