Book details

  • Genre:children's fiction
  • Sub-genre:Animals / Fish
  • Age Range (years):3 - 12
  • Language:English
  • Pages:28
  • Hardcover ISBN:9798350954739

Oscar the Oyster and Rusty the Redfish

By Chucha Barber

Overview

Oscar the Oyster and Rusty the Redfish is an illustrated story about oysters and other sea creatures and how all living things are important even when they might not appear to be significant or attractive. Oscar the oyster just looks like a small rock, stuck in one spot. Rusty, a handsome male redfish, swims, leaps from the water, plays and has great fun. He bullies Oscar who seems, to Rusty, to just be stuck and useless. When Rusty becomes a "daddy redfish" and predators begin to eat his babies, Oscar and his oyster family provide a safe space for the baby fish to hide. Rusty learns how very important Oscar is to him and all the babies of the sea. Rusty learns how oysters clean our water and protect our shorelines from storms. Rusty and Oscar become friends who bond over the importance of learning to respect each other. They hope their friendship will lead to greater understanding and protection of oyster reefs. The book contains scientifically accurate information about oysters and redfish. A glossary of terms provides understanding for new words. The book was designed to entertain and educate children as well as for adults who might read the book to a child.
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Description

Although they have been around millions of years, more than 90 percent of the world's oyster reefs have collapsed. Oyster reefs serve as estuaries for more than 3,000 species of marine life. One oyster can clean up to 50 gallons of water in a single day. Oysters mitigate red tide and algae blooms. This children's book is meant to be an introduction to the importance of oysters. The book was created for a youthful audience to compliment the documentary film UNFILTERED: The Truth About Oysters. The story addresses how we sometimes form opinions about others based only on appearances and then discover they can be very important to our lives and the lives of others. Dr. Guy Harvey is a world-renowned marine biologist and artist. His images of Redfish appear in the glossary of terms. The content of the book was reviewed by scientists who have expertise with oysters, reef restoration and redfish.
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About The Author

Chucha Barber has enjoyed two simultaneous careers as a Museum Director and Television producer, creating more than 25 documentaries regarding Museum exhibitions and other topics of human interest. She is a member of the Producers' Guild of America and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. She has earned 8 Suncoast Emmys as was named a "Silver Circle" honoree, recognizing her for 25 years of excellence and industry leadership as a television producer. She has also earned two "Gracie Awards," as a Producer, from the Alliance for Women in Media. Oscar the Oyster and Rusty The Redfish is her first book. It was inspired by the making of her first feature-length film, UNFILTERED: The Truth About Oysters. The film is currently streaming on PBS Passport. The book is meant to reach early learners with important messaging the importance of oysters. Chucha Barber believes engaging and informing children is an effective means to promote positive changes for the benefit of our planet. Chucha has a passion for volunteerism having served as a Gubernatorial appointee through multiple administrations. She was Commissioner for Volunteerism and Community Service and was the Chair of the Florida Volunteer Florida Foundation. Additional Community service roles have included Co-Founder Tallahassee Film Festival, Founder Florida Wine Festival, Chair Tallahassee Visitors and Convention's Bureau, Board Member Tourist Development Council, Board Member Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, Co-Chair American Heart Association Regional Heart Ball, and guest lecturer Florida State University.
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