What if one of the oldest residents of Pensacola Pass could tell her story?
Deep beneath the emerald waters of Florida's Gulf Coast lives Shelly, a wise loggerhead sea turtle who has spent decades navigating the tides, storms, and changing shoreline of Pensacola Pass. When Captain Eric meets Shelly, she invites him-and young readers-on an unforgettable journey through the natural wonders and history of the Gulf Coast.
From her first moments as a tiny hatchling crawling toward the sea, to her years crossing the open ocean and her return to the beaches where she was born, Shelly shares the remarkable life cycle of a loggerhead sea turtle. Along the way, readers discover the challenges sea turtles face, including predators, pollution, artificial lighting, habitat loss, and powerful storms.
As Shelly explores the waters of Northwest Florida, she introduces readers to some of the region's most fascinating landmarks and stories, including Fort Pickens, Fort McRee, the Pensacola Lighthouse, the USS Massachusetts shipwreck, the Blue Angels, barrier islands, coastal dunes, and the rich marine ecosystems that support life in and around Pensacola Bay.
Blending adventure, marine science, local history, and conservation, Shelly the Loggerhead: Guardian of the Pass teaches children how individual actions can help protect sea turtles, preserve fragile habitats, and safeguard the Gulf Coast for future generations. Through engaging storytelling and beautiful illustrations, young readers gain a deeper understanding of the connections between wildlife, people, and the environment.
Part of the Tales from the Pensacola Pass series by Captain Eric J. Paull, this educational and inspiring children's book celebrates the resilience of nature and the importance of stewardship. Perfect for families, classrooms, libraries, homeschool programs, nature centers, and anyone who loves the ocean, Shelly the Loggerhead: Guardian of the Pass encourages readers to explore, learn, and become protectors of the world around them.
Join Shelly on a journey through history, wildlife, and the waters she calls home-and discover why every generation has a role in protecting the treasures of the Gulf Coast.
Eric J. Paull is an author, educator, licensed charter captain, and lifelong storyteller who is passionate about sharing the wildlife, history, and natural beauty of Florida's Gulf Coast with young readers. Holding a Master's Degree in Elementary Education, he combines his love of teaching with real-world experiences gathered from thousands of hours on the waters of Pensacola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.As the owner and captain of Saltwater Serenity Charters, Eric spends much of his time introducing families to dolphins, sea turtles, coastal wildlife, and the historic landmarks that make the Pensacola area unique. These experiences inspired his *Tales from the Pensacola Pass* series, which blends engaging storytelling with marine science, local history, and conservation lessons.His first book, *Half Tail: A Gulf Coast Legend*, tells the story of a real bottlenose dolphin known throughout Pensacola Pass. His second book, *Shelly the Loggerhead: Guardian of the Pass*, follows a wise sea turtle as she shares lessons about resilience, stewardship, and the importance of protecting coastal habitats.Through his books, educational resources, school visits, and community outreach, Eric hopes to inspire children and families to develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world and their role in preserving it for future generations.Eric lives on Florida's Emerald Coast, where he continues to write, explore, and share the stories of the Gulf Coast's remarkable wildlife and waterways.
