Latest news with #Starla
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
New Children's Book 'Starla's Special Shore' Inspires Young Conservationists During Nesting Season
Released ahead of International Sea Turtle Day (June 16), the lyrical and educational story—published by Tupelo Media, LLC—empowers families to protect sea turtles while supporting the Billion Baby Turtles initiative by SEE Turtles. TALLAHASSEE, Fla., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With International Sea Turtle Day approaching on June 16 and nesting season now in full swing along U.S. coastlines, a new children's book is helping young readers—and their families—better understand how to care for nesting sea turtles. Starla's Special Shore, written by Florida author and conservationist Jim McClellan and illustrated by environmental scientist and artist Dr. Lynn Wilder, tells the story of a mother sea turtle's first return to the beach, guided by her own mother's wisdom. The book uses lyrical rhymed verse and vivid watercolors to bring the sea turtle nesting journey to life—while introducing real-world conservation concepts for children ages 6–12. It's already being embraced by bookstores, gift shops, and parents as both a bedtime favorite and a hands-on teaching tool. "I think kids are wired to care about the world around them," said McClellan. "This book is about giving them a story that stirs their imagination—and nudges them toward habits that help, not harm." The book concludes with:– A 7-day Turtle Helper Checklist– Real sea turtle facts presented in kid-friendly language– Practical tips for reducing human impact on nesting beaches A STORY WITH A CONSERVATION MISSION To extend its impact beyond the page, proceeds from early sales of Starla's Special Shore support SEE Turtles, an award-winning nonprofit whose Billion Baby Turtles initiative funds hatchling protection efforts worldwide. "We love how this book connects young readers to the challenges sea turtles face while also giving them concrete ways to help. It's an inspiring story and a meaningful partnership," said Brad Nahill, President and Co-Founder, SEE Turtles. "Starla has a special place on our children's shelves and is sure to be a treasured keepsake for vacationing kids and their parents," said Dale Julian, owner of Downtown Books in Apalachicola, Florida. "This story mirrors the hope we all carry—that the next generation will both inherit and protect the natural world," said Dr. Lynn Wilder, the book's illustrator. "It's a reminder that the smallest actions can make the biggest difference—especially for sea turtles." ABOUT THE AUTHORS Jim McClellan is a fifth-generation Floridian and communications professional whose lifelong connection to the rivers and beaches of Northwest Florida has shaped both his work and his writing. He founded The Starla Project to inspire environmental stewardship through storytelling and community engagement. Lynn Wilder, PhD, is a retired CDC and EPA scientist turned watercolor artist and sea turtle volunteer. Her work blends scientific understanding with artistic beauty to raise awareness about marine life and environmental health. ABOUT SEE TURTLES SEE Turtles is an international nonprofit that protects endangered sea turtles through travel, education, and advocacy. Its Billion Baby Turtles program has funded the protection of more than 10 million hatchlings globally. MEDIA CONTACTJim McClellanTupelo Media, LLCEmail: 396555@ Phone: (850) 748-2472Website: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Tupelo Media LLC Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Generosity from community shines as McAlester recovers from Saturday's storms
On the morning of June 7, McAlester residents woke up to see buildings with their roofs ripped away and tree branches scattered in the road. The community of around 18,000 was only under a marginal risk of severe weather, but it 'experienced a mix of both wind and tornado damage,' according to the National Weather Service in Tulsa. With any catastrophe in Pittsburg County, however, compassion rises. Anyone part of the 'What's going on in Pittsburg County' Facebook group has seen the familiar postings of Starla's Sloppy Hog appearances in McAlester. The food truck makes a weekly 50-mile trip to serve barbecue in the Dollar General parking lot. When co-owners Chris and Starla Workman found out about the disaster, they said they immediately knew they wanted to help those in need in a place that has given them and the business unwavering support. 'For me and Starla, it's all about giving back to the community that's provided so much to us,' Chris Workman said. 'We get as much enjoyment out of this as we do winning any trophy doing barbecue competitions or anything like that.' Brad Bevans, owner of All About U Plumbing in McAlester, also said he wanted to do his part in helping the community in which he was born and raised. His company is still offering free emergency plumbing services to storm victims and has already helped 25 people. 'If I can help somebody and it makes a difference in their life, that's what I was sent here for,' Bevans said. McAlester resident SkyAnn Golden summarized the heart of the community best, saying disaster brings out true generosity in people who always want to help those in need through trying times. Golden and her husband Charlie are co-owners of Golden Drywall and Remodeling and have worked tirelessly since the sound of the tornado sirens faded Saturday. The couple has removed tree limbs and debris from the roofs of McAlester residents unable to do the work themselves. 'I know that a lot of times we see the bad news and the bad things that are going on, but there's a lot of good people in this community,' SkyAnn Golden said. 'I'm grateful and I'm thankful that we're in a community that can come together and can help people when they're in need.' For those who sustained storm damage and need assistance, All About U Plumbing can be reached at 918-318-0042 and Kingdom Builder Ministries, partner of Golden Drywall and Remodeling, can be reached at 918-916-7684.
