Story Saturday:"Shell-less Shelby" by Author and Illustrator Jessica Kirsenlohr-A Turtle on a Cat Blog?

Yes you read that correctly! The book I am featuring today, is Shell-less Shelby an adorable and vividly illustrated Children's book by Author and Illustrator, Jessica Kirsenlohr.

Photo Courtesy Of
http://www.jessicakirsenlohr.com

Why am I featuring a book about a TURTLE on a Cat Blog?

Because when I was contacted  asking if I would feature this book, I thought the story addresses some important themes such as:

• Trying new things until you find the things you are passionate about and good at
• Never giving up and enjoying the struggle of the journey
• The special bond of a best friend and the support system that comes with that friendship
• Being nice, grateful and helping others

Not to mention it is downright charming and adorable!

Shelby is a shell-less sea turtle in search of her shell and in essence, her niche and path in life.

Shell-less Shelby was Kirsenlohr's senior project in college at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. She wanted to create a children's book because she always loved stories, and reading and creating characters.

Shell-less Shelby would be a great book for parents to read to their child at bedtime, it would also be fabulous for a library story hour, or for an elementary school teacher to share with the younger crowd (lower elementary grades). Parents and teachers will love the message of the book while children will be smitten with and attracted to some of the most precious illustrations I have had the pleasure of viewing. 

Currently a chef, Kirsenlohr graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point with a degree in Fine Art.  As a child, visual learning was Kirsenlohr’s way of understanding how the world worked.  She learned how to do something by viewing pictures and drawings.  This learning method in time became a way of communicating ideas, which inspired her to go into children's book illustration.  Her books are inspired by life experiences and from family and friends.   She hopes that these stories will influence the young reader and spark their imagination just like the stories that influenced her as a child.

Shell-less Shelby is available for purchase at www.amazon.com, www.bn.com and www.authorhouse.com.

For more information on Jessica Kirsenlohr, please visit www.jessicakirsenlohr.com.

In full disclosure:I was not compensated for this book feature. I received a copy of Shell-less Shelby in exchange for featuring the book on my blog.