As sea turtle nesting season begins, Northwest Florida writer Jim McClellan and Apalachicola-based illustrator Dr. Lynn Wilder have teamed up to create a new children’s book, Starla’s Special Shore, which will be celebrated with a launch party on Saturday, May 3 from 3–6 PM at Red Fish Blue Fish, located on Santa Rosa Sound.
The event will feature signed books, live music, appetizers, a cash bar, and activities for kids and families. Created as a collaboration between McClellan and Wilder, Starla’s Special Shore blends rhymed storytelling with original watercolor illustrations to introduce children to the lives of nesting sea turtles—and to show how simple actions can make a big difference.
“As a native of Northwest Florida, I’ve always felt a deep connection to its rivers and coast—and a responsibility to help protect them and the things that make them special,” McClellan said. “We created Starla’s Special Shore to share that sense of wonder through storytelling and to gently show kids how even small actions can have an enormous impact.”
Wilder—a retired CDC scientist, turtle patrol volunteer, and watercolor artist—played a central role in bringing the book to life from her home in Apalachicola.
“I’ve always loved sea turtles,” she said. “It was a terrific experience to be a part of this project—especially since it connects my passion for conservation with the joy and peace I find in painting.”
A portion of the proceeds from book sales will go to SEE Turtles, a nonprofit organization working to protect endangered sea turtles around the world.
“Starla’s Special Shore is a beautiful way to connect kids with conservation,” said Brad Nahill, President of SEE Turtles. “We’re excited to partner with Jim and Lynn to turn every book sale into real-world impact.”
The book’s initial launch is supported by three Northwest Florida-based partners: Aero Air Charter, Rent Waterscape, and Joe Donovan Insurance.
“At Aero, we’re fortunate to bring families and children to the beaches —and we believe in helping them understand what makes this coast so special,” said Wendy Smith, co-founder of Aero Air Charter. “This book is a wonderful way to pass along to kids to that sense of wonder and responsibility.”
The May 3 party is free, open to the public, and kid-friendly. No RSVP is required. Signed books will be available at the event.
For more information, visit www.StarlaProject.com.
