Sammy & Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure by Robert Andrew Provan | Book Review ~ Author Guest Post ~ (1) Signed Copy Available | #ChildrensBook #Ecology @iReadBookTours
A book blog tour from iRead Book Tours.
Thank you to the author, publisher, & Lauren at iRead for providing me with the information for this tour. 
Book Details
Sammy & Scarlett's Coral Reef Adventure by Robert Andrew Provan
Published by Archway Pub on May 23, 2023
Genres: Educational, Children's, Enviromental
Format: eBook, Hardcover, Paperback
Pages: 46
Sammy, a sergeant major fish, and Scarlett, a yellowtail snapper, are best friends who have found safety in a mangrove forest after being washed out of a tidal pool in a large wave. But they’ve decided to leave the mangroves and their friend Manny and journey across the sea-grass meadows to the barrier reef of the Florida Keys, the place that will be their home in adulthood.
Along the way, they make a new friend, a hawksbill sea turtle named Howie. Howie is a kind sea turtle who gives the young fish the guidance they need to get where they’re going and stay safe. The three quickly become fast friends and learn that they can trust one another through thick and thin. Howie protects the little fish from predators, and in return they help keep the turtle safe from the dangers of human litter such as plastic bags.
Join Sammy, Scarlett, and new friend Howie as their epic journey continues through the magnificent Florida Keys.
Source: iRead Book Tours
Content Rating: G. This children’s book is for everyone.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Purchase Links for Sammy & Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure
Amazon-OneLink for all countries BookShop/IndieBound
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My thoughts on Sammy & Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure
“Sammy & Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure” by Robert Andrew Provan, beautifully illustrated by Mary Wentzel, is a delightful and educational journey into the underwater world of the Florida Keys. This children’s book takes young readers on an unforgettable adventure with Sammy, a sergeant major fish, and Scarlett, a yellowtail snapper, as they embark on a quest to find their future home in the coral reef.
The story begins with Sammy and Scarlett finding refuge in a mangrove forest after a turbulent wave washes them out of their tidal pool. Despite their new home’s safety, they venture across the sea-grass meadows to reach the barrier reef. Along the way, they meet Howie, a kind-hearted hawksbill sea turtle who becomes their friend and guide. This trio of underwater pals learns valuable lessons about trust, friendship, and the importance of helping one another in the wild.
One of the standout features of this book is its ability to impart essential knowledge about the fragile ecosystems of the Florida Keys reefs to young readers. The author successfully combines entertainment with education, making it an excellent choice for readers of all ages. The captivating narrative keeps readers engaged while subtly conveying the message of environmental protection and the consequences of human litter on marine life.
While the book is suitable for a wide range of readers, it might require some assistance for very young children, but it is perfect for first grade and up. Nevertheless, it’s a valuable tool for introducing the concept of ecosystem preservation and environmental responsibility to children at an early age.
Mary Wentzel’s illustrations deserve special mention, as they bring the underwater world to life with vibrant colors and intricate details. The captivating artwork complements the story perfectly, making the characters and their journey even more enchanting.
In Conclusion
In today’s world, where environmental awareness is crucial, “Sammy & Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure” is a valuable addition to any home, church, or school library. It not only entertains but also instills in young readers the importance of protecting our natural world and showcases how different species can come together to help one another in the wild. I highly recommend this book for its engaging story, educational value, and stunning illustrations, making it a must-read for children and their caregivers.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I love to read books through my Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscription.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
About Robert Andrew Provan
Robert Andrew Provan is the author of three children’s books: Ronnie the Raindrop, Sammy & Scarlett’s Mangrove Adventure, and Sammy & Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure.
Born and raised in Vermont, he has lived most of his adult life in the Sunshine State of Florida. When not writing, he is often to be found in the Florida Keys snorkeling or scuba diving as he conducts research for the next book in his children’s series.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Guest Post by Robert Andrew Provan, Author
A Challenged Ecosystem
My books are set in the Florida Keys. I am privileged to have been traveling to this unique ecosystem for over 30 years. Camping, snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing exploits have taken me from the northernmost island of Key Largo to the southernmost points of Key West and beyond to Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas.
Our Florida reefs look nothing like they did in 1990. The reefs are suffering the unyielding onslaught of warming seas, stronger storms, and increased acidification, all these factors contribute to coral bleaching. Additional challenges include plastics/microplastics, unrelenting commercial overfishing and pollutant laden run off dumping pesticides and chemical fertilizers into our oceans. Exacerbating these problems is the devastating 2014 immergence of stony coral tissue loss disease.
These impacts have led to vast tracts of coral reefs being decimated not only in Florida but also in the Bahamas and Caribbean Basin and beyond. This is a global existential threat.
However, there is still hope. Multiple coral restoration efforts are ongoing in the Florida Keys, with good results. There are also organizations in the state of Florida that are working towards the restoration of sea grass meadows and mangrove forests. Both of which work in concert with the coral reefs to maintain a balance within the ecosystems.
The goal of my three published children’s books (and the fourth which will be published later this year) is to motivate children and their families to turn off their TV’s and electronics, get off their couches and become involved. In my view, apathy is perhaps the greatest enemy faced by environmental protection and restoration efforts. A main foundational element of my books is to help drive home the fact that working together, we can all make a difference.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Purchase Sammy & Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure online from your local bookstore.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Easy Amazon Links
Amazon-OneLink for all countries
If the above link does not take you to your country, here are a few more:
Please send me a note if your country isn’t listed and you would like to purchase using my links. Using my link does not change the price you pay. Amazon pays me a minimal amount out of their share.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Giveaway!
Win a signed copy of Sammy & Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure by Robert Andrew Provan (one winner) (USA only) (ends Sep 25)
Please visit more stops on the tour for extra chances to win!
Official Tour Page for Sammy & Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure
Full Tour Schedule:
Sep 5 – Cover Lover Book Review– book review / giveaway
Sep 5 – fundinmental – book review / giveaway
Sep 5 – Liese’s Blog – book spotlight
Sep 6 – FUONLYKNEW – book review / author interview / giveaway
Sep 6 – Rockin Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Sep 7 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
Sep 8 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Sep 11 – @mamof9 – book review
Sep 12 – Kim’s Book Reviews and Writing Aha’s – book review
Sep 12 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Sep 13 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / guest post / giveaway
Sep 14 – Books With a Chance – book review / author interview / giveaway
Sep 15 – regallywritten – book review / giveaway
Sep 18 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
Sammy & Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure Book Tour Giveaway
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Book Title: Sammy & Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure by Robert Andrew Provan
Category: Children’s Fiction (ages 3 to 7), 46 pages
Genre: Children’s Book
Publisher: Archway Pub
Release date: May, 2023
Tour dates: Sep 5 to Sep 18, 2023
Content Rating: G. This children’s book is for everyone.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shared on:
This sounds like a good one for primary grades, Gina. I am also curious about this journey. I think that’s why I love reading with my grandchildren so much. Picture books aren’t just for kids.