Two Loggerhead Sea Turtles Released After One Year in Rehab

Two loggerhead sea turtles rescued on Isle of Palms at the  have been released following a year's worth of rehabilitation thanks to the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Rescue Program.

Jammer Before and After

Both turtles were brought to the center near death, according to an Aquarium news release. After a full recovery, the Aquarium is partnering with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission.

Here is a bit of information on each turtle:



Heading Home

Jammer is a 93-pound juvenile loggerhead sea turtle. S/he was rescued on the Isle of Palms near the Windjammer beach bar in April of last year. When brought into the hospital by SCDNR, Jammer was extremely debilitated, suffering from emaciation, dehydration, and had a heart rate of only 7 beats per minute.

  Upon admittance, there was concern that Jammer had neurological damage because s/he was swimming in circles in the same direction, but after several weeks of intensive care, Jammer began swimming normally. Treatment included antibiotics, fluids, vitamin injections, barnacle removal and treatment for shell damage due to secondary infection. After more than a year of treatment, Jammer is finally ready for the journey back into the Atlantic Ocean!

Celebration for All

Hamlin Creek is a 75-pound juvenile

loggerhead sea turtle found in Hamlin Creek, also located on the Isle of Palms. S/he was rescued in June of last year suffering from severe dermatitis, dehydration, and had poor blood work.

  Treatment for Hamlin Creek included fluids, vitamin injections, and antibiotics. Since being admitted to the Sea Turtle Hospital, Hamlin Creek has gained weight and his/her skin has fully healed. Feisty and healthy, Hamlin Creek is ready to venture back into the open ocean.

The Relevance of Sea Turtle Summer (Children's Book Week)

Please have a look at the trailer for Sea Turtle Summer at the post's end.  Also, please sign up below to win gifts. And, 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.

Why a book called Sea Turtle Summer?  So much is written about sea turtles.  Another one?

The answer, of course, is a resounding yes!  Sea turtles have been on this earth for over fifty million years.  They breathed the same air as dinosaurs, and now they, too, are threatened.  Not by a giant meteor but by humans.  But we humans can do something about the fate of these wondrous sea creatures.


Enter Bella and Britt.  In the series, I try to address marine animals that are in peril, generally because of human interference. 

 The girls find a female Loggerhead sea turtle (the largest of them all) on their beach in the middle of the day. Realizing she needs to return safely to the sea, the girls wait until she's back in the water then turn their attention to her nest.

Dusk is coming, and a light rain begins to fall. They have to return home. Marking the nest as best as they can, they fretfully leave it, vowing to return early the next morning.  What happens next is an adventure and a growth process for them.

Through the book, Britt and Bella learn to become empowered, realizing they must make decisions some adults will not like.  What they do to try and save the nest takes courage and perseverance.  Can they do it?

Sea turtles are certainly worthy of the attention given to them today.  Some species are even making a small comeback with the help of volunteers who stand guard and guide hatchlings into the silvery sea by moonlight.  Much more needs to be done to help preserve these ancient creatures. 

In the words of the girls...

Be careful, Little Ones, whispered Britt. She gently helped two hatchlings slide over a small silvery wave.

Yeah, Bella said softly. Saving you is the best part of living by the beach.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Entry during the Children's Book Week celebration by Guardian Angel Publishing does not guarantee winning the FREE tote bag of Guardian Angel Publishing books, or the FREE picture book manuscript critique by Margot Finke. Winner of the FREE picture book manuscript critique by Margot Finke shall not hold Ms. Finke liable in publication success of submitted picture book manuscrip

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

Nancy Stewart a Featured Author at Hernando County Reading Festival, Brooksville, Florida

Meet Nancy Stewart at the Hernando County Reading Festival.  Purchase an autographed copy of One Pelican at a Time and/or Sea Turtle Summer.  Fun pelican and sea turtle fact sheets will be given away.

Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 3, 2012
Location: Nature Coast Technical High School
Cost: FREE admission and activities; Food available for a nominal fee

Info: Website
Distance: Brooksville, FL is approximately 1 hour north of Downtown Tampa
What’s Doing?
What better way to celebrate reading than with a Reading Festival! The Hernando County Public Library System would like to invite you to enjoy games and activities, face painting, door prizes and much more. You will also have a chance to meet authors of children’s books as well as authors of other books and Bay News 9 meteorologist Brian McClure.

Event Schedule:
— 10:15-10:45 a.m.: Christine Van Horn will present “Books We Love To Sing”
— 11:15-11:45 a.m.: Enjoy storyteller Windell Campbell, who uses puppets and props to captivate the audience.
— 12:15-12:45 p.m.: There will be a presentation by author Brenda Darnley Martin

Don’t forget the camera for photo opportunities with the St. Petersburg Times’ mascot Spot the Newshound and the Chick-fil-A Cow. Tony the Balloon Guy will be available to turn something simple like a balloon into something amazing like a monkey in a tree.
Even Better! If your child is one of the first 300 children to attend, they’ll receive a FREE goody bag!

Address:
Nature Coast Technical High School
4057 California Street
Brooksville, FL 34604

Last Stop on Tour is the Wonderful Classic Children's Blog

Our last stop on the Sea Turtle Summer Tour is today.  We are visiting the very worthy and oh, so beautiful Classic Children's Books Blog.  This blog is so gorgeous that it's worth your time just to take a peek, even if you do not read the review!

This has been a wonderful tour, thanks to Cheryl Malandrinos and Pump Up Your Book Virtual Tours.

Please stop by, and take a look at what is said about the second book in the Bella and Britt Series.  The third, Bella Saves the Beach, will be launched in the summer of 2012.  Watch for it!

Guest Post at Literarily Speaking Blog (Where Did My Muse Take Me?)

Did you ever wonder where the nugget of an idea for a book begins within the author's mind?  If so, please pop over to the Literarily Speaking Blog and find out how Sea Turtle Summer came to me.



I've had the privilege of visiting this blog previously, and it is always a pleasure.  I'll share a few lines of my guest post:

Sea Turtle Summer came to me, not on a glorious beach with glimmering white sand, but in a stark utilitarian hospital room. Talk about being led by your muse. She had to work wonders with this one.

Sea Turtle Summer may be purchased at Amazon.com, barnes & noble.com, Guardian Angel Publishing, and if you want an autographed copy, from my web or blog sites.

Sea Turtle Summer Visits The Writer's Life Blog Today

We are showcased today at The Writer's Life.  It is one of those all encompassing blogs dedicated to:

Bella and Brit hold hands across the sands
as the sand cleaning machine approaches the sea turtle nest.

Author Interviews, Book Promotion Tips, and more!

We Sea Turtle Summer folks are eager to read what they think of our book at this blog.  Just a reminder that the book has been on Amazon's Bestseller in Children's Books List.  It has also been on Amazon's Hot New Releases as well. 

Please pop by, and see what's happening at The Writer's Life Blog today!

Sea Turtle Summer Tour Continues at Bluerose's Heart Blog

Hello, Dear Readers,

Let's pop over to Bluerose's Heart Blog and find out what is being said about the latest book in the Bella and Britt Series, Sea Turtle Summer. 

This is an interesting blog, full of ideas and great books to read.

Sea Turtle Summer, I am happy to say, has already been on Amazon's Bestseller's for Children List and Amazon's Hot New Releases. It is also available on Kindle.

Stop by, have a look, and leave a comment if you wish!

First Stop on Tour is Between the Covers Blog

This morning kicks off my continued Sea Turtle Summer Tour with Pump Up Your Book.  We are going to Between the Covers, a thoughtful and terrific blog.

Hello, You Beautiful World

This blog spotlights books reviews them.  It's a gorgeous blog.  Come on over, and be a part of Between the Covers!

The photo used here is of baby Loggerhead sea turtles emerging from their nest on the coast of Florida.  These babies all arrived safely to the sea with the help of dedicated volunteers who assisted them in their journey. 

Thank you to everyone who helps in this worthwhile endeavor worldwide.  May the sea turtle populations stabalize through this effort.

Hands Across the Sands!

Sea Turtle Summer Book Tour Continues

Below please find the schedule for my Sea Turtle Summer Book Tour.  I hope you come along with me.  The book will be reviewed at some great blogs, and I'm excited about this tour.  In addition, I'll be posting my regular assortment of offerings on topics from around the world.

(Please view trailer of Sea Turtle at bottom of this post).

Monday, January 16^th

Book excerpt featured at Between the Covers

Tuesday, January 17^th

Book reviewed at Good Family Reads

Wednesday, January 18^th

Book reviewed at Bluerose’s Heart

Book reviewed at Year of Jubilee Reviews

Thursday, January 19^th

Book spotlighted at The Writer’s Life

Friday, January 20^th

Book reviewed at Sweet Peripety

Tuesday, January 24^th

Book reviewed at BookSpark

Wednesday, January 25^th

Guest blogging at Literarily Speaking

Thursday, January 26^th

Book reviewed at Reading, Writing and Ruckus

Friday, January 27^th

Book reviewed at Classic Children’s Books

Sea Turtle Summer Reviewed at 4 the Love of Books

4 the Love of Books is the blog we are visiting today, and the book will be reviewed.  This is a kind and sweet blog where people are uplifted and come away with a happy feeling. 

Bella, Britt, the ranger and I are feeling great about our visit!  Please come along, and see what is said about Sea Turtle Summer, published by Guardian Angel Publishing!

We are particularly pleased that the book is on Amazon's Hot New Releases List in both its formats--hard and soft cover.  We want to thank you for that!

Bella and Britt Holding Hands Across the Sands!

I want to share one of the beautiful watercolor pages that Samantha Bell did for Sea Turtle Summer!

Sea Turtle Summer Reviewed at This Little Book of Mine Blog

Today Bella, Britt, the ranger and I visit a new blog, This Little Book of Mine.  Let's find out what this blogger thinks of our new Bella and Britt book, Sea Turtle Summer!

We are so proud of the fact that our book is on Amazon's Bestselling List for Children's Books.  And we want to thank you for the support.

Please pop by and visit us at this blog today at Sea Turtle Summer's virtual tour.

What the reviewers are saying about the new adventures of Bella and Britt:

This story brings great messages for children around the world who want to do their share to help save the animals.

Nicole Weaver, Tri-Lingual Author, Blogger, Educator

Since Nancy Stewart's earlier book, One Pelican at a Time, became a best seller, it's not surprising that Sea Turtle Summer is excellent.  I think the most important message is that even kids can make a difference in the world by standing up for what is right even when it's scary to do that. 

The illustrations by Samantha Bell are lovely and do an excellent job of capturing the mood of the book while portraying the turtles accurately.
I highly recommend this book.

Janet Ann Collins, Writer and Speaker

Taking Time for Mommy Blog

Hello, Dear Reader,

Today we are being reviewed on the Taking Time for Mommy Blog.  Bella, Britt, the ranger and I hope it will be a good one and make us proud!  We'd love it if you would stop by and say hello.

Sea Turtle Summer by Guardian Angel Publishing, is on Amazon's Hot New Releases list as well as on Amazon's Bestseller's for Children List.

We especially like the Green Living section of this blog.  Here you can find green living tips, recipes and general information on helping our planet stay healthy.  Come on over for a visit!

Sea Turtle Summer may be bought at:  Guardian Angel Publishing, amazon.com, barnes & noble.com, fictionwise.com and for an autographed copy, at my blob and websites.

Mayra Calvani's Interview with me at Mayra's Secret Bookcase

Nancy is the bestselling author of the four Bella and Britt Series books for children: One Pelican at a Time (eighteen weeks on Amazon Bestselling List), Sea Turtle Summer, Bella Saves the Beach and Mystery at Manatee Key. All are published by Guardian Angel Publishing.

(The trailer for Sea Turtle Summer can be found at the end of this post.)

She and One Pelican at a Time and were featured in the PBS Tampa (WEDU) special, GulfWatch. Pelican was nominated for a Global eBook Award and has won the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
Nancy’s travels take her extensively throughout the world, most particularly Africa. She is US chair of a charity in Lamu, Kenya, that places girls in intermediate schools to allow them to further their education. She and her husband live in Tampa and St. Louis.
I understand you were a university professor teaching classes about children’s and young adult literature before you started writing. How did the leap from teacher to author come about?

I thought fleetingly about writing for children through my years as an academic, but it never seemed the right time. After teaching children’s and young adult literature, though, the idea crystallized. The day after my granddaughter, Leah, was born, I wrote my first children’s book, I Held You on the Day You Were Born. Since then I’ve never looked back, and those pent-up books flow faster than I would ever have expected. So, in a real way, Leah (who is now five) is the true catalyst behind my writing.

What makes you passionate about writing for children?

My entire academic career has been about children, from teaching young kids to teaching pre-service teachers. It was, I think, a natural segue to begin writing for them. The combination of my love of all things books and the real joy I feel about children and their growing awareness of new ideas led me to this passion.

Congratulations on the publication of your latest children’s picture book, Sea Turtle Summer. What was your inspiration for this story?

My morning walks on Clearwater Beach provide me with so many ideas, particularly for the Bella and Britt Series. With Sea Turtle Summer, I walked by a cordoned off area of the beach that contained a sea turtle nest. The orange tape and the affixed state seal warning about the serious consequences of tampering began the process in my mind.
Clearwater Beach, always voted one of the three best beaches in the world, is a sea turtle’s nightmare if she happens to lay her eggs there. There is so very much activity—from sun worshiping, to volleyball games, to kids’ digging sandcastles (hatchlings cannot get over them), the problem became defined. The tension was set up. All we needed was a sea turtle laying her eggs in an unfortunate place, and Bella and Britt were back on the job!

I understand you get up at dawn everyday and by 6am are already pounding away at your keyboard on the balcony of your beautiful, gulf-view Clearwater apartment. Tell us more about your writing schedule and writing process, especially for Sea Turtle Summer.

It is true that I’m at my computer around six each morning and has become a joke with friends who always look at the time I send or answer emails! I do find that time to be more productive for me than any other.
I’ve learned to parcel my days into bunches of hours, each bunch dealing with one area. For instance, my best creative writing is early in the morning. About mid-morning, I turn to marketing and do that several hours. Later in the day, I go back to writing, many times on a different manuscript. I tend to finish about 5 PM, but my computer is sometimes on my lap in the evening as well.

My blog does take some time almost daily. I publish new posts three times a week. I try to write them in groups and usually have seven or eight ready to go. I enjoy blogging and find writing for adults helps keep my mind focused in a different way. In that regard, it’s a worthwhile exercise.

What do you do when the words ‘just won’t come out’? Do you stay and force it until something begins happening on the page?
Free Association is the name of that game for me. I don’t fight writer’s block anymore. Rather, exercise or running errands or doing anything not related to writing helps greatly. When I’m disengaged from writing is usually when engagement happens. An idea, a notion, a nugget of a thought will pop into my consciousness and, as if by magic, the block is finished.

Do you have any tips for aspiring children’s authors?

Yes! Don’t write in a vacuum! Join a writer’s group—immediately. It is the best thing you can do for yourself. The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) is beyond valuable for the new writer, and local groups are everywhere.

Realize you have to promote your own book, and you must do it constantly. The days of sitting back and letting your publishing house do it are over! I have a friend whose name you’d recognize here. She’s had thirty two books children’s books published. Recently she told me that she still gives one day a month to marketing.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with my readers?

I’d be delighted to share my web and blog addresses and tell them where my books can be purchased.
Web site: http://www.nancystewartbooks.com
Blog site: http://www.nancystewartbooks.blogspot.com  

The books are sold at: Guardian Angel Publishing, amazon.com, barnes & noble.com,Fictionwise and my web and blog sites, where you can obtain a personalized, autographed copy.
Thank you, Nancy!

Thank you so much, Mayra, for hosting me. I enjoyed being with you and your guests.

Mayra's Secret Bookcase is a marvelous blog, and it is my hope you will take a look at it!

Guest Post at Coffee and a Keyboard

I am interviewed today at the lovely blog, Coffee and a Keyboard, where the by-line is Art-Life-Love! 

In the interview, I was asked some pretty in-depth questions.  I also give a peek into the next book on the drawing board and, no, Bella and Britt are not in this one.  It's a bit of a departure for me. 

The interview, of course, is to help spread the word about Sea Turtle Summer, the second book of the Bella and Britt Series of children's books.  Happily, the word must be out, as Sea Turtle Summer is on Amazon's Hot New Releases in both the hard and soft cover formats!
Below, I share with you one of Samantha Bell's wonderful watercolors.  So lovely!

It's my hope you agree that her art makes the book come alive. The girls, ranger and the loggerhead hatchlings are given a life of their own with her amazing talent.

Sea Turtle Summer Reviewed at One Day at a Time

Today, Sea Turtle Summer, published by Guardian Angel Publishing, will be reviewed by the One Day at a Time Blog. 

The blog's logo is one I love:  Creating Childhood Memories.  Not only is is a sweet and nostalgic byline, the idea is crucial to positive child development leading to a mature, happy and fully functioning adult.

To that end, I am delighted to have Sea Turtle Summer with Bella, Britt and the ranger reviewed today. It is my hope that this series of books will help create happy and indelible childhood memories. 

Sold at:  Guardian Angel Publishing, amazon.com, barnes & noble.com
and on my web and blog sites (autographed copies)

The added benefit I am hoping, of course, is this:  The childhood memories created by the series will aid children in becoming responsible adults who care for and respect the animals with whom we must share this planet.

Please visit One Day at a Time.  Britt and Bella are waiting for you!

Sea Turtle Summer Reviewed at Kristi's Book Nook

The book tour for Sea Turtle Summer begins today!  The book for children ages 6 to 9 is being interviewed at Kristi's Book Nook. 

Please stop by and see what is said about the new adventures of Bella and Britt.  The girls are on the beach again, but this time they try to save a Loggerhead sea turtle's nest from destruction.

Will they be able to stand in the face of adult opposition to their plan?  What they propose doing may cause a lessening of beach revenues from tourists. What will happen to the nest and to the girls?

Sold at:  Guardian Angel Publishing, amazon.com, barnes & noble.com
and on my web and blog sites (for autographed copies)

Join us at Kristi's Book Nook today!

Sea Turtle Summer Trailer--A Nice Preview!

The trailer for Sea Turtle Summer, published by Guardian Angel Publishing may be viewed in this post. 

(Please view the trailer at the bottom of this post!)

The lovely pictures are by Samantha Bella.  She is a marvelous watercolorist and has done it again, as she did in One Pelican at a Time.

I am pleased to announce that Sea Turtle Summer is on Amazon's Hot New Releases for Children and Amazon's Bestseller List for Children.  I want to thank so many people for all their support!

This book may be purchased at:  Guardian Angel Publishing, amazon.com, barnes & noble.com, fictionwise.com and at my web and blogsites.  Autographed copies may be obtained at my sites.

Loggerhead Turtles Showcased in Sea Turtle Summer

Loggerhead sea turtles are an ancient species, having been on this earth for up to forty million years.  These turtles have very large heads and strong jaws. They can weigh up to three hundred pounds as adults.

(Please view the sea turtle hatchling rescue at the bottom of the post.)

Loggerheads spend most of their lives in the open ocean and in shallow coastal waters. They rarely come ashore, with the exception of the females' brief visits to build nests and lay eggs.
This turtle is endangered worldwide. Their main enemy is human.  Because of pollution, reduction of habitat, fishing trawls, the population is dwindling.

Many people and organizations are trying to help these majestic creatures. They are protected by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. In the US and in many other parts of the world, disturbing a nest carries large fines. 

I hope my new children's book, Sea Turtle Summer, can do its part to help bring the turtles' plight to the attention of kids and their parents.  Education is the number one factor in conserving our planet.

Sea Turtle Summer is the second book in the Bella and Britt Series. The girls find a female sea turtle laying her eggs on the busiest beach in their town.  They see the female safely back into the sea, but what can they do to save the nest? 

This is not only an ecology book for children.  It is about kid empowerment as well.  Bella and Britt find themselves disagreeing with adults, and that makes for a sensitive situation. 

I would love for your children and grandchildren to read Sea Turtle Summer with you in the hope it will enlighten and uplift everyone who reads it. The book was launched on November 14 and can be found at: 

Sea Turtle Summer can be found at: Guardian Angel Publishing, amazon.com, barnes & noble.com, Fictionwise and at my web and blog sites, where autographed copies can be purchased:  http://nancystewartbooks.com and http://nancystewartbooks.blogspot.com/

Read more: http://blogcritics.org/books/article/book-review-sea-turtle-summer-by/#ixzz1ed8hU3Wx