{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Sea Glass Kids: Ocean Pollution Solutions with Leslee Flanagan","description":"In this warm and inspiring episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with picture book author Leslee Flanagan to talk about her latest book, Sea Glass Kids: Ocean Pollution Solutions and her lifelong love of the ocean. Leslee shares how the Sea Glass Kids characters first came to life in her earlier book, Problems in the Ocean. In the series, kids team up with sea animals and each other to tackle ocean pollution through simple, practical actions like beach cleanups and reducing plastic use. Leslee emphasizes that while the problem can seem overwhelming, \u201cbaby steps\u201d really can grow into big change, especially when kids lead the way and adults join in. Drawing on her volunteer work with the Mystic Aquarium rescue team, Leslee talks about seeing firsthand how marine animals are harmed by plastic bags, discarded nets, and other debris. Those experiences\u2014combined with living near the water and watching her grandkids become passionate ocean protectors\u2014fueled her mission to educate and inspire through story. Leslee also opens up about her nonlinear life path: from studying animal science and working with veterinarians, to running a tree business, operating a mini golf and batting cage, becoming an elementary school teacher at 45, and now writing children\u2019s books. Along the way, themes of kindness, resilience, and staying open to new chapters in life shine through. She gives listeners a glimpse of what\u2019s next: more Sea Glass Kids adventures, classroom visits, a possible musical, and a new collaboration with fellow \u201cEco Authors\u201d to reach even more young readers around the world. ","author_name":"Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/sites.libsyn.com\/558800","html":"