A new children’s book is aimed at immersing young readers into the blue waters of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. With colorful aquatic scenes and a poetic narrative, “Dinosaurs Living in My Hair!3 An Underwater Adventure” delves into the human influence on marine life.
Author Jayne Rose-Vallee teams up with illustrator Bonnie Helen Hawkins to weave a tale of four friends plus the pint-sized dinos that live in their curly hair, as they discover marine life difficulties with mankind’s waste.
While attending summer camp, the kids dive into the blue waters of the state park in Key Largo to explore oceanic wonders. The breathtaking beauty of their surroundings is interrupted by pieces of trash — both in the ocean and on the beach. And when they spot a shark entangled in a discarded fishing net, the four friends and their heroic dinosaur sidekicks are compelled to take action.
With gentle messages of biodiversity, the importance of balanced ecosystems and the responsibility of humans to care for the world around them, “Dinosaurs Living in My Hair!3” can serve as a conversation starter for parents, teachers and children.
“I love that my books incorporate watercolor artwork for children to look at. For me it’s reminiscent of the old fairy tales, or nursery rhymes, where they used to have all those detailed drawings,” Rose-Vallee said. “Details, no matter how small, matter. I also think my books are relevant and have messages which start conversations with parents. Self-esteem, bullying, friendship and keeping our oceans clean are topics which, in my opinion, need to be discussed.”
Rose-Vallee is an author and publisher of many award-winning picture books. She grew up on a farm in Battle Creek, Michigan, where her mother’s love of poetry and quick-witted humor sparked an early appreciation for good rhymes.
In 2018, she founded Literacy for Kids Inc. (LFK), a nonprofit that takes her vision and unites it with a collaborative group of participants, donors and partners. LFK stretches the definition of literacy to encompass how we interact with the world and how we communicate with others through reading and writing; it includes speaking, listening and creating in this process. All proceeds from book sales and events directly fund Literacy for Kids.
“There is an inherent enthusiasm when young people share their stories about themselves and the world; they love being listened to,” Rose-Vallee said. “Finding their voice and having the opportunity to express it clearly provides hope.”
Rose-Vallee read the book to students at Ocean Academy on April 19 and 20. She will be at Art Walk at Morada Way Arts & Cultural District in Islamorada on Thursday, April 21 for a book signing. On Friday, April 22, she will be reading to Treasure Village Montessori students and signing books at Sandbar Books in Tavernier.
More information is at jaynerosevallee.com. You can follow the author on Instagram (JayneRoseVallee), Twitter (JayneMRoseVallee@dlimh_books) or Facebook (Jayne M. Rose-Vallee).
