Hi Friends!
My name is Gigi (that’s what my five grandchildren call me), and this is my yellow Labrador, Morty — the real-life star of every story.
I wrote Morty’s Paddle & Protect Adventures because I wanted to give my grandkids (and yours!) books that are exciting, educational, and full of heart. Morty paddleboards through Florida’s beautiful natural springs, meets friendly animals, learns how to say “hello” with a smile, and shows kids how easy it is to protect nature.
Each rhyming picture book includes:
• A friendly Conversation Tip kids can use every day
• Silly animal jokes that make everyone laugh
• Fun facts and cute diagrams about real Florida wildlife
• Morty’s special Conservation Promise (Leave No Trace, pick up trash, watch from afar, and be kind)
The series is inspired by our real paddleboard adventures together in Rainbow Springs, Silver Springs, Peace River, Crystal River, Homosassa Springs, and Weeki Wachee.
Book 1 (already finished and ready to print) is Morty Meets Ollie the Otter at Rainbow Springs. Morty and Ollie become best friends while splashing, playing, and cleaning up trash together.
I’m a respiratory therapist by day and a proud Gigi by heart. I want to share these stories with as many kids as possible — especially families who love Florida’s springs and want to teach the next generation to care for our beautiful state.
With your help, I can print the first 200 copies of Book 1 and finish the rest of the series. Every dollar goes straight to:
• Professional printing & binding
• Color illustrations for the remaining books
• Shipping rewards to backers
• Getting Morty’s books into libraries and schools
Thank you for paddling along with us. Let’s teach kids to be kind, brave, and to Leave No Trace — one splash at a time!
— Gigi & Morty 🐶🌊💛
(Sarasota, Florida)