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 CONTACT
Jim McClellan
Tupelo Media, LLC
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (850) 748-2472
Website: www.StarlaProject.com

SOURCE Tupelo Media LLC