By Lane McDanal
Shelly the sea turtle loves the ocean and the beach, but she needs to keep these habitats safe for her and her family. Can you help Shelly by learning how to protect her environment from the dangers on the sand and in the water?
In this introductory book by local resident Lane McDanal, you’ll find teachable moments you can enjoy with your kids. They’ll learn about what we all can do to help sea turtles and about plastic pollution which is a big problem. “My sons and I have learned that it NEVER breaks down and will always remain on earth,” said Lane. Though Shelly the Sea Turtle is geared toward 4-7 year olds, even parents can learn something about sea turtles.
Lane decided to write the book for his three boys, which at the time were all under age 3. “I read books to them every night and with some, I was disappointed and thought I could do a better job. There were no take aways and teachable moments in the ones we had, and I love to find everyday moments where I can teach our boys something.” Lane said he also loves the beach. So that’s what led him to a book about endangered sea turtles. “I wanted to teach my sons something that they could carry forward the rest of their lives.” And, he wanted to make sure all the info was educational and accurate, too. So he contacted Valerie Lofton of South Walton Turtle Watch and a unique, children’s book was born.
Books are $15 and can be purchased locally at Barnes and Noble in Destin, Hidden Lantern Bookstore in Rosemary Beach, Emerald Coast Scuba, Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, Destin Pearl Art in Destin Commons and Barnes and Noble. To purchase online, go to Mascotbooks, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, Target and Walmart. For signed copies, message Lane on Facebook: Shelly The Sea Turtle or Instagram: SeaTurtleShelly.
Also, there’s an accompanying stuffed sea turtle that helps reduce plastic. It’s made from six plastic bottles that have been shredded down, melted into yarn and sewn together. You can purchase turtles ($20) at Loggerhead Marine Center, Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, Georgia Sea Turtle Center and Bald Head Island Conservancy.
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