Today, I am proud to showcase a very special book, written for a good cause. This book is by a young author, and when I say young, I don’t mean like as in early twenties. Mr. Ryan Moralevitz has recently turned Six years old. His dedication to saving marine animals from the dangers of pollution and keeping the world’s oceans clean has prompted him to write a book, entitled “Puffy the Pufferfish Saves the Ocean.” He also makes and sells ornaments and magnets and donates the profits to various charities that work to save the ocean he loves so dearly. You can visit Ryan at www.thefisheswishes.com where you can find out more about his efforts and see the incredible things he makes, or pick up a copy of his book.
Making a name for himself in the world of conservation, Ryan has recently been featured in piece by the Ocean Conservancy, Which you can find at: http://blog.oceanconservancy.org/2012/08/22/a-small-boys-example-anyone-can-make-a-difference-for-the-ocean/
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image from rear book cover copy
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
My thoughts:
Admittedly when I first heard about this I expected it to be little more than crayon drawings that some parent decided to market. I don’t love admitting when I am wrong, but in this case I have to admit defeat. I received this book in the mail the other day from my good friend Harry Steinman.
I read the back cover, instantly impressed by the little boy who seemed to have been born to make a difference in this world. Later in the evening, I had the opportunity to sit down and read the book with my children. Here are their comments:
Elijah-who is eight, said “Wow. I didn’t draw that good when I was his age.”
Avery-who is seven, said “He is right, we should get everyone to help us clean up the beach when we go this summer.” –This coming from a kid who hasn’t cleaned his room for so long he isn’t sure he has a floor.
I was really amazed at this. It seems that my kids are always watching Discovery or Animal Planet, but this is the first time I have actually seen the light of understanding the core concept of pollution and the damage it does flip on in their heads. Perhaps it is because the information is from a trusted source–another child. (Heaven knows us adults don’t always make sense to kids.) Or, it might be because his book has such cute illustrations and such a nice story that they didn’t know they were learning a lesson in the first place. Either way, the kids and I give this book five sea stars. I never doubt the creativity of children, but this book was better than many of the other books written by adults and intended for kids. If you want to teach your children about how to make a difference and the effects of trash on the ocean’s creatures, this is a great book to introduce the topics.
I think this boy is a reminder to all of us of what a bit of spirit and drive can do and that each of us has the power to make a difference for the planet we call home. Please visit Ryan and offer your support to his worthy Cause.
Ryan also has a video you can watch here: http://streams.ning.com/video/my-wishes-for-the-fishes
You are one amazing little boy!
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
