Finding Happiness

Annie Yu Author Interview

Ocean’s Creatures – Wellness Teachers follows a spirited boy whose bad day turns into a journey of discovery and lessons in mindfulness and emotional balance when his grandfather takes him for a walk by the sea. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

As the mother of an anxious child, I was inspired to write this story to help children learn healthy ways to manage strong emotions and navigate life’s challenges.

What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?

I wanted to teach wellness concepts while fostering an appreciation for animals and the natural world. I hope children can take away lessons in mindfulness and finding happiness in everyday life.

What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?

I really enjoyed writing the scene showing the cooperation between the clown and sea anemone because it beautifully illustrates how two very different creatures can rely on each other for survival and support.

Do you have more books planned for the Animal Teachers series? If so, where will they take young readers next?

I am considering a picture book about the valuable lessons we can learn from insects for the third installment of this series, tentatively titled Smallest Creatures – Wellness Teachers.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website

Ocean’s Creatures – Wellness Teachers is a heartwarming story that takes young readers on a transformative journey with Riley, an impatient boy who is having a rough day. When his wise grandfather takes him on a walk by the ocean, Riley discovers the incredible power of mindfulness and wellness through the guidance of the ocean’s animals. From the resilient turtle to the calm and graceful whale, Riley learns how to navigate his emotions and cultivate healthy habits by observing the behaviors of these incredible creatures.

Posted on October 29, 2025, in Interviews and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.

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