A picture book for little dreamers
Shelly's
Journey to the Sea
A story about courage, friendship, and slow progress.
A tiny sea turtle named Shelly is about to begin the biggest journey of her life. Along the way she meets new friends who encourage her every step — and discovers that courage isn't about never being afraid. It's about taking one small step at a time.
- 📖 38 pages
- 🐢 Ages 3–8
- 🎨 Watercolor illustrations
The Story
Join Shelly on her very first adventure!
A tiny sea turtle named Shelly is about to begin the biggest journey of her life.
As she makes her way toward the ocean, Shelly meets new friends who encourage her every step of the way. Along the journey, she discovers that courage isn't about never being afraid — it's about taking one small step at a time.
Filled with beautiful watercolor illustrations, lovable ocean friends, and a heartwarming message, Shelly's Journey to the Sea reminds young readers that every little step matters.
Perfect for
- Ages 3–8
- Ocean lovers
- Bedtime reading
- Parents, grandparents, and teachers
- Encouraging perseverance and self‑confidence
What Shelly teaches
Perseverance
Keep going, even when the ocean still looks a long way off.
Courage
Being brave isn't never being afraid. It's taking one small step at a time.
Friendship
A friend's encouragement can carry you all the way to the sea.
Believing in Yourself
Every little step matters — and every one of them counts.
Meet Shelly's Friends
Kind hearts. Big dreams. Great friends.
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Shelly
A tiny sea turtle with a very big journey ahead — and a great big heart.
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Grandma Cora
Wise and loving grandma. Sees the best in everyone.
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Andy the Sandpiper
Quick on his feet and always up for an adventure!
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Kit the Starfish
A bright star with big ideas and an even bigger heart.
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Sunny the Laughing Gull
Always smiling and spreading joy wherever she goes.
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Mara the Hermit Crab
Small but mighty! She's brave, clever, and kind.
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Kai the Young Turtle
Shelly's buddy and fellow dreamer. He's learning every day!
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Pearl, Sandy & the Shorebirds
A cheerful flock who look out for one another and love the shore.
Friends make every journey better!
The Shelly's Adventures Series
Stories to read together, again and again.
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Book 1 · Available now
Shelly's Journey to the Sea
Shelly's very first adventure. A tiny sea turtle makes her way toward the ocean and discovers that courage isn't about never being afraid — it's about taking one small step at a time.
Buy on Amazon -
Book 2 · In the works
Shelly's next adventure
Shelly's story is just beginning. The next book in the Shelly's Adventures series is being written and illustrated right now — join the crew below and you'll be the first to know when it's ready.
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Fun Extras
Free printables, activities, and little treasures to go with the story.
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Coloring Pages
Shelly, Grandma Cora, and the whole sunny beach — ready for crayons.
Coming soon -
Bookmarks
Four print-and-cut bookmarks featuring Shelly, Grandma Cora, Kit, and Mara.
Download free ↓ -
Activity Pack
Six pages: a beach maze, a word search, count-the-sea-treasures, a matching game, and an answer key for grown-ups.
Download free ↓ -
Reader Certificate
A “Brave Little Reader” award to fill in and hand out when a little one finishes the book.
Download free ↓
All free to print and share — for home, story time, and classrooms. More are added as Stacey creates them.
The author
Meet Stacey Loomis
Stacey Loomis is the author of the Shelly's Adventures series, heartwarming children's books that celebrate courage, kindness, friendship, and perseverance.
Inspired by her own rehabilitation journey after a life-changing motorcycle accident, Stacey began writing stories that encourage children to believe in themselves and celebrate every small victory.
The message at the heart of Shelly's Journey to the Sea was inspired by an incredible physical therapist who often reminded her that “slow progress is still progress.” Those simple words became the foundation of Shelly's first adventure and continue to inspire the stories Stacey writes today.
When she's not writing, Stacey enjoys spending time on the water, traveling, and exploring new places, but Florida's beautiful beaches will always feel like home. She treasures creating memories with friends and family, whose love and encouragement inspire every adventure she writes.
- Florida's beaches will always feel like home
- Happiest out on the water
- Inspired by friends, family, and the power of encouragement
Because every child deserves to know…
Slow progress is still progress.
— Shelly's Journey to the Sea
Join Shelly's Crew
Be the first to know when Shelly's next adventure arrives.
Follow for new books
Follow Stacey on Amazon and they'll email you the moment the next Shelly's Adventures book is published. It's one click, and it's the surest way not to miss it.
Follow on AmazonSay hello
Questions, school visits, story time invitations, or just a note about how your little one liked the book — Stacey would love to hear it.
Email StaceyLeave a review
Reviews are how small books find new readers. If Shelly made someone in your house smile, a few kind words on Amazon go a very long way.
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