Unknown Waters: Sara's Magical Coral Reef Adventure
There is an amazing world just beneath the surface. Gather your courage and dive in!
Eight-year-old Sara is quiet and unsure of herself, unlike her three sisters, who love to have fun. When the family takes their first-ever beach vacation, Sara must face the one thing she’s most afraid of – the water. A new fish friend helps Sara find the courage to face her fear and explore the enchanting coral reef world where she meets the mysterious animals that call it home. Along the way, Sara learns about the challenges coral reef ecosystems face from human activities and the warming oceans. Filled with joy and wonder by her journey in the natural world, Sara gains the self-confidence to see herself as part of the web of life – a place where we are all connected.
Illustrations by Mariya Prytula:
http://www.mvprytula.com
WINNER OF THE 2023 ROYAL DRAGONFLY AWARD IN THE CHILDREN'S CHAPTER BOOK CATEGORY
“A vibrant story juxtaposing wonder with life lessons . . .bringing elementary-grade readers along for a journey which embraces growth and environmental awareness.” – D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review and Editor, Donovan’s Literary Services
"An absolutely captivating work . . . creating a fascinating and entertaining adventure story, but also weaving in important social and emotional issues." – Readers' Favorite
Tangled Webs: Sara's Magical Escape to the Forest
The forest is a magical place for new beginnings. Take a deep breath and you can do anything!
Nine-year-old Sara is shy and unsure of herself, and doesn't feel like she fits in with other kids, unlike her three sisters who have lots of friends and love to have fun. She would rather read a book than play all the games at the neighborhood Fourth of July party. A magical encounter shows Sara the beauty and balance of the forest ecosystem and the importance of living in a community where we can connect with others.
Illustrations by Mariya Prytula:
http://www.mvprytula.com
“A fun and engaging story that teaches about interesting nature concepts. The imagery is vivid and wonderfully descriptive, even down to portraying bird calls and the types and smells of plants in Sara’s garden, and still the diction is simple enough for children. The story and its characters encourage Sara’s desire to learn independently and her realization of the need for a network, a connection, both with others in the society we've created and with the natural world that surrounds us.” - Independent Book Review
“An engaging and educational book for children between six and nine. The enchanting and whimsical illustrations . . . captivate young readers . . . making the learning experience both immersive and enjoyable. [A] valuable resource for children navigating the challenges of transitioning to a new school, offering insights into friendship, resilience, and the natural world. [A] must-have for fostering a love of learning and exploration in young readers.” – Reader Views Kids
“As the endearing, relatable character Sara finds new connections with nature, I am encouraged to know that other young people will read this book and join in her discoveries. The concept of the natural world as a system of interrelated components is creatively presented and made perfectly accessible for young readers as they meet the host of other characters -- plants, birds, squirrels, insects, fungi, and trees. Trees like Silvia, the Mother Oak, play such an important role in supporting healthy ecosystems and healthy communities. Insights gained from this story will undoubtedly equip and inspire future generations towards environmental stewardship and just a little more love for trees.” - Andrew W. Smiley, Executive Director, TreeFolks