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Waverly Braves the Breeze

The Story of a Galápagos Albatross

Samantha Cora's debut children's picture book

Waverly Braves the Breeze book cover photo
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About the book

"Waverly Braves the Breeze:

The Story of a Galápagos Albatross"

Written by Samantha Cora and Illustrated by Rosie Eve  

Published 2024 by Tra Publishing and Distributed by Simon & Schuster

Length: 40 pages | ISBN13: 9781735311562 | Grades: P - 3 | Ages: 4 - 8

Waverly’s is a unique story of how bravery, friendship, and encouragement conquer anxiety. Set in the Galápagos Islands, the rhyming picture book introduces children to unusual animals and Spanish phrases while exploring the theme of overcoming fear in order to grow.

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Come along to Española Island, in the Galápagos archipelago, one of the only places in the world where the waved albatross breeds. Meet Waverly, a young albatross who is afraid to spread her wings and fly. What if she gets lonely? What if she misses home? As Waverly thinks things over, she befriends other unusual and special animals on Española Island. Together, they help Waverly discover just how brave she can be.

This rhyming story skillfully explores themes of anxiety, friendship, and bravery while introducing kids to the real-world life cycle of the waved albatross. The story centers on the process of fledging, when young albatrosses reach the age of about six months and leave their home on Española Island to spend years at sea. The charming story is followed by robust educational backmatter about the Galápagos.

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Photo by Jessica Fiess-Hill

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About the author

Samantha Cora

Samantha Cora is a writer and photographer with a fascination for the natural world. She grew up exploring the woods around her family farm and cabin in Wisconsin, writing stories and taking photos. Her first children's picture book was inspired by a class trip to the Galápagos Islands. After earning a BA in English from St. Norbert College, she spent the first decade of her career as an award-winning journalist and then as a magazine editor for a national environmental nonprofit. She now works in marketing, writes stories, and is the founder of the organization Playful Acorns. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin with her husband, daughter, two cats, and many backyard birds.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Sep 23, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    Taylor Prairie School Library, 900 N Parkview St, Cottage Grove, WI 53527, USA
    Join me at Taylor Prairie School Library in Cottage Grove, WI to learn more about Waverly's story. Signed copies will be available for purchase. There will be an activity for kids (geared toward Pre-K through 3rd graders, though everyone is welcome to attend)!
  • Sep 21, 2024, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
    Tyrol Basin, Mount Horeb, 3487 Bohn Rd, Mt Horeb, WI 53572, USA
    Join me during the 2nd Annual Mount Horeb Mental Health and Wellness Fall Festival at Tyrol Basin in Mount Horeb, WI, to learn more about Waverly's story and Playful Acorns. Signed copies will be available for purchase.
  • Sep 10, 2024, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Badger Prairie County Park, Verona, 4654 Maple Grove Dr, Verona, WI 53593, USA
    Join Dane County Parks and local author Samantha Cora for this special family friendly picnic lunch. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on and a lunch from home. After meeting the author and reading their book, there will be special activities related to the story "Waverly Braves the Breeze."
  • Aug 28, 2024, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
    The Wonder Studio, 1043 N Edge Trail, Verona, WI 53593, USA
    Join The Wonder Studio and three local authors for a morning of stories, instrument exploration, dancing, and socializing. This is a one-time event appropriate for families with children 0 - 7 years old.
  • Aug 21, 2024, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    UW-Milwaukee, 2200 E Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA
    Join me during the 8th Annual Green & Healthy Schools Conference at UW-Milwaukee to learn more about Waverly's story and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Signed copies will be available for purchase. Registration required.
  • Aug 13, 2024, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
    Old Train Depot, Belleville, S Park St & E Church St, Belleville, WI 53508, USA
    Join me during the Belleville Farmers Market to learn more about Waverly's story. Signed copies will be available for purchase and there will be nature scavenger hunt activity for kids. Another children's book will also be set up as a StoryWalk at Library Park.
  • Jul 27, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    Literatus & Co, 401 E Main St, Watertown, WI 53094, USA
    Join me at Literatus & Co. in Watertown, WI to learn more about Waverly's story. Signed copies will be available for purchase.
  • Jun 29, 2024, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Barnes & Noble - West Madison, 7433 Mineral Point Rd, Madison, WI 53717, USA
    Join me at Barnes & Noble Bookstore - West Madison to learn more about Waverly's story. Signed copies will be available for purchase.
  • Jun 22, 2024, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Mystery to Me, 1863 Monroe St, Madison, WI 53711, USA
    I'll be at one of my favorite local bookstores, Mystery To Me on Monroe Street in Madison, to talk about my book and World Albatross Day. Signed copies will be available for purchase. Space is limited, so RSVP. The free event will also be live-streamed. Join us from anywhere at 11 a.m. CT June 22.
  • Jun 12, 2024, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    The Sylvee, 25 S Livingston St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
    The Madison Reading Project's "READ(y) to Wear" paper fashion show and fundraiser is back at The Sylvee in Madison on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. The theme is “Dress for Your Adventure,” and my family and friends will be designing a Waverly themed outfit out of donated Cap Times newspapers.

Photo by Tracy Kapela

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REVIEWS

Beautifully illustrated with museum quality artwork by illustrator Rosie Eve, "Waverly Braves the Breeze: The Story of a Galapagos Albatross" by author/storyteller Samantha Cora is a fun and informative picture book for children ages 4-8. Of special note is the information provided about the Galapagos Islands and the many of creatures who live there. With its underlying message about having courage, "Waverly Braves the Breeze: The Story of a Galapagos Albatross" is especially and unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library Wildlife themed picture book collections.

This story is so clever and inspiring, and there is so much to love in it!Waverly is a young albatross who is filled with doubt when it is time to fly. After her stumble, she meets a variety of creatures on Española Island that help her face her fears. This includes a wise Giant tortoise named Sal and a kind Whale Shark named Daphne. From the rhyming, the inclusion of Spanish words (hay más) and the interesting host of characters, this book was SO much fun to read aloud. Not only did we love the inspiring message, the illustrations are absolutely mesmerizing too. There is also a lot of great info in the backmatter.

In The Press
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Let's connect!

Join Samantha Cora's email list, learn about upcoming events, request a book talk, or ask a question!

Media/Event Inquiries: Download the press release about "Waverly" here.

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