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.
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.
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 NEWS
Former WDT photographer pens children’s book
LEBANON— If her story’s main character’s trait is courage, it reflects the author. She had no intentions on writing a book, but decided to put on paper what was in her heart.
Samantha Cora, a former Watertown Daily Times writer and photographer, recently visited Lebanon Lutheran School, where she was once was a student, to share and read her book, “Waverly Braves the Breeze: The Story of a Galápagos Albatross.”
Watertown Daily Times / May 23, 2024
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.
