A Seal Named Sue
The ocean has always been a place of inspiration for me—a space to recharge, reflect, and create. After self-publishing my first children’s book, I knew I wanted to write another, though I wasn’t sure what the story would be. That changed one evening while picking up trash at a local beach when I had an unexpected encounter with a seal. That moment sparked my curiosity, leading me to dive into their world and learn more about these fascinating creatures. The title, A Seal Named Sue, came to me out of the blue—perhaps with a little subconscious nudge from Johnny Cash.

Research, Experience, and Storytelling
Bringing Sue’s story to life meant more than just writing a book—it was about understanding the world from a seal’s perspective. I spent time researching marine life, ensuring the story was both engaging and educational. Frequent visits to beaches and the Monterey Bay Aquarium helped me visualize Sue’s environment—the colors, the sounds, the life beneath the waves—all of which shaped my illustrations and storytelling. My goal wasn’t just to tell a story, but to share knowledge that could inspire curiosity in readers of all ages.







Bringing Sue’s Journey to More Readers
Beyond the book itself, I wanted to make A Seal Named Sue as accessible as possible. To extend its reach, I created a read-along version available for free on my YouTube channel, Jo-Jo’s Reading Buddies. This addition made the story more interactive, inviting children to engage with Sue’s journey in a new way. The entire process of creating this book was both fun and educational—proving that storytelling is not just about the words on the page, but about the experience it creates for both the writer and the reader.
