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The First Page
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell follows a young hermit crab living in Southern California who is swept away from home during a storm and must find his way home. What was the inspiration for your story?
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell came to me as a surprise. I am not a children’s author by any means—and I am still learning the ins and outs of writing a book for a younger audience—but writing a children’s book has always been something I’ve wanted to do. This story in particular was inspired by a stuffed animal that I’ve had in my room—a hermit crab! The story’s setting was greatly inspired by San Diego and Southern California in general, as that is where I live.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Particularly with children’s stories, I’ve always enjoyed writing the first page. To me, that’s the most important part of the story—at least for drawing in young readers. The same goes for this book as well. Writing the descriptions of the tide pools and the ocean waves, introducing the characters, was the best part.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
To me, I felt that keeping the book as factual as possible was very important. I included details such as how hermit crabs find and replace their shells, as well as little references as to what they eat and how they live. Other than that, as the book is for a younger audience, I allowed my imagination to take forth!
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
For now, I don’t have definite plans to write another book in this series—with that being said, continuing the journeys of Zeke and his friends is something I would like to do in the future.
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Zeke Comes Out of His Shell is the perfect adventure for budding readers, lovers of the ocean and the creatures that inhabit it, and those still trying to come out of their shells
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell is a heartwarming children’s book that tells the story of Zeke, a shy young hermit crab living in the tidepools along the sunny coast of Southern California. Zeke, who prefers the safety of his shell over the adventure of the world outside, is swept away by a storm and finds himself far from home. Through this unexpected journey, Zeke not only finds his way back but also learns the value of friendship, courage, and stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
One of the first things that struck me about this book was the vivid imagery Hershenson uses to bring the coastal setting to life. The descriptions of the beach, the tidepools, and the ocean are not only beautifully written but also help young readers immerse themselves in Zeke’s world. The author’s ability to create a sense of place is impressive, and it’s easy to visualize the colorful underwater scenes and the diverse creatures that Zeke encounters on his journey. The character development in this book is also notable. Zeke starts as a timid, reclusive hermit crab, but as the story progresses, he evolves into a brave and sociable character who learns to trust others and embrace new experiences. Hershenson does an excellent job of portraying Zeke’s internal struggles, particularly his fear of the unknown and his hesitation to interact with others. These themes are universal and relatable, making Zeke’s journey not just a physical adventure but also an emotional one. The moment when Zeke finally sings for his new friends is particularly touching, symbolizing his growth and newfound confidence. I also appreciated the underlying message of the story, which encourages children to step out of their comfort zones and make new friends. The book handles these themes with a gentle touch, making them accessible to young readers without being didactic. The friendships Zeke forms with Jay, Maisy, and Harry are heartwarming and show that even the most unlikely companions can become the best of friends.
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell is a delightful read that I would highly recommend to young children, particularly those who might be shy or hesitant to try new things. The book’s combination of engaging storytelling, relatable characters, and a positive message makes it a great choice for parents and educators looking to instill confidence and social skills in children. Shanti Hershenson has created a charming and memorable story that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0D9N1JWSQ
Mysterious Depths of the Sea
Stranded: Cetacea Chronicles follows a group of immortal Dolphin Riders who are responsible for helping to maintain the marine ecosystem. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had been sketching out ideas for the characters and the stories that I wanted them to tell for many years, but I didn’t have time to actually write it until my newborn was diagnosed with cancer in 2014. It seems ridiculous that I would actually have more time to do something like this during such a time, but there was a lot of sitting and waiting at medical facilities. So, naturally, I rocked my baby and wrote a book on my phone. I wanted the first book to deal with the stranding of cetaceans because it is one of the most baffling behaviors they exhibit. After lots and lots of research, I discovered The Morbillivirus, dubbed it “The Great Sickness of Old,” and I was on my way.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this book?
I fell in love with the ocean at age five, and I devoured every piece of literature I could find on the subject. Sadly, the few books I found did not sweep me away into the mysterious depths of the sea quite the way my own imagination did. I wanted to share these dreams with others as well as teach them as much as possible about these majestic creatures that I love so much. By leading young readers to fall in love with these animals, I just might help ensure another generation of sea guardians.
What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?
When the whales are stranded on the beach at the end of chapter 4, they have a quick discussion about calling out to get help from people. Their matriarch, however, has heard troubling stories about “Those Who Walk on Two Legs.” This makes her decide to keep her family quiet. Although brief, this scene offers a glimpse at the long and rocky relationship that we have had with whales over the centuries. I wanted children to think about why this caution exists as well as ways to improve the relationship in the future.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
This is the first of many stories I hope to write in this series. Even though I finished writing the book in 2015, I was unable to find time to publish until the Covid lockdown. It was only a strange coincidence that I published a book about a virus during that time, but I immediately began work on the next book. Entangled: Cetacea Chronicles Volume 2 is complete and with the editor now. I hope to release it within the next few months.
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In this highly original book, the author combines a gripping fantasy story with impressive amounts of factual information about marine life. While the beautiful color photos illustrate the real world of marine mammals, aquatic plants, and sea birds, readers of all ages will enjoy using their imaginations to picture the magical Isle of Cetacea and its eternally young inhabitants.
Feather Chelle is a mother of five and the award-winning author of multiple books for children.
Stranded: Cetacea Chronicles Volume 1
Stranded whisks readers away to a fantastical underwater realm that is rich in adventure and environmental awareness. The story is centered around a group of immortal Dolphin Riders and their aquatic steeds. The narrative deftly intertwines magic, youthful heroism, and a deep respect for marine ecosystems. As the Riders confront ‘The Great Sickness of Old,’ threatening sea life across the Atlantic, the book skillfully balances thrilling escapades with educational insights.
Feather Chelle’s writing shines in its ability to weave complex environmental themes into an accessible and engaging narrative for middle-grade readers. The author’s vivid descriptions of various underwater ecosystems, from kelp forests to coral reefs, serve as a backdrop for the adventure and educate and inspire curiosity about marine life. The characters, particularly the Dolphin Riders, are crafted with care, each bringing unique abilities and personalities to the story. The inclusion of a pod of Short-Finned Pilot Whales, especially Lady and her calf Miracle, adds emotional depth and reinforces the theme of interconnectedness in the natural world.
The book showcases a remarkable range of settings and various characters, reflecting a deep well of creativity and imagination. This expansive universe might require a bit of extra attention to fully appreciate the intricacies of the primary plot, but this also adds to the richness of the experience. While the dialogue is mainly engaging and skillfully written, there are moments where it provides necessary exposition to deepen understanding.
Stranded is as entertaining as it is enlightening. This children’s marine adventure book is an engaging read because it mixes ecological education with fantasy in a way that is both enjoyable and thought-provoking. The book’s blend of adventure, environmentalism, and fantasy will particularly appeal to young readers, especially those interested in marine biology and environmental conservation. It would also be a valuable resource for educators seeking to introduce these themes in an inviting and imaginative context.
Pages: 107 | ASIN : B08RW7ND4W
LITERARY TITAN 