Puddlejumpers is a children’s picture book aimed at early readers, following the protagonists through the tide pools of the Oregon coast, shrinking down and diving into the pools to get an anemone’s-eye view, transforming a puddle in the rocks and sand into a vast and colorful underwater world. As they explore this world, the book supplies supplementary, informal education on the flora and fauna that call the tide pools their home. 

With this project I wanted to showcase the love and interest I’ve had in nature and animals from a very young age, especially marine life. Additionally, I wanted to help spark a sense of wonder and curiosity in the natural world for young audiences, especially those who may not have the kind of access to nature spaces that I had growing up. It has been my experience and a belief of mine that exposure to the natural world and opportunities for children (of all ages!) to explore freely in a hands-on environment is massively helpful not only in developing physical and cognitive skills, but also a sense of curiosity in the natural world that goes on to fuel our scientists, activists, and environmentalists. 

Puddlejumpers is a 32 page, 8 × 9 inch picture book. During my thesis semester I wrote the script and brought 16 illustrated spreads to a level of finish or near-finish, completed a cover, and printed and bound several soft dummy copies of the book.