Discover the colorful world of Mary Asaro, author and illustrator of the Shelly and Friends children's book series. Through heartwarming stories, playful characters, and beautifully illustrated adventures, Mary brings friendship, kindness, and the wonders of Florida's coast to life. Along the way, her stories encourage meaningful conversations about feelings, friendship, communication, and mental health in a way children and families can explore together. Join Shelly, Otto, and their friends as they share adventures that young readers and families can enjoy together.
Shelly and Friends
As a born and raised Floridian, I'm going to take you on a journey through the Florida waters and meet some wildlife animals. In the story you'll meet a turtle, a manatee, an osprey, a slithering snake and the spirit cardinal bird Gigi. You might even see those pesky mosquitoes Florida is known for. The turtle goes through some troubling times when she gets caught in a fishing net and with mama turtle away the snake sees an opportunity to try and attack her babies nest. The turtle's friends come to her rescue to try and save both mama turtle and baby turtles from harm.Through this heart-filled story children can learn about how to be a friend to others and how friends are special people who are there for them. Families are brought together through the interactive elements of the story too. Throughout the story there are discussion questions and activities that are designed to connect the characters in the book with the reader's real-life experiences. Rich conversation and special memories are sure to result from one generation to the next as adults and children share their own stories with one another through the interactive telling and re-telling of the story.
Shelly and Friends:
Otto's Adventure
Otto is the new turtle in class and wants to make friends.He quickly befriends Mobi and loves learning from their teacher Dr. Krankski.But when he hears about Sly the crab who loves to pick on others, he starts to worry.Can Otto figure out why Sly behaves the way he does and help him change for the better?Join Otto on a brave adventure where he learns about kindness, empathy and forgiveness.Along the way young readers will learn how to deal with tricky friendships and why it's important to speak up when something feels off."Shelly and Friends: Otto's Adventure" is a story filled with activities to help kids talk about their feelings and build good relationships. Even the trickiest friendships can become something amazing when you get to know each other.
Shelly and Friends:
Otto Misses Mobi
When Otto learns that his best friend, Mobi, is moving away, he feels sad and unsure about what the future will hold. Determined to make every moment count, Otto and Mobi set off on one last unforgettable adventure with Shelly and their friends. Along the way, they discover that although life may bring change, true friendship can last a lifetime.Beautifully illustrated by Mary Asaro, Shelly and Friends: Otto Misses Mobi is a heartwarming picture book that helps young readers explore friendship, change, hope, and the emotions that come with saying goodbye. Through gentle storytelling and lovable sea turtle characters, children learn that even when friends are far apart, the memories they share and the love they have for one another remain forever.Perfect for children ages 4-8, this engaging story also includes interactive activities that encourage observation, participation, and discussion, making it an enjoyable choice for families, classrooms, and story time. Whether you're reading together at bedtime or in a classroom, Otto's adventure is a meaningful reminder that distance can never diminish a true friendship.
Mary Asaro
Mary Asaro is a Florida-based author and illustrator, storyteller, and creator of the Shelly and Friends children's book series. Born and raised in Florida, Mary draws inspiration from the state's beautiful coast, wildlife, and the memories and experiences that have shaped her life.A graduate with a degree in Graphic Design, Mary brings her love of art and storytelling together by writing and illustrating her own books. Her colorful, hand-created illustrations and heartfelt stories introduce young readers to memorable characters while exploring themes of friendship, kindness, empathy, communication, and the importance of sharing what's on their minds.Mary's Shelly and Friends series began with a simple idea: to create meaningful stories that children and families could enjoy together.Through playful adventures and interactive activities, she hopes her books encourage conversations, imagination, and connection between children and the people who love them.When she's not writing or drawing, Mary enjoys spending time with her family and finding new inspiration in the Florida environment she has always called home. She continues to create new adventures and characters, bringing the spirit of Florida to life one story at a time.
Interview with John Masiulionis of PR From the Heart
Shelly and Friends book review by
David Newell of Mister Rogers
John Masiulionis of PR From the Heart
Book trailer for Shelly and Friends
Wink Listens Interview with Russ McCaskey Cape Coral mom turns pandemic struggles into interactive kids' books
Studio 17 in California Interview with Kait Hill ‘Shelly and Friends’ book helps teach kids how to ask for help when they need it
Studio 17 Book Club: Helping Kids Understand Their Feelings Through Storytelling
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