Makana is a Gift is inspired by a little boy named Makana, who received his name five months after his birth, common in many traditions—to name a person after their nature or something special is revealed about them.

Makana’s sister is the protagonist in Mermaid Dreams, one of my other children’s books. When he asked if I would write a story about him, I asked if Makana would be a little boy or sea turtle.

“Sea turtle,” he immediately replied.

I’ve been carrying a sea turtle story in my heart for years now, having met sea turtles in the waters of Mexico and Costa Rica, and while swimming with the honu, the green sea turtles in Hawaii. These magnificent creatures glide gracefully through the water, their peaceful vibration palpable. During one extraordinary encounter, an enormous sea turtle swam straight toward me in a clear shallow bay, where we were suspended momentarily, face to face, eye to eye, in a communion I can only describe as transcendent.

There’s no doubt in my mind that these exquisite creatures possess a divine intelligence and inner peace, which ripples throughout the world-wide ocean, resonating with our own inner seas.

Their protection from plastics, pollution, and poachers is essential to the preservation of their beneficial presence.

I have deep respect and appreciation for all of the people and organizations devoted to the preservation of sea turtles and all life beneath the sea. (My list of “Resources” is a place to start to learn more about these individual and collective efforts. Follow the current and you will surely find many more!)

From its divine inspiration to publication, a book is blessed by those who support the journey.

I’m grateful to my early readers who offered insights, ideas, and expertise as I developed and refined Makana’s story: Jim Maskrey, Kristy Raihn, Meganne Forbes and Sarah Clark; and always to Erika Römer and Colleen McCarthy-Evans, my dream team at Seven Seas Press, for their generous contributions to the overall collaboration. Alexis Cantu’s watercolor illustrations have brought Makana’s story to life in a way that was beyond my imagination. I’m grateful for the extra depth of her vision. Gracias Marcos Martinez for bringing your voice and spirit to the bilingual translation.

I’m especially grateful to my young friend Makana Ligrano, who inspired the character of the little green sea turtle.

Also available in Spanish-English version, Makana es un Regalo/Makana is a Gift

Inspiration for “Makana is a Gift”

“Pura Vida in Costa Rica” - Real Travel Magazine

Inspiration for “Mermaid Dreams”