What Makes a Hero a Hero?

With the release of my biography of KatrinaSimpkins, Katrina and Winter:  Partners in Courage (Guardian Angel Publishing.)  I  began thinking about just what makes a person heroic. It’s a complicated question-or is it?

We all have notions of what makes a hero.  And there are historic standards by which to measure and answer the question as well.  We see a feature or footnote on the TV news and say, “Now that’s a hero!” But, why?

When I hear the word hero, I immediately think of Katrina.  She is a hero to me.  She was handed a hard lot in life through no fault of her own.  She was born with Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency, a condition that causes one limb to be shorter than the other.  In Katrina’s case, her right leg is the one affected, so she must wear a prosthetic leg.

 She not only copes.  She flourishes.  She not only never feels sorry for herself. She’s the first to help others.  She not only tries to do well in everything she attempts.  She excels.  Katrina is a hero of the first water.

An excerpt from the book sums it up:

I just want to be a normal somebody, Katrina once said.

She was that and so much more. She was courageous in ways most people

never have to be. Every hour. Every day.

A hero’s courage.

A hero’s heart.

A normal girl called Katrina.

If I may, I might add, A normal hero called Katrina…

Thank You, Literary Classics International Book Awards!

It is always exciting and fulfilling to win a book award after one's hard work in writing it.  I am truly happy and honored to announce that my children's book, Katrina and Winter:  Partners in Courage, (Guardian Angel Publishing) has been chosen for two awards by the prestigious Children's Classics Awards.

Katrina and Winter won the Literary Classics Seal of Approval, 2013.  The second is s Literary Classics Silver Award.  I am so delighted to accept them both.

What are the Children's Classics Awards?  In their own words: 

At Literary Classics, we believe literature is a critical component in the development of young minds.  Through well-crafted literature we foster creative thinking, enhance word recognition, improve cognitive skills and help achieve a greater understanding of people and the world around us.

At Literary Classics, we provide book reviews for children's and young adult books.  We offer an international book award program, and we endorse exceptional literature through our Literary Classics Seal of Approval. 

 
On behalf of Katrina Simpkins and Winter, the dolphin, of course, I am pleased to accept these two awards.  It is my hope many of you will read the book.  Katrina and Winter are truly inspirational on their own.  As a team, they are unstoppable!

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!

Nancy and Katrina at The Pier Aquarium Book Nook by the Bay, St. Petersburg, FL (June 9)

Special Guest bestselling and award-winning Author Nancy Stewart will read from her newest book, Katrina and Winter: Partners in Courage, the authorized biography of young girl whose life changed after a meeting with Clearwater Marine Aquarium's famous tail-less dolphin five years ago.

Book Nook by the Bay Schedule

10:30am Fresh Fish Theater Craft Activity and Meet Nancy Stewart and Katrina Simpkins
11am Nancy reads excepts from her book; Katrina will answer questions about the stories
11:30 am Craft activity continues
11:45am Book signing

About Book Nook by the Bay

The Pier Aquarium's Book Nook is a first Saturday-of-the-month literary event featuring Fresh Fish Theater and craft activity. Featured Creature facts, suggested reading by Youth Service Coordinator Beth Lindsey from the St. Petersburg Public Library System, the aquarium's marine science library and, of course, the reading of books. It is free with a paid aquarium admission.

About The Pier Aquarium


Established in 1988, The Pier Aquarium is a private, non-profit aquarium and marine education center located in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida at The Pier. It showcases 17 tanks of live fish and other marine life and educational exhibits on the first and second floors and an outdoor marine laboratory and teaching unit, the Roy G. Harrell, Jr. Education Station, located on the Pier approach.

Its mission is to enhance the public’s understanding of the value and fragility of the local and global marine environment through research, education and personal experiences. The Pier Aquarium serves as the "public face” for the St. Petersburg Ocean Team’s research, innovation and technology. The Ocean Team is a consortium of 14 marine science and oceanographic institutions and environmental research agencies in the Southeast and one of the top such industry clusters in the nation.




More than 65,000 visitors, including 15,000 who participate in our scheduled educational programs, come to The Pier Aquarium annually to attend our Saturday programs, an annual free marine discovery day and Summer Marine Adventures summer camp. Volunteers contribute more than 3,000 hours each year.

The Pier Aquarium has announced a move to John’s Pass Village, Madeira Beach, Florida and expansion to a 12,500 sq. ft. facility called the Secret of the Seas Marine Discovery Center and Aquarium by the end of December 2012.
Contact: Emily Stehle, APR
(727) 803-9799, ext. 207
cell (727) 688-7993, ext. 207estehle@pieraquarium.org
www.pieraquarium.org

Guest Post and Book Giveaway for Thoughts in Progress: Come On, Muse! Give Me a Break

Every author has a muse.  Really, it's difficult to function without one.  Actually, it's difficult to function with one as well.  Why?  The best synonym I can think of for muse is capricious.  To a muse, that describes each one of them.

For over 2,500 years and throughout western civilization, it is largely acknowledged by artists of every sort that their inspirations, creativity and talent come from them. Yet, in this day and age of scientific thought, one would think this would be a preposterous concept for intelligent people to believe yet it remains the case.   It certainly does!

Visit the Thoughts in Progress Blog today, and learn all about mine.  She visits me at the most inconvenient times and places.  She never gives me warning that she's about to appear. She's rude that way.

But given the choice, could I do without her?  Wouldn't even want to try.  When she's with me, every word floats on its own.  Every page is a poem.  Every chapter has its own brilliance.  I could go on, but then you'd think my muse had left me...

Oh, and by the way, my muse reminds me there is a book giveaway.  One person will win a copy of Katrina and Winter:  Partners in Courage by visiting the blog!  Perhaps your muse will be good to you!

Katrina Simpkins--All Grown Up--and Interacting with Hope at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Katrina Simpkins,  the very real heroine of the biography, Katrina and Winter: Partners in Courage, had quite a busy day yesterday. 

Her first stop was at Hanger Prosthetics in Sarasota, Florida.  She had a new prosthesis fitted and then was interviewed by the fabulous and oh, so kind, Ginger Gadsden of the CBS affiliate, Channel 10, Tampa. 

Katrina and Ginger Gadsden

Katrina then made an appearance at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.  She, of course, said hello to her friend, Winter, the dolphin.  And then she helped the trainers work with another special dolphin during the demonstration for a large audience.

Hope is an 18 month old bottle nose dolphin (as is Winter) who was rescued near Cape Canaveral, on Florida's east coast, as was Winter.  She took to Katrina immediately, and she followed her hand signals well. 

Katrina and Hope, the dolphin

The feature will be aired from 5 to 7 AM on Friday, June 8. The film will include Katrina speaking on how and why she has emerged from a special needs child to a fully functioning young adult. A young adult who today does gymnastics, models, speaks to groups of people about her life and rides her horse, Jade, on a regular basis. Katrina is truly a young lady for all seasons.

I just want to be a normal somebody,” Katrina once said.  She was that and so much more. She was courageous in ways most people

never have to be. Every hour. Every day.  A hero's courage.  A hero's heart.  A normal girl called Katrina.

Katrina and Winter Reviewed at A Year of Jubilee Blog

Come on over to AYear of Jubilee Reviews Blog.  There, Katrina and Winter:  Partners in Courage will receive another review.

A lovely blog and one not to be missed, it has much to say about many types of books and topics.

In the meantime, Katrina Simpkins and I are delighted to say that Katrina and Winter, as of today, was No. 3 on Amazon's Hot New Releases.

The book may be purchases at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com, Guardian Angel Publishing and on my web and blog sites where it can be autographed and mailed the next day.

Pop by if you have the chance.   Have a look at our review, and leave a comment.  We'd love it if you would!

Katrina and Winter at 'This Little Book of Mine'

Please come on over to the lovely blog, This Little Book of Mine.   My new book, Katrina and Winter:  Partners in Courage, will be reviewed at the blog today.

Our story is the biography of Katrina Simpkins and her relationship with Winter, the dolphin.  Katrina wanted to be a normal girl, but she has to wear a prosthesis in able to walk, and she felt anything but normal. 

 When she met Winter, who has to wear a prosthetic tail because hers was caught in a crab trap, Katrina's whole life began to change.  Today, Katrina is a normal girl just as Winter is a normal dolphin.

We are hoping the review will be a good one.  Only one way to find out.  Come visit!

Katrina and I hope to see you there, and please leave a comment!

Katrina and Winter Launched During Children's Book Week!

Once again, prior to the post, please sign up below to win gifts.  Also, take a look at the six blogs of the other Guardian Angel authors participating in the Children's Book Week Celebration listed at the end of this post.

Please allow me to start this post with an apology.  I realize I began the celebration of Children's Book Week with a post about my new book but did not realize the launch would take place in the middle of CBW.  (We're a few days early, which is wonderful!)  Because of the timing, I'll give you just a bit more about the book and the people behind it.

Katrina and Winter:  Partners in Courage was a collaboration of people who love Katrina and want only the best for her. Her story was first brought to light by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in general and David Yates, the CEO, in particular. 

When the Simpkins family serendipitously turned up at the aquarium headed to Disney World, Mr. Yates himself welcomed the family to the aquarium.  Katrina was so overwhelmed by seeing Winter, she forgot her shyness and asked him if she could meet the young dolphin.  He, without hesitation, arranged it on the spot. 

Katrina never looked back, and Mr. Yates has never stopped looking forward in relation to Katrina's well-being and best interest.  He arranged for the family to visit Winter and the aquarium on several occasions and has championed and supported Katrina in so many ways.  He gave her the opportunity to star in a video that now runs each hour the aquarium is open, telling the story of Katrina and Winter.

Without the kindness and caring of so many people,  Katrina's story would not be shared with the world.  I hope you will read the book and will also support the Clearwater Marine Aquarium as well.  Each has a story worth the telling.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guardian Angel Publishing Author Blogs:

Mayra Calvani - www.mayrassecretbookcase.blogspot.com

Margo Dill - www.margodill.com/blog

Margot Finke – www.hookkidsonreading.blogspot.com

Donna McDine - www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com

Nancy Stewart - www.nancystewartbooks.blogspot.com

Kai Strand - www.kaistrand.blogspot.com

Nicole Weaver - www.mysisterismybestfriend.blogspot.com

Katrina and Winter: Partners in Courage

Katrina Simpkins is an All American Hero.  She is a role model to thousands of kids and adults, those with special needs and those without. 

(Please see the video of Katrina and Winter at the bottom of this post.)

Katrina at age 8

When Katrina's journey to become a "normal girl" began, she was eight years old, a birth defect survivor of a condition called Proximal femoral focal deficiency and a victim of constant vicious bullying by schoolmates.  Even with her parents' love and support, her life was a misery, and Katrina was depressed and despondent.

Then she met Winter. Winter, the dolphin.  Winter lost her tail to a crab trap and almost died.  Instead, she was rescued by a fisherman named James Savage and taken to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where she lives safely and happily today, helping others like her to adjust and ultimately live fulfilling lives.

To that end, I've written the authorized biography of Katrina.  The book, which will be launched within the next month, is called Katrina and Winter:  Partners in Courage, published by Guardian Angel Publishing.

Katrina's first look at Winter

Here is an excerpt:

Hi, I’m Katrina Simpkins and am here to see Winter,” she said to the lady behind the ticket counter.

The woman came around the desk and gave Katrina a hug. “It’s nice to see you again, dear. You’re expected upstairs.”

Katrina grinned and pushed a curl off her face. “Thanks. I’m so excited to be here. See you later.” She walked toward the stairs, the thought of her prosthetic leg struggling up the steps bothering her not a bit.

 Katrina put her hands to her mouth when she saw the dolphin. “Winter,” she half whispered. “I’m back.”

Katrina and "Winter"
in
Shriners Van (New Prosthesis)

“Hey, Katrina,” the trainer called. “Get into a wet suit, and come on in. Our girl’s waiting.”

“Okay,” she said, watching Winter watch her.

After Katrina changed into a wet suit, she lowered herself into the tank and waited. The trainer said, “Here comes Winter. Wow. Does she know you, or what?”

“She’s swimming right into my arms,” a tearful Katrina said. And the young dolphin stayed there while her friend whispered to her and stroked her head. “I’ve missed you so much,” Katrina said softly.

The trainer smiled. “You guys are a lot alike. No wonder you’re such good friends.”

“Video crew’s here!” the grey haired volunteered shouted, breaking the spell.

“I have to go now, but I’ll be back soon,” Katrina told the dolphin. “We’re doing a film together.” I can’t believe any of this is happening, she thought, slowly lifting herself out of the water.

It is my hope you will read Katrina and Winter.  It is a tribute to Katrina, Winter and all others who must live with a special needs problem and rises above the handicap until it is not a handicap any longer.  It's a badge of honor and a badge of courage.  Katrina and Winter.  Winter and Katrina.  Heros both.

H is for Hope (Thriving at Clearwater Marine Aquarium)

Hope.  The word speaks for itself.  In this case, though, Hope is a baby dolphin. 

She was rescued by caring people in the Indian River Lagoon near Titusville, Florida last year and was brought to the Clearwater Marine
Aquarium, the very place where her "big sister," Winter, the dolphin, now lives and thrives.

Her story is similar to Winter's, yet different.  She had not been injured but her mother had died, and she was attempting to nurse in vain.  She, as with Winter, was just a few months old, and she weighed only fifty eight pounds. Today, she is given a formula that consists of fish, powdered milk substitute and water blended together to create a tasty fish milkshake. 

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Hope could not have survived in the wild even with rehabilitation, as she had not learned survival skills from her mother, skills such as hunting for food and fleeing from predators.  Because of this, the National Marine Fisheries Service made the determination that she would maintain permanent resident status at CMA.

Hope, as with Winter, is living proof that these intelligent and sensitive mammals can live productive lives with humans. 

Visit Hope and Winter at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.  You won't regret you did!

A is for Author in A to Z Challenge!

I love a challenge, and this is a good one!

On this first day of the A to Z Challenge, let me introduce myself.  I'm Nancy Stewart, a children's author.  My Bella and Britt Series (Guardian Angel Publishing), are children's picture books.  One of the books in the series, One Pelican at a Time:  A Story of the Gulf oil Spill, was on Amazon's Bestselling List for Children for 18 weeks and won a Children's Classics Seal of Approval.

Winter and Katrina
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Clearwater, Florida

The newest book, to be released in May, is Katrina and Winter:  Partners in Courage.  It is a chapter book and the authorized biography of Katrina Simpkins, a girl who has to use a prosthetic leg and Winter, the dolphin, of Dolphin Tale fame. 

(Please have a look at video about Katrina and Winter below.)

After having met and befriended Winter, Katrina went from being an introverted and bullied girl to one who now rides horses, models and speaks before large crowds, never failing to mention Winter.  It's a heartwarming children's chapter book about both brave "girls!"

I'm looking forward to the challenge in April and hope you visit my blog again and again and will become a follower--as I will, of course, with yours.
Happy blogging!

Katrina and Winter: Partners in Courage (My New Chapter Book Biography of Katrina Simpkins with Winter, the Dolphin)

Katrina Simpkins is a hero to everyone who meets her.  She is certainly a hero to me.


(Please see video about Katrina and Winter, the dolphin of the Dolphin Tale film at the bottom of this post.)

I heard about Katrina three years ago at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, Florida, where we had gone to see Winter the young dolphin who had lost her tail in a crab trap line.  She had been fitted with a prosthetic tail to help her swim the way a dolphin does. 

A video had been produced by the aquarium about Winter's meeting children fitted with prosthetic limbs who found strength and solace in this amazing dolphin.  Katrina, whose life had been profoundly changed by meeting Winter, was featured in the video. 

Two and a half years later, I received a phone call from a woman who identified herself as Martie Simpkins.  I immediately thought, "I've heard of this woman."  And I had.  

Martie is Katrina's mom.  She'd seen what I'd written about Winter on my blog and wanted me to write the authorized biography of Katrina, as it related to her relationship with Winter.

Katrina's first look at Winter, the dolphin

I was excited and apprehensive about doing the book.  I'd never done a biography, and it was instantly crucial to me to do the best job I could for Katrina.  It was both frightening and exhilarating.

And then I met Katrina.  She and her family, who live in Indiana, visited us one weekend.  That's all it took.  She captured my heart as she does everyone's.  The book is important for Katrina.  For me, it is serious, and it has become personal.


Katrina Simpkins, who was born with Proximal femoral focal deficiency , is the bravest person I've ever met.   She is kind, loving, expansive and wise.  And she's only twelve.  It is my honor to have written her biography.  The book will be released in May, 2012 by Guardian Angel Publishing. 

Katrina and Nancy at the author's home.

The story of Katrina and Winter is inspiring.  Her life is remarkable, as is Winter's.  These two youngsters are forever inextricably connected.  Each has a formidable story.  Each is a hero of the first water.  Put them together with the help of Guardian Angel Publishing, and you have Katrina and Winter:  Partners in Courage.

Winter, the Dolphin's, Heroic Story

My husband and I are spending a week in Clearwater Beach, Florida.  Pelicans soar just outside our window, and on many days, dolphins swim literally under the balcony. 

At the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, lives an inspirational young Atlantic bottlenose dolphin named Winter. Nearly five years ago, on a wintry day, a three month old dolphin became entangled in a crab trap line, and she was drowning.  A fisherman, Jim Savage, came to her rescue, cut her free and, with the help of several other people, managed to steer her to shallow water where they rescued her.  The bottom of her tail had been severely damaged.  None of her rescuers on that desperate day could begin to imagine the impact this tiny orphan would have on so many people the world over.

Winter was immediately taken to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which is an animal rescue and rehab center.  There she underwent a many hour surgery on her tail after the bottom actually fell off. 

Although the team of surgeons saved her life, Winter was now an almost tailless dolphin.  What to do?  She could swim awkwardly, but the veterinarians knew she would have spine issues if she could not swim properly.

A company of expert prosthesis makers offered to assist Winter, and a prosthetic tail was devised--all free of charge. The little dolphin adjusted to it quickly.  She could swim normally while wearing it, and she actually began to jump out of the water as dolphins do!  As she grew, new tails were fashioned to accommodate her size.  Although she does not wear the tail all the time, she exercises with it, and normalcy is hers, if only for a time.

Winter has become an inspiration for people worldwide.  Along with other visitors, children and adults with prosthetic limbs visit the aquarium to see the brave little dolphin who greets as many as she can with a wet dolphin kiss!

This was such an amazing and heroic event that a Hollywood film about Winter's life has just been completed.  It is called A Dolphin's Tale and is set for release by Warner Brothers on September 23, 2011.

Every time I see a dolphin swimming freely around the docks, I think of Winter.  Her new normal is not freedom but hope.  She does so much for humanity every day.  I can't help but believe she has a life that is well lived and is content in that knowledge.

Take a look at Winter, her rehabilitation and her heroic life below:

Photo of Winter taken by Nancy Stewart

Sunday, January 23, 2011

And for more information, visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium's web site at:  http://www.seewinter.com/