Loggerhead Life
Written and illustrated by Sue Trew
Sue Trew’s feel-good story is familiar to the folks at Sanibel’s Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW). When Luna the loggerhead turtle gobbles up a floating balloon—thinking it’s a jellyfish—she winds up in a turtle hospital, where wildlife veterinarians save her life. It’s an important message about protecting endangered sea turtles that “helps deliver our mission of research, conservation and education to all ages,” Michelle Menendez, director of operations and human resources at CROW, says. Turtle Tracks Family
The Sea, the Storm, and the Mangrove Tangle
Written and illustrated by Lynne Cherry
This richly told tale centers around mangroves and their essential role in the coastal ecosystem, with the help of familiar regional creatures, like fiddler crabs, shrimp, dolphins and manatees. “This book beautifully illustrates how mangroves create vibrant habitats that help protect our coastlines,” Kaitlyn Vivirito, education programs manager at the Naples Botanical Garden, says. “It explores the wonders of these habitats in a way children can easily connect to.” Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Color Your Way Through Wild Florida
Illustrated by Kelly Quinn
More than 50 iconic Florida species, from flamingos to swallowtail butterflies, are featured in this lushly illustrated coloring book. “It’s one of my favorites because it’s good for all ages,” says ranger and mom-of-two Toni Westland, who oversees the refuge education team at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel. “And even better—proceeds go to restoring the Florida Wildlife Corridor.” The corridor, signed into law in 2021, connects 18 million acres across the state so animals can roam free. Canvas of the Wild
Turn This Book Into a Beehive
By Lynn Brunelle
Illustrated by Anna-Maria Jung
The Emmy Award-winning writer Lynn Brunelle made science fun while writing for Bill Nye the Science Guy. She went on to create this activity-packed book filled with interactive, hands-on exercises to teach kids about the amazing power of bees. “When I give school tours, I love to point out the pollinators all around us,” Lauren Daniels-Judge, propagation manager at ECHO Global Farm in North Fort Myers, says. “Bees are essential for growing healthy food and keeping our planet healthy.” Workman Publishing Company
What Do You See, Mrs. Night Heron?
By Janet Hasselbring
Illustrated by Bruce De Vries
Set in Florida’s Pelican Cove, this story-in-verse takes children on a learning adventure where they encounter native birds and search for hidden eggs within the lifelike illustrations. “We’ve carried this book for at least three years in the gift shop,” Rose Readigos, guest services supervisor at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, says. “It’s our mission to choose books that teach our children about our native wildlife and ecosystems and how important it is to protect them.” The Peppertree Press
