37 Loggerhead Sea Turtles Introduced to Turtle Excluder Device

Federal biologists released 37 loggerhead sea turtles into the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, this week morning, about a mile south of Sebastian Inlet.

The turtles had been used in an experiment in Panama City, where biologists video record the turtles swimming through fishing nets to learn how best to design escape hatches in the nets that allow turtles to slip free.

Shrimp nets are one of the main causes of sea turtle deaths. The turtles drown in the nets when they can’t escape and reach the surface for air.


The 3-year-old turtles weigh 20 pounds to 30 pounds and were gathered as hatchlings in the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge.

The turtles were raised in Galveston, Texas, and then taken to NOAA’s Panama City facility for the net experiments.

It is hoped these excluder devices will become an integral part of saving sea turtles.  Loggerhead sea turtles are federally protected as a threatened species.

World Oceans Weekend is Here!

Who doesn't know this weekend is a celebration of the oceans?  World Ocean Weekend, whether we realize it or not, affects everyone on this fragile planet.  Every living thing needs water, and we are all dependant upon it.


In honor of it, I am posting photos of our oceans and will remind us all that oceans cover 71 percent of the earth's surface and contains 97 percent of the planet's water (NOAA).

Please let me remind you that tomorrow, June 9, from 10:30 until 12 noon, The Pier Aquarium, St. Petersburg, Florida, will celebrate the event by hosting Katrina Simpkins and me.  We will showcase my new book called, Katrina and Winter:  Partners in Courage.


My Britt and Bella Series deals directly with issues concerning our oceans and beaches.  The girls are always on the job, helping keep their beach and the animals that live there safe!

Happy Oceans Weekend to you!

How to Research Before Writing a Children's Book

What?  Do you really have to research a book for kids?  I mean, they're not sophisticated in any way.  What's the difference?


Of course, we all know kids deserve better than what's written in the paragraph above.  But the question still remains, "How much research?"  And the answer is, As much as it takes for accuracy.  Complete accuracy.

When I begin a child's fiction or non-fiction book, research is pivotal.  Whether I'm writing about pelicans harmed in an oil spill, manatees being rounded up for food or a mystery in Namibia, the facts must be accurate, straightforward and compelling.

Although the Internet has made research a dream (I remember 4x6 inch cards in a box), the sources must be stellar.  I use sites such as National Geographic, Moat Aquarium, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) to name but a few
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Katrina and Nancy researching material for Katrina
and Winter:  Partners in Courage

It is always good to cross-check your information, stats, etc. against another source to be totally sure.  For me, only then will I find the material acceptable to use in a book.

Another way I research is to read other children's books on the same topic.  Analyzing authors’ styles, how they build scenes, develop characters and advance their plots has been a wealth of information.  It needs to built around the excellent research you've found. 

When you come to the story, biography, narrative non-fiction or straight non-fiction, with all your research well and truly in place, the sky's the limit.  Have fun, be creative, let your mind soar, all safe in the knowledge you're creating a worthwhile piece of literature that rings true from beginning to end