Noticing little things in life spurs imagination and hope. Just ask St. Louis resident Katie Lerwick, who says Forest Park has been an important part of her routine for years. During walks with her dog, Carl, in the park, she states they both enjoyed finding turtles. She began to take and frequently share photos of those turtles with friends. One day, when she witnessed the innocent curiosity of preschoolers exploring nature in the park, the experience inspired her to formulate a story.
Katie's story resulted in the children's book Where Did the Turtles Go? for ages 3- to 5-years. The 10-by-10-inch hardcover book spans 32 pages, and was published Dec 25, 2023. It also contains 38 full-color illustrations by Caroline Kraus, a photographer and filmmaker who lives in Northern California.
Following is more of the backstory.
WHY CHOOSE FOREST PARK FOR YOUR BOOK'S PLOT/FOCAL POINT?
"We live across the street from Forest Park. A walk there with Carl is a part of my daily routine. Urban parks are so important for the respite they provide from fast-paced environments of cities. Parks provide an opportunity to slow down and engage all your senses to the sights, sounds and smells of surrounding naturescapes. Children are especially good at using their senses to tap into their surroundings. On my walks, I often saw groups of children hopping from rock to rock, collecting leaves and sticks to show to their teacher, parent, or caregiver, and screaming with delight when they spotted all kinds of animals, especially turtles."
YOU'VE WRITTEN STORIES FOR YOUR OWN CHILDREN WHEN THEY WERE YOUNG. WHY WRITE ABOUT TURTLES NOW AND THE CHANGING SEASONS?
"This story came about during COVID. I had plenty of time for walks in Forest Park, and would take countless pictures of the turtles. As spring turned into summer and then fall, a story had formed in my head, and there was little excuse to not do something with it."
WHAT WERE THE MOST CHALLENGING DECISIONS YOU FACED WHEN WRITING THE STORY?
"The biggest challenge for me was trying to figure out the best style of illustration to bring my story to life. I was familiar with Caroline Kraus through her Instagram and was an admirer of her work. It has a beautiful, dream-like quality I thought would be a perfect complement to my story. Luckily, Caroline's cousin is a good friend and connected us. We clicked immediately, and had so much fun working together."
HOW DID READERS REACT TO THE BOOK?
"I've had the opportunity to read Where Did the Turtles Go? on several occasions to different groups of children. What I loved most about their reactions was how the story really served as a catalyst for a discussion of the different things they've seen and done in the park."
FROM WHERE CAN YOUR BOOK BE PURCHASED?
"Copies may be available locally in St. Louis at Spine Indie Bookstore & Cafe, The Novel Neighbor, Left Bank Books, Missouri History Museum's Sold on St. Louis gift shop, Holliday, Dot Dot Dash Boutique or PenAndPublish.com. Retail list price is $20."
"'Where Did The Turtles Go?' is meant to encourage children to use their senses to notice the natural world around them and how that world changes from season to season."