Florida author Jim McClellan is making waves with his latest literary venture – a children’s book aimed at teaching youngsters about sea turtle conservation in a compelling and visually appealing way.
In a recent interview on Rick Outzen’s podcast “We Don’t Color On the Dog,” McClellan discussed his new book “Starla,” which follows the journey of a female sea turtle returning to shore for her first nesting experience after 30 years at sea.
“This was a labor of love that was inspired by a friend of mine and my illustrator, Dr. Lynn Wilder,” McClellan explained during the interview. “She’s been a long-time member of the St. George Island Sea Turtle Patrol.”
The book targets children aged 6-12 and gently introduces them to sea turtle conservation by highlighting the challenges these magnificent creatures face when coming ashore to nest. Through Starla’s eyes, young readers witness obstacles like bright coastal lights, holes dug in the sand, and beach debris – all human-caused hazards that can significantly impact sea turtle nesting success.
Rather than taking a finger-wagging approach to environmental education, McClellan’s story aims to normalize responsible beach behavior among children. By building empathy for the character Starla and understanding her struggles, kids learn how small actions can have big impacts on wildlife.
“If you start with kids and normalize responsible behavior on the beach like filling in your holes, taking your toys back, and turning off lights at night, then over the long term that has a more profound effect than simply putting up signs saying ‘don’t do this,'” McClellan said.
This represents a departure from McClellan’s previous work, “Lifelines: The Apalachicola-Cole River Tales,” which focused on his youth spent along Florida’s Apalachicola River.
The book features vibrant illustrations that captivate young readers while conveying important conservation messages. McClellan and Wilder have also made a commitment to give back – $2 from every book sale will go to SEE Turtles, an organization that provides grants to sea turtle patrols worldwide and runs a “billion baby turtles” conservation initiative.
Local residents can celebrate the book’s launch this Saturday, May 3rd, from 3-6 PM at Red Fish Blue Fish on Pensacola Beach. The event will feature live music, food, books for sale, and children’s activities. As McClellan humorously noted, “Kids are welcome but not required” – there will also be a cash bar for the adults.
Those unable to attend can purchase the book through the dedicated website StarlaProject.com or check local bookstores. The website also provides information for bookstores interested in carrying the title, and organizations can even order custom-cover editions featuring their logo.
As coastal development continues to transform Florida’s shorelines, educational resources like “Starla” play an important role in fostering the next generation of environmental stewards. By teaching children about threats to sea turtles in an engaging and non-preachy way, McClellan hopes to inspire lifelong habits that protect these endangered marine reptiles.
For more information about the book and upcoming events, visit StarlaProject.com.
DAY CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER
Sea Turtle Jam & Book Launch Party
Live music by Honey Daze
Appetizers • Cash Bar
Signed copies of Starla’s Special Shore — a brand-new children’s book about sea turtles, storytelling, and the magic of the coast
Sunday, May 4 | 3–6 PM
Red Fish Blue Fish, Pensacola Beach
