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A Day on the Brine
A Day on the Brine is a charming, rhythmic journey through the ocean’s wonders, seen through the eyes of a curious captain and the creatures she encounters on her voyage. With lyrical, repetitive verse and vibrant illustrations, the book flows from one sea creature to the next, capturing the natural rhythms of marine life from sunrise to moonrise. Set off the west coast of Australia, this tale speaks to the interconnectedness of life on the ocean and the quiet magic of the sea.
Right from the start, I was pulled in by the rhythm. The repeated structure—“And what do you think she sees?” makes it feel like a lullaby, or a chant you’d say to a child while swaying on a boat. It’s simple, but it works. I especially loved the line about the “squid pinkpink and shy” who “peeks at the sky.” That moment stuck with me, there’s something so soft and endearing about it. It’s playful but also poetic. The use of double adjectives, “whitewhite,” “pinkpink,” “greengreen,” initially felt unusual, but they started to feel like waves lapping: steady, repeated, calming.
The writing isn’t trying to be clever. It’s honest and kind. There’s a real respect for the sea here, and that shines through the gentle language and Emma Stuart’s dreamy illustrations. I found myself lingering on the page with the “whale large and greygrey” coming up for a play. That spread, both in words and visuals, felt alive. There’s no heavy lesson being pushed, but you still get this sense of awe for marine life and the beauty of slowing down to look at the world.
One thing I appreciated deeply is the circular nature of the story. It begins and ends with the big blue boat, creating a feeling of coming home, of completing a cycle. The moon watching the boat and captain at the end made me smile. It’s subtle, but it tugs at something warm in you. It reminded me of how, as a kid, I’d imagine the moon following me on car rides home. Also, the glossary and activities at the end are a nice bonus, educational without being dry, and great for curious young readers.
This book is a delight. If you’ve got little ones who love the ocean, or if you just want something calming and beautiful to read together at bedtime, A Day on the Brine is for you. It’s got heart, rhythm, and a soft sense of wonder. I’d recommend it to families, early educators, or anyone who finds peace in the sea.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0DXG9T3HK
Reaching For Joy and Happiness
Following Sunshine shares your story of personal growth and dealing with life’s challenges through the lens of your travels and how they helped you on your journey. Why was this an important book for you to write?
While the individual chapters of my life are unique to me — leaving home at age seventeen to study French language and literature in Paris, France, volunteering on remote islands in Belize, Fiji, Vanuatu, and Palau, and reinventing myself professionally across five different industries: TV, scuba diving, hospitality, finance & insurance, and ultimately as an author, my journey is universal.
Many of us suffer loss, heartache, and to varying degrees trauma. We reach for joy and happiness, mental and physical well-being. But the one desire we share absolutely is to love and be loved. That we are enough. My purpose in laying bare my soul in this memoir is to light a path for anyone fighting the dark, to show that anything is possible, that you just need to keep breathing and take the next step. My travels across the world, often as a volunteer, serve as a backdrop to the butterfly effect: we are one human race and how we behave in one area of the world can affect another many oceans away. Our lives become the sum of our thoughts and our experiences the result of our choices.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Quite a few:
Anything is possible, never give up.
Setbacks don’t need to define us; they provide opportunities for growth.
Material possessions are not an indication of success.
Embracing minimalism enables you to travel lightly in the world and life.
Listen to your instincts, trust your intuition.
We are all here to serve each other.
Staying open-minded helps reveal our commonalities rather than what separates us.
Living in the “now” repels anxiety and fear of the unknown.
Practicing gratitude is the only way to soar.
In addition, I wanted to share a subject very dear to me: our oceans.
I’m passionate about marine conservation, protecting our coral reefs and in particular, dolphins. In Chapter 13 you’ll read: “The single most determined activist, who has made it his life’s mission to free dolphins in captivity, has got to be the man who believes he created the problem in the first place: Ric O’Barry. As the trainer on the TV show, he was not only responsible for capturing the five dolphins that played Flipper, but for teaching them to jump, twirl and tail-walk on cue. In the Oscar-winning documentary The Cove, Ric explains how he spent ten years contributing to the building of this industry and the rest of his life trying to tear it down. Most of the dolphins you see in what O Barry calls the “Abusement Parks” are “are captured during an annual hunt in Taiji, Japan. Those not chosen to be shipped to seaquariums are slaughtered, out of sight. Once you watch the movie, the blood red water of the scenic cove is a sight you can never un-see.”
My dad had a favorite life quote that resonated with me: When you know something, you can’t not know it anymore. As much as I love dolphins, I have never been near a dolphinarium since. Instead, I chose to volunteer with the Watamu Marine Association in Kenya, working with them on their project to educate boat captains and the community in the safe practices of bringing tourists out to observe dolphins in the wild.
You traveled to so many beautiful places along the way. What location did you find the most healing and why?
Water soothes my soul. If it’s warm and azure, set against green mountains and a deep blue sky the combination makes my spirit soar. So, naturally, finding a way to do Bora Bora on a budget as a single woman, and overcoming the loneliness of dining alone in the honeymoon capital of the world, brought me incredible joy. While it would have been wonderful to share this exotic and romantic destination with a lover I was at peace knowing I am my own best friend, and I am enough.
But the greatest healing was yet to come. Fulfilling a dream to work at sea I volunteered to crew for a solo sailor. From Florida to the Bahamas. It was only supposed to last a month. But when you live 24/7 in a 40ft space, with no wi-fi or cell service, and have to rely on your fellow mariner for your safety you get to know each other from the inside out. Gary and I talked; nothing was off limits. Drawing from his master’s degree in spiritual psychology he coached me in processing some issues from my past and showed me the art of self-forgiveness and self-love. While neither of us set out on the voyage looking for love, love found us. A month turned into four, a year into six, sailing the turquoise waters of the Bahamas and Caribbean islands. With toes in the sand in Antigua captain and crew became husband and wife. We are forever grateful for the universe conspiring in our favor and for the profound love we have for each other. Together, we have become greater than the sum of our two selves.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
Living a fulfilled, meaningful life is a choice. It starts with seeking clarity, not continuing in the role your parents, siblings or colleagues think is best for you. Past traumas do not define you. Believe anything is possible. Once you discard the noise, the life you really want to live becomes clear and it is never too late to take steps to create that existence. Be the driver, not the passenger. Visualize that life, take the necessary action to achieve it, be open to the all the possibilities it offers, and then live in quiet expectation and gratitude. It will come.
And remember you only have today, and it could be your last. Whatever you have been dreaming of, or putting off, do it now.
Enjoy this gift called life!
Author links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Website
In her honest and heart-warming memoir, writer and adventurer Niamh McAnally shares the story of her liberating journey from being unemployed, homeless, and divorced in her fifties, to embarking on a global quest to find purpose through volunteering and ultimately finding a profound love that changed her life.
From volunteering for marine conservation projects on remote islands in Belize, Vanuatu, and Tonga, to exploring exotic destinations like Bora Bora, Palau, Fiji, and St Barths, Niamh takes readers on a captivating journey where each destination unveils a layer of her self-discovery. An encouraging read for the dreamer in each of us, you’ll learn about unique cultures, dolphin research, turtle conservation, and coral reef protection. And be prepared for the most unexpected love story when she is selected as crew for a solo sailor in the Bahamas—a project that was only supposed to last a month but will now last a lifetime.
While telling the story of one woman’s quest for meaning, Following Sunshine also serves as a roadmap for the rest of us, inspiring us to awaken to the potential that lies within and choose a path truest to our being. Perfect for fans of adventure travel, romance, and anyone seeking meaning and fulfillment through giving back.
Following Sunshine: A Voyage Around the Mind, Around the World, Around the Heart
In Following Sunshine, Niamh McAnally takes readers on an enthralling journey across diverse landscapes, from the lush jungles of Fiji to the serene beaches of Vanuatu. Through her travels—which span Nairobi, Vietnam, Saint Barthélemy, Fiji, Palau, and beyond—McAnally weaves a narrative rich in cultural insights and natural beauty. She vividly describes moments of connection with the world around her, such as participating in turtle conservation in Vanuatu or reflecting on local customs.
The memoir is more than a mere travelogue; it’s an introspective look at McAnally’s personal growth amid life’s challenges, including dealing with loss, divorce, and financial struggles. Her expressive language enhances the narrative, painting scenes with phrases that capture the transition of seasons and emotions, like “As spring gave way to summer, daffodils and white-blossomed garlic were replaced by the bluebells of May.” McAnally also delves into profound personal topics, such as child abuse and the uncertainty of the future, integrating these themes into her travel experiences. This blend of personal history with adventure provides a compelling backdrop for reflections on broader themes such as love, loss, and the human impact on ecosystems.
Following Sunshine resonates with those who have a zest for adventure and nature and readers interested in the introspective aspects of travel. McAnally’s narrative invites us to explore a world of vibrant landscapes and rich textures, all while engaging with her contemplations on life and culture. This book is an invitation to experience the world through the eyes of a thoughtful and resilient explorer.
Pages: 368 | ASIN : B0D2Z5LFVZ
Girls Need Sailing Representation Too
A Big Blue Boat follows a young girl as she sets out for a day of sailing and teaches readers different parts of a boat. What was the inspiration for your story?
My husband and I are ocean sailors and sailed from Australia to Europe between 2013 and 2015 – the story can be found on www.gratisaustralis.com. The idea for the book originally grew from the desire to share our experiences on the sea with our own big blue boat in a fun way with our Grandchildren. I wanted them to experience that feel of being in a boat out on the sea.
As we sailed and met other people in the sailing community, I also learned that although slowly changing, it is still very much a man’s world. We need stories that are going to help promote this change.
From a simple book written for the grandchildren and their parents, A Big Blue Boat rapidly grew into a story that could be enjoyed by all and used as an educational text.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Lesley Cybulka?
Everything to do with A Big Blue Boat has just fallen into place.
I originally asked a friend, whose artwork I loved, whether he would like to join us on the journey by creating the images. Having completed the first image of the sea, Andrew felt he couldn’t do the imagery of the boat and captain full justice and wondered whether I would be happy for his friend, Lesley, to do the illustrations instead.
The partnership with Lesley was something beyond my imagination and a true collaboration.
Initially, I sent a copy of the text with some basic illustration notes and multiple photographs of the boat to Lesley. We had a long conversation via Zoom, where we discussed the manuscript, illustration notes, and mediums to be used, then I left the rest to her.
Neither of us work well when under pressure, so the time factor was left open…
The arrival of what would become the front cover image had me hyper excited. Lesley’s first illustration had taken the artwork beyond my imaginings, and it was so different to what is found in picture books of today. Having never seen her work, I discovered how exceptionally talented Lesley is and she had brought my story to life!
As each set of images were created, Lesley and I would connect to discuss whether readjustments were required. In some cases, illustrations were totally redone.
That moment when Lesley agreed to join me in illustrating A Big Blue Boat, will be one for which I will be forever grateful.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
As I searched to find sailing stories for young children – particularly girls – in the 4 – 8 year age range, I discovered the majority of picture books in the boating genre are about motor boats and the protagonists male. For girls especially, sailing stories are set within the character’s imagination, as a dream, or used as a way of introducing the reader to other cultures. Realistic sailing stories with a female protagonist that are fun for young children, are difficult to find and the female sailing community is crying out for them. Many women have told me of how they change characters from male to female when they read boat books to their young girl/s. A strong female protagonist was of utmost importance. The captain of A Big Blue Boat is based upon the ‘sailing me’ I am learning to be.
As a sport, sailing is perfect for children on many levels. It promotes and develops critical thinking, problem solving, communication and cooperation skills; builds team spirit, fitness, and strength; and shows that clean wind power can be just as much fun as motor boats. It seemed right that the first book should be one that introduced important parts of a sailing boat and the captain.
The sea is also a magical place. There is nothing like the feeling of freedom one experiences out on the water in a sailing boat. Here you are immersed within the elements and can encounter the inconceivable wonders of nature: wind, storms, a dolphin’s birth, albatross soaring, dolphins leaping and whales breaching. It has been an environment that has long called to me personally, as it does for many children, Australians as a whole and people worldwide, and I want to share it with the world.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Two sequels about A Big Blue Boat are completed and currently with Lesley awaiting illustrations. I am not sure which of the two will be first, for I have left that up to Lesley. A Big Blue Boat and the Mighty Storm tells of a storm that blows up in the Australian Bight, whilst A Big Blue Boat is Out on the Brine introduces more of our wondrous ocean creatures and the web of life. Anyone who loves Bill Martin Jr’s Brown Bear, Brown Bear is going to love The Brine.
We are hoping the second will be available for purchase sometime in 2023.
In the meantime, several more sequels and a couple of prequels are well underway.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook Author | Facebook Book | Website
Parents looking for picture books about boats or picture books about sailing will fall in love with A Big Blue Boat. It’s one of the best sailing stories of 2021. Especially, if you’re looking for picture books about sailing for girls. Written for early readers and pre-schoolers, it’ll have them learning to sail in no time.
Children will love joining in with the rhythm and rhyme in this cumulative story about a boat, a girl and the rollicking frolicking sea.
A boat.
A big blue boat.
A big blue boat with billowing sails.
A big blue boat with billowing sails and …
In the tradition of There Once Was A Lady Who Swallowed a Fly and One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree, The Big Blue Boat takes readers on an ever-growing rhyming song in this beautiful yarn about boats for early readers.
The Big Blue Boat also features a female captain, making it a great option for those looking for books about sailing for girls as well as picture books about boats. All families interested in sailing and boats will love Susea Spray’s fun-filled adventure. After all, who better to write boat stories for girls, than an author living on a boat?
Beloved by educators, The Big Blue Boat reinforces key early learning skills. “From a teacher’s perspective, and thinking about literacy skills, the repetition is really great, as it helps children access reading of some key words along with the adult reader.” Dr Kathryn Macfarlane (teacher and children’s author)
Buy The Big Blue Boat to set sail on a magical journey today!
A Big Blue Boat
A Big Blue Boat is a whimsical picture book for preschoolers and early readers about a girl captain setting sail. It starts by describing parts of the beautiful blue boat. Next, children learn about the sails, mast, wheel, rudder, and anchor as the story flows from one page to another, adding a new line and fact with each page. Each page gives kids a new vocabulary word that is highlighted in bold letters and color.
The story is told in a repeating rhyme style that will have children singing along with the story as the adventure grows. I love this approach to children’s books as it helps them retain information by repeating things. The end of the book includes a glossary of terms the author has used in this engaging story. After the glossary is a quiz to name the different parts of the boat. The continued repetition of terms is a great educational resource.
Author Susea Spray has created a fun and educational story that will have children learning all about boats and sailing as they move through the pages. Illustrator Lesley Cybulka has captured the exhilarating experience of sailing in her art with bold colors and captivating images. From the captain to the dolphins, each image in this children’s book is clearly drawn with a love for the sea and a desire to capture the magic of dreaming.
A Big Blue Boat is an adventurous picture book for preschool, kindergarten, and early readers about a young girl sailing her boat. It portrays a strong girl as the captain, which shows that girls can captain boats and go on adventures by themselves. This is a great children’s book for teachers and parents to use to teach about sailing, the parts of a boat, and that it is okay to dream big.
Pages: 39 | ASIN : B09SB8K695
Caution to the Wind
On May 5th, 1994, at 9.30 am on a chilly, sunlit day, Ebony, a 36ft Roberts Spray, left the safety of Lyttelton Harbour in New Zealand, to venture into the unknown, where nothing would be predictable.
The voyage plan was to follow the famous trade wind route, sailing from New Zealand to England.
All too soon, they found themselves battling their way to Sydney, Australia. Caught in a ruthless storm with no contact with the outside world, they were truly alone. All the romantic notions of the ultimate cruising life disappeared into oblivion.
Step aboard Ebony and take an adventure, an epic 15-month voyage. Experience this day-to-day passionate tale, packed with intrigue, and at times suspense. Experience the delights of the lands visited and learn more about the world of international sailing. This was a life-changing adventure, with a dramatic, unexpected, ending.
George’s Pursuit Across the Perilous Ocean
Follow George after he makes the decision to become his own boss running a small boat. Follow him through the tumultuous journey that leads him to eventually hand over reigns of a successful fleet of liners. We get to see the change in his mindset from worker to supervisor and finally, owner. It took strength, wisdom, knowledge and lots of other things. This is the story of a small business growing into a conglomerate, from a toddler to a fully legal human being.
According to research, only about half of the business started will still stand strong in five years time. This is quite sad for a world where entrepreneurship is highly encouraged. This book is meant to decrease this percentage. One will learn to grow their business from a period of feast and famine to a period where the business comfortably stands on its own, where the welfare and life of the business are not threatened by regular/normal business occurrences. Like a windfall of clients for example.
According to Ray Moore, one should not wait until the growth occurs. They should anticipate it. To successfully go through these growth moments, one requires a vision. They must also keep the business in balance. That is time, team, delivery and money. They must all be applied in appropriate proportions. One must set out the stall for growth. Managing the mindset is the final condition.
This is a short book, that means that the information is presented in a compact package. The whole book is presented as a metaphor. This makes the book highly appealing. It is useful even for those who do not like or have the time to read. It is sober advice from an experienced person. It is advice that actually makes a lot of sense. The steps and tips are easy to follow and understand. One thing that readers will definitely appreciate is that the author does not use complicated business words. He shows the reader how to manage a business without confusing them with difficult economic jargon.
The author outlines the common mistakes entrepreneurs make. He shows what happens to the business after the mistakes are made. He then turns around and outlines the proper way to handle such turning points so that fatal mistakes are not made.
This is a fantastic business guide that provides an easy to understand road-map for getting from a small flailing venture to a successful business. Regardless of the goal, it can be achieved by following these simple directions. Five stars out of five for this crash course in entrepreneurship.
Pages: 52 | ISBN: 1721213287
Consumed by the Very Ocean that I Love.
Linda K. Ford Author Interview
Caution to the Wind recounts your thrilling and sometimes perilous journey out on the ocean. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I kept a journal throughout the entire voyage and soon discovered that I had a real love for writing. My cruising life took me on an incredible journey, which strengthened my desire to share this adventure. My passion is to inspire those who are contemplating a similar voyage, and to encourage people to follow their dreams!
You had been through so much while sailing, both physically and emotionally, was there ever a moment that you were not prepared for and made you rethink things?
Being caught in a major storm with no ability to make contact with the outside world, was an intense experience. There was nothing that could have prepared us emotionally or mentally. What was crucial at the time was how to stay alive, in such extreme conditions. There were moments where I questioned my life and the decision that I made to make this voyage. What was paramount for me was the possibility of never seeing my family again. What really stuck in my mind is that if we didn’t survive, no one would know what had happened to us. We could disappear without a trace, consumed by the very ocean that I love.
Looking back on that time, what do you miss the most?
I miss the freedom and the simplicity of life, that cruising offers, which I found to be incredible. It is hard to replace the excitement of navigating to foreign shores, and the diversity of cultures and people, that I met along the way. I have strong memories of amazing sunsets & sunrises, brilliant starlit skies, and an interesting array of sea and bird life.
If you were to take another trip, without limitations, where would you go?
Without limitations, I would buy a yacht in Europe, to cruise around the Mediterranean without a time limit. Venture up through the beautiful canals of France once again, cross the English channel to explore the UK, and eventually head back to Australia. Which route, I am not sure at this point.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Twitter | Website
On May 5th, 1994, at 9.30 am on a chilly, sunlit day, Ebony, a 36ft Roberts Spray, left the safety of Lyttelton Harbour in New Zealand, to venture into the unknown, where nothing would be predictable.
The voyage plan was to follow the famous trade wind route, sailing from New Zealand to England.
All too soon, they found themselves battling their way to Sydney, Australia. Caught in a ruthless storm with no contact with the outside world, they were truly alone. All the romantic notions of the ultimate cruising life disappeared into oblivion.
Step aboard Ebony and take an adventure, an epic 15-month voyage. Experience this day-to-day passionate tale, packed with intrigue, and at times suspense. Experience the delights of the lands visited and learn more about the world of international sailing. This was a life-changing adventure, with a dramatic, unexpected, ending.
LITERARY TITAN 