October 21st is Reptile Awareness Day! It is also the perfect time to share Tatianna’s Ocean Adventures: Onto the Reef with students ready to learn about the importance of environmental conservation. I held a virtual book reading session with over fifty eager third grade students of the prestigious Wynnebrook Elementary School located in West Palm Beach – one of the top title schools in Palm Beach Florida.
The students watched a short video on the characteristics of reptiles and then delved right into Tatianna’ first adventure where she and her brothers and sisters are born on the island of Tobago Cays in the Caribbean. Their mom returns to the deep blue ocean and they begin exploring their very first coral reef home. Although Tatianna and her siblings are separated from their mother, the students were encouraged to have hope of reconnection to family members and loved ones and to be courageous in all of life’s obstacles. The students also discussed ways to protect sea turtles by using waste management techniques and eliminating single use plastics. As part of my virtual session, I also donated a Tatianna inspired Reptile Awareness Day coloring page to the third grade students in commemoration of this special event.
More about the book
Tatianna is a tenacious little turtle who explores various islands in the region making friends along the way and enjoying several adventures. I acknowledge that God is my first love and I am a firm believer that we must all walk in our purpose.
As a first time writer, the mother of a lovely teenage daughter, and a Sustainability Professional for the last 13 years, writing this book was the next part of my legacy. I wanted to marry my love for the Lord, travel and tourism, the environment, and children, into a fun-filled book. I believe that all of us have an important part to play in this journey called life and in my book, Tatianna not only goes to various territories in the Caribbean, but she also has many experiences and encounters along the way that teach her valuable life lessons.
I’ve enjoyed working with children on environmental awareness for many years and fondly remember being an Environmental Manager at some of the most popular resorts in the Caribbean. My particular love for sea turtles grew when I worked along side several sea turtle projects, such as the “Barbados Sea Turtle Project” and “The Antigua Sea Turtle Project” spreading sea turtle awareness within the hospitality sector.
Tatianna’s Ocean Adventures has been endorsed by the WIDECAST (Wider Sea Turtle Caribbean Sea Turtle Project) the region’s largest non profit which seeks to advance turtle conservation within the region. The proceeds from the book will go the various sea turtle projects in the Caribbean.
Through the eyes of a little sea turtle called Tatianna, children can tour the Caribbean region – exploring new things in the environment, see tourism sites and partake in the lasting friendships she makes along the way. My first book was, “a labour of love” unto the Lord, and is dedicated to my family and friends who have given tremendous support along the way. I hope that the book not only touches the lives of young children but also adults who may feel alone, and are enduring a period of solitude. Tatianna is not just a turtle – she is also a testimony and a beacon of hope!
Commit your work unto the Lord and your plans will be established (Proverbs 16:3)
You can support Tatianna’s Ocean Adventures HERE.
