Florida Master Naturalist Publishes Third Children’s Book Inspired by a Wildlife Rescue

Florida author and Master Naturalist Susan Levine announces the upcoming release of her third children’s picture book, Rookery Rescue: Giving Wild Birds a Second Chance, in January 2027 through Mascot Books, an imprint of Amplify Publishing.

Rookery Rescue has a strong Sarasota/Bradenton connection as it is inspired by a true story involving a wading bird nesting rookery and a wildlife rehabilitation hospital of which the area has several.  Save Our Seabirds is featured as a leading rehabilitation and education center in the book and Jiggs Landing is mentioned as a great place for families to view a nesting rookery in Florida.

Rookery Rescue follows a pair of Black-crowned Night Herons, Harold and Phoebe, who are nesting in a busy rookery. When Harold gets tangled in discarded fishing line the challenges begin. Harold is rescued and taken to a wildlife hospital for rehabilitation, while Phoebe tries to keep their eggs safe and warm.  Alongside captivating illustrations, children follow Harold and Phoebe’s separate journeys of danger, resilience, and hope.  Through fact boxes that accompany the fictional story, children learn the wonders of nesting rookeries, the challenges these birds face, and the organizations that help them succeed. The book concludes with a glossary of science terms introduced in the story and a list of what children can do to help nesting wading birds.

“Children will protect what they know and love,” says Levine. “My hope is that Rookery Rescue will spark a lifelong appreciation for Southwest Florida’s remarkable birds, introduce children to the dedicated people who work every day to protect wildlife, and inspire the next generation of conservationists.”

Levine is the author of two other Florida-themed children’s picture books.  Her first title, Jenny’s First Catch, introduces children to Florida’s wading birds and the concept of physical adaptation through the story of a young Roseate Spoonbill learning to fish. Her second book, Gilbert’s Migration Vacation, follows a young Sanderling on his remarkable 4,000-mile migration from the Arctic where he hatched to Florida for the winter.

Author signed copies of Rookery Rescue along with Levine’s other books can be purchased at the Save Our Seabirds gift shop. Books are also available at independent book sellers, through distributors including Ingram and Follett, and on-line at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Mascot Books.

Susan Sachs Levine grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and had a corporate career in marketing and environmental affairs. A wildlife enthusiast, Susan has traveled extensively to learn about the natural world, especially endangered species. Susan is a certified Florida Master Naturalist who now resides in Naples, Florida. Her books encourage children and their families to explore nature while learning about wildlife conservation.

Editors and producers interested in local conservation, education, wildlife, or family-interest stories may schedule interviews with Levine before the book’s January release.

Susan Levine, Susan Levine Books   Email: susan@susanlevinebooks.com                                              Website: www.susanlevinebooks.com