Awards

Business Supporter Award

Ocean Publishing won the prestigious Business Supporter Award from The Literacy Council of Northeast Florida for its commitment to literacy efforts in the Greater Jacksonville area. Ocean Publishing was recognized for taking on the revision and re-printing of Open Mic Jacksonville, Vol. I - Poetry, an anthology of poetry by 54 Florida authors.

Royal Palm Awards

Open Mic Jacksonville, Vol. I - Poetry received the 2003 Royal Palm Award for Poetry at the Florida Writers Association Conference in Orlando. The judges praised the anthology for its role in support of literacy and for its diversity of both poets and styles.

Jacksonville resident Kay Day won her 1st place Royal Palm in the poetry category for A Poetry Break, a collection of work with Southern themes, in 2004.  President of the Jacksonville branch of The National League of American Pen Women, Inc., Day is a nationally recognized author and poet whose works have achieved broad acceptance by poetry lovers, students, and teachers. Her first non-fiction title, Killing Earl, was published by Ocean Publishing in March, 2005.

Victor DiGenti won his 2004 1st place Royal Palm in the young adult category for his first novel, Windrusher, an adventure fantasy. Windrusher has received national acclaim, including high praise from actress and animal activist Betty White. DiGenti, who resides in Ponte Vedra Beach, had his second book in the Windrusher series, Windrusher and the Cave of Tho-hoth, released by Ocean Publishing on October 29th.

The final author honored is also the publisher at Ocean Publishing. Frank Gromling won his 2004 1st place Royal Palm in the nature/environment category for

 Frank's Whales, which describes the plight of North Atlantic right whales and how a group of Florida volunteers is gathering valuable data about the whales and their calves in Florida coastal waters. Frank's Whales is one of the only layperson accounts of first hand research on the North Atlantic right whale.

USA Book News - Best Books

A Poetry Break, Kay Day's collection of Southern-themed poetry placed second in the USA Book News Best Books 2004 Contest in the Poetry category.

Muse Medallion

Victor DiGenti was awarded a Muse Medallion in Fiction/Books from the Cat Writers' Association for Windrusher, his first adventure fantasy novel. The Cat Writers' Association, Inc. (CWA) is a national organization of professionals writing, publishing and broadcasting about cats.

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Reviews

A Dolphin In Front of You

To visit Pete Davey's website please click here

A Poetry Break

Greg Langley, Books Editor, The Advocate Daily Newspaper, Baton Rouge, LA

Poet Kay Day also employs iambic pentameter, and she even writes in the sonnet form.  Day has a good sense of humor as well as a poet's way of painting with words. ...Day turns her attention to such diverse subjects as a cat jousting with mockingbirds in a suburban yard, reading lessons, the cost of poverty, jelly making, Mary Magdalen, the book Fahrenheit 451, a porch swing, Sunday School lessons and much more.  She's not afraid to tackle any subject and not above taking a jab at herself, as in "Practicing Poetics."

Florida Monthly/February, 2004

Composing the Italian sonnet form masterfully, Day's poetry is a pleasant read.  Refreshingly fresh and smoothly written, Day has found her place in the literary circle.

David Taub, columnist, Poetry Now

In this collection of poems, Kay Day demonstrates her versatility as a poet–from free verse to classical-style sonnets. It is refreshing to find her writing to be accessible on many levels, whilst not sacrificing standards in prosody and style.

David Cazden, editor, Miller's Pond (print edition)

Located firmly in the observed and felt world, Kay Day’s poetry is a delight to read. Written in a mature, compassionate voice, each poem is both measured and effortless, with a remarkable ability to deepen the reader’s heart. Highly recommended.

D.H. Eaton, author  of The Osceola Community Club

Kay Day's poems address a wide range of human experience - from a child's first stumbling prayers to a mysterious Deity who is still a mystery when that child is forty, to teenage insecurities, to marriage and its complexities, even wrapping up the collection with 'After Probate', having covered the gamut. Kay Day's poems examine our lives and our innermost reactions to them. That the final poem in the collection ends with the word 'prayers' is appropriate, for Kay Day's poetic offerings literally are 'prayers'.

Steve Kowit, author of In the Palm of Your Hand

Lots of fine poems.  I liked a great many—the sonnets at the book's start, like "The Reading Lesson," and the other poems afterwards, all of them well made, well crafted.  "Dear G.", which was I believe the first I read and that remains on a second and third reading particularly fine...."Genealogy" and " At Fifteen,"...just a few that struck me.  Day tells her stories well, vividly, always coherently—and there is a lovely sanity and goodheartedness that emerges in poem after poem.

Cabbageberries, Duck Feathers and the Tides

Frank’s Whales

Beverly Fleming click here

Hans Neuhauser, Editor, Right Whale News

“Frank Gromling, in a refreshing narrative, convincingly answers the questions so many people ask: ‘How can I make a difference?’   And ‘What can I do to help?’ Become involved with a volunteer program, learn more about the plight of the North Atlantic right whale – or Nature’s other creatures – enjoy meeting like-minded people and have fun. A good read.”

Jim Egan, Executive Director, Marine Resources Council, Rockledge, FL

“This is an exciting inside look at a volunteer-based research program that is aiding the most endangered large whale in the world.”

Dr. Maia McGuire, University of Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent

“With only about 325 North Atlantic Right Whales left, this book is an important contribution to their understanding and survival. What a superb job you have done!”

Kay Day, Author of A Poetry Break and Killing Earl

"The numbers of a species approach the edge of extinction. Just as with Loggerhead Sea Turtles, American Bald Eagles, and Peregrine Falcons, the Right Whale has a better chance of survival because individuals not only cared about its well-being, but took action to assist.

Few people may know, until Frank's Whales lands in their lap, that Northeast Florida is a critical birthing ground for the Right Whale, the rarest large whale in the Atlantic Ocean. Frank Gromling's book explores this majestic creature's natural history and the protection programs that hope to safeguard this whale's numbers, beginning with the whalers who, in prior centuries, reduced populations to a critical level, and moving forward to modern times, when ship strikes pose a serious threat.

The author relates his own experiences as part of a volunteer group that records observations and data to assist government agencies in formulating plans for the Right Whale's protection.

This book is perfect for many purposes. For the environmentally conscious, it's a lovely example of those who do more than protest: they give their time to help on behalf of a cause they hold dear.

For any student doing a life sciences report or project, this book will also be an invaluable resource, because it offers original research from first hand accounts, something not readily available for many projects.

The book is also interesting to a casual reader, because Frank Gromling tells a good story in an unpretentious, direct manner that puts the reader on the observation deck with him.

A bonus in this book involves exceptional black and white photographs of these whales and other ocean species, and related charts and maps.

I would highly recommend this book to any reader."

(Reviewer's note: Ocean Publishing publishes my own books, and that of many other authors, but this review was not solicited by the publisher or the author.)

Harry Waranch, LMT, Palm Coast, FL

“I read through Mr. Gromling's creatively witty and informative book in one sitting. This educational work about our endangered sea mammals should be required reading and on all environmentalists’ and conservationists' bookshelves.”

H. Steven Robertson, Author and Illustrator

 “Frank Gromling has written and published a delightful saga of one man’s discovery of the North Atlantic right whales. Ironically, this was in his back yard, which happened to be the Atlantic Ocean. It chronicles his efforts as he got involved with an organization that was founded to save the species from extinction. Whether you are a fisherman, nature enthusiast, biologist, inhabitant of the coast or just an average person living anywhere, you will enjoy this interesting and informative story. This book has also been created with the purest intentions: to make the reader aware of how anyone can contribute his or her time and, in addition, enjoy an exciting adventure for a noble cause.”

John and William Bartram:  Travelers in Early America

Joel T. Fry, Curator at Historic Bartram garden, Philadelphia, PA

"Sandy Sammons' book fills a real need: the Bartram story is complex, but Sammons has managed to tell the story in a compelling fashion."

Edward J. Cashin, Director, Center for the Study of Georgia History

“I enjoyed reading John and William Bartram: Travelers in Early America.  It captures William's blithe spirit."

Joseph Vetter, Social Studies Teacher

“Well done! Excellent for classrooms and living rooms.”

Deborah Green, Orange Audubon Society, Orlando, FL

I purchased Travelers in Early America by Sandra Wallus Sammons, an award-winning author of Florida historical biographies, from Frank Gromling, our Right Whale speaker of last year who is the publisher at Ocean Publishing. The book is fascinating and simple to read, suitable for younger readers but no embarrassment for an adult to read. I hope to have the book for sale to accompany the April 19 William Bartram program, and possibly the author, who lives in Edgewater might come herself. Florida needs a Bartram curriculum, and with J.D. Sutton's portrayal and Sammons' book, the elements are all here!

Here's What I Know So Far, Doc's Story

Yvonne Presley, Humane Education Coordinator, Flagler Humane Society, Palm Coast, FL

"I read Here's What I Know So Far last night and really do love it. Doc makes me smile and I love the concept of the veterinarian's comments on each page."

Midwest Book Review, Vol. 17, Number 9, September 2007

Here's What I Know So Far is a unique picturebook written to help young people better understand the responsibility of caring for a puppy. Each two-page spread discusses the realities of a puppy's life, both directly from the puppy's point of view ("Why walk when you can run? Walking on a leash is just no fun."), and from the sage perspective of a professional veterinarian ("Puppies know an 'I mean business' tone of voice when they hear it. Well, you do too, don't you?"). The abstract-style illustrations add a distinctive touch without being too distracting from the immersive wealth of information. An excellent starter book for teaching young people the basics of understanding how puppies think and how to properly train and care for them.

Reviews submitted to Amazon.com

Enjoyable & Educational, June 27, 2007
By Spring (Florida) - See all my reviews

     Diane Till does a wonderful job with the idea of expressing a puppy's thoughts about its first year of life. It really does make you think more from the perspective of the pup.
     Though the book is educational, it is not preachy. Both my children, ages 9 and 13, read the book and giggled through most of it.
     We bought an extra copy for the waiting room of our veterinary clinic. I really believe Till's book will be an excellent starting point for teaching children (and adults) how to train puppies.

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A Lovable Puppy Teaches Kids and Parents Alike, June 13, 2007
By Charlie Noble (Key West) - See all my reviews

     This book is the perfect answer to a parents prayer when children ask about having their first dog. It explains all of the many issues related to dog ownership in a simple straight forward manner that is easy for the kids to accept. The writing is wonderful and the illustrations are engaging. Adults will particularly appreciate the visual quality and intricacy of the festive art work as they watch kids pore over the pages. I am waiting for the next volume in what I hope will be a long series of animal stories for children.

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Here's What I Know So Far, June 13, 2007
By Bob "Dad" (Washington) - See all my reviews

     Fabulous book. Our kids wanted a dog and I never had one. This helped me and the kids feel comfortable about going ahead. It's very well written for adults and children and the graphics and illustrations are simply marvelous. This is what making education fun is all about.

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wonderful read, June 9, 2007
By hpz (new york city) - See all my reviews

     the writing and illustrations are both magnificent. the book is touching and endearing. a joy to yougsters and parents alike.

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What a delightful discovery, June 4, 2007
By Pearl Zovwizdom (USA) - See all my reviews

     Doc's Story is already on the "read it to me again" list. I don't mind a bit because this story is sweet and humorous and has the best little message slipped in there (about every parent's need to say no). Wonderful illustrations, too. Just love how he captured Doc. I'm already hoping for the next in the series since this book will be quite dog-eared (no pun intended) before long. 

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Killing Earl

To visit Kay Day's website please click here

The Powow River Anthology

Timothy Steele

“Like an oasis in a desert, this anthology offers a fertile refuge in the largely arid landscape of contemporary verse. Here readers can escape the bewildering, coercive heat of Poetry with a capital “P” and find many refreshing and memorable individual poems. Hats off to the remarkable Powow poets: long may they write and thrive.”

Lewis Turco

“Having had some experience with the Powow River Poets, I was aware of just how good this anthology could turn out to be. It is that good. It’s not just that this group of people, as a whole and individually, is deeply talented. No. It’s that they seem to empower one another, to set standards for each other that every one of them is determined to achieve and amplify. And it’s not just that they can write, it’s that they can think as well. These poems are at once lucid and complex, thoughtful and full of emotion held in check, often by traditional craft: rhymes, meters, imagery, song. Truly, I believe that much has been lost in poetry since the rush to dump craftsmanship began in the 1950s, and the Powow River Poets are bringing it back with a flourish.”

Bruce Bennett

“For a number of years, I and many others have marveled at the phenomenon represented by the Powow River Poets. Any writer is fortunate to be able to count on the good will and expertise of even a single fellow writer as a constantly constructive reader and critic. How fortunate then are the members of this gifted group, who have clearly benefited so much from their ongoing dynamic association. The support and inspiration derived from such creative collaboration is everywhere apparent in the Powow River Anthology. It is an exemplary collection.”

Soccer Made Easy for Americans

Whales with Fur

Off The Shelf-Compiled by Dr. Gray Stafford / Reviewed by Billy Hurley Dolphin Quest

"Now here is a book that lives by the rule "what you see is what you get". And that's how the author lives his life. No dancing around the topic, just getting down to the real deal. Whales With Fur is a book that anyone interested in training his or her pet "Fido", "Morris", or "Mr. Ed", should have. Pete Davey approaches the training of one's pet by drawing from his experience of training marine mammals. For those of you that have been in the exotic animal training business for years, you most likely will find nothing new. It's not the content of the information that had me glued to the pages; it's the style with which Pete writes. It's downright funny. Readers should be able to relax while learning from Pete's book, because he conveys his thoughts as if you were sitting in his kitchen watching him prepare dinner (wait a minute, Pete doesn't make dinner, but Jody does, and you'll see her throughout the book). Maybe a better analogy would be debating with Pete over beers at an IMATA conference; that's more realistic. But the bottom line is you need this book. It's a great teaching tool for novice trainers as he doesn't bore you with laborious multi-syllabic terms coined every year at conferences. But he draws great comparisons that attempt to make the reader's mind "click" when struggling through training. As you peruse his written dialogue, Pete takes the reader through history (nice pictures...however I noticed that Pete seemed to get older each page I turned), reasons animals should be trained, and then on to foundational terminology. He then shifts gears into what one should consider before confusing the heck out of the "about to be trained" individual (lucky them). Finally the training process begins, and the reader/apprentice trainer is taken on a journey of "how to's" and "why not's" that many of us wish we had heard, oh those many years ago. The best part is how Pete encourages the reader to train the examples he lists, and more importantly how to troubleshoot what may be occurring...and all the while he makes you laugh. As one heads through the "home stretch" of the book, Pete covers the issues of non-desirable behavior and forethought about those things that can be sensitizing to the standard pet. All in all, it's good stuff. As stated, the author, Pete Davey, has done a great job of breaking down the lingo, the desires, the problems, and the successes of training in an easy to read format. He pairs a reinforcer (laughing) with what may seem to be a border line punisher (reading text) to achieve the desired outcome (making Pete a lot of money)...I mean (teaching caregivers how to not confuse their prized companions through clear communication). It's a book well worth reading. And just like Ramirez's book on training, you only need to jump on Amazon.com...happy training!"

To visit Pete Davey's website please click here

Windrusher

Betty White, Actress and animal welfare advocate
"I literally couldn't put it down-it is so beautifully written. What a wonderful read, I can't wait for Windrusher's next adventure."
 

Linda Stewart, Author of the Sam the Cat Mystery series
"Touching, mystical, completely engrossing. Put this on your bookshelf next to Call of the Wild and Black Beauty. Windrusher's great adventure belongs with the animal classics."
 

Pamela Bauer Mueller, Author of Eight Paws to Georgia and The Kiska Trilogy
"What a sensory kaleidoscope! DiGenti pierces the mysterious veil of a cat's secret life in this magical epic."
 

Barbara Florio Graham, Author of Musings/Mewsings
"A magical tale, full of wonder and suspense. The authentic geographic setting, realistic behavior of the cats and genuine dangers help readers make the leap into the supposition that there may be communication between cats and their ancient ancestors. I was fascinated from beginning to end."
 

Nancy Marano, Award-winning author of animal articles
"Prepare yourself to be swept up in the breathtaking adventures of Windrusher, a.k.a. Tony. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book. It's a guaranteed good read that will make you look at your cats a little differently."
 

William Kerr, Author of Death's Bright Angel
"Beautifully written, the characterizations, whether human or animal, are so well done that I could visualize each and every character."
 

Alex Matthews, Author of the Cassidy McCabe mystery series
"Cat people will love this riveting fantasy."
 

Darlene Arden, Author of The Angell Memorial Animal Hospital Book of Wellness
"More than just an adventure and more than a fantasy, Windrusher works on several levels. Victor DiGenti has realistically captured the plight of homeless cats. His story goes right to the heart of the matter. And right to the heart of the reader."
 

Blether, the book review site
"A delightful tale for lovers of adventure and cat lovers; poignant with moments of great humor. Tony/Windrusher is an endearing hero for this new series."

Windrusher and the Cave of Tho-hoth

Midwest Book Review

"(The author's) knowledge and compassion for felines offers a superb background for the page-turning and often sitting-on-the-edge-of-your-seat adventures experienced through the eyes of a cat named Windrusher. He is a masterful wordsmith and has written a tightly plotted storyline with believable characters and a cat both heroic and vulnerable."

Lee Killough, Science Fiction and Fantasy Author

"Windrusher and the Cave of Tho-hoth has a compelling, well-written plot with plenty of nail-biting suspense."

Marilyn Parrish, author of Song of Surrender and The Presence

“Superbly written, Windrusher and the Cave of Tho-hoth is thrilling, touching and unforgettable. With vividly drawn characters and a unique and distinctive voice, DiGenti grabs you from the first page with this exciting, fast-paced adventure. The touching denouement brought tears to my eyes. The enchantment of Windrusher belongs on the silver screen.”

Christine Church, author of Indoor Cats, Your Outta Control Cat

“What a truly fantastic book. Anyone who loves cats and a good tale will cherish Windrusher. Purrs and five paws up.”

Nancy Marano, award-winning author of animal articles

“DiGenti hits a home run in Windrusher and the Cave of Tho-hoth, the second installment of his Windrusher series.  Live through catnapping, earthquake, and murder with Wind and three other famous cats. The book is beautifully written.  I simply couldn't put it down.  Wind's growing fan club can only wait with anticipation for the next adventure.”

Pamela Bauer Mueller, author of The Kiska Trilogy, Hello, Goodbye, I Love You, and Neptune's Honor

"Diverting, clever and compelling!  Now I know where my cats journey during their deep sleep!  DiGenti has outdone himself with this thrilling sequel!"

T. J. Banks, Author of Souleiado

"Windrusher and the Cave of Tho-hoth is cat fantasy in the honored tradition of Tad Williams' Tailchaser's Song and Gabriel King's The Wild Road series. It's fast-paced action with strong mystical echoes and a thoroughly likable and resourceful feline hero."

Darlene Arden, author of Unbelievably Good Deals and Great Adventures That You Absolutely Can’t Get Unless You’re a Dog

“Windrusher’s welcome return takes us on another mystical adventure. It’s a page-turner that leaves the reader wanting more.”

Sandy Robins, Contributing Editor, Cat Fancy Magazine and contributor, Pet Section, MSNBC

“Windrusher's latest adventure is a fast-paced tale that will keep your curiosity piqued to the end. DiGenti has woven elements of surprise, danger and incredible feline intuition into a well-written story. A very satisfying read.”

Elaura Niles, author of Some Writers Deserve to Starve: 27 Brutal Truths About the Publishing Industry

“The mystical world of felines is further revealed in this exciting sequel. Windrusher & the Cave of Tho-hoth is an incredible journey of a cat with a higher calling.”

Gerald J. Schiffhorst, Ph.D., author of Writing with Cats

"In his entertaining sequel to Windrusher, Victor DiGenti takes us into the secret inner world of cats, which is every bit as intriguing as the lively adventures of his feline hero.”

Zachary Cooks Up Some Fun

Kay Day author of A Poetry Break, Poetry for Your Pleasure and Killing Earl

"Books read by many of us as children in post World War II America carried a common theme of instruction. Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verse, fairy tales by various authors, and A. A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh offered common messages. Fairy tales taught a child caution. Other books taught tolerance and kindness, all the while capturing the innocence of childhood. Zachary Cooks up Some Fun falls within this realm.

The physical qualities of the book are exceptional. Done in hardcover with a top quality book jacket, the book's glossy text stock shows off the illustrations very well. The story line reflects a lesson in caring for others and in resolving differences in a peaceful manner. This is the sort of book a child can return to either individually, or with a parent for a journey into the world of a quirky prairie dog who puts brains over brawn and saves his community in the process. A bonus involves a recipe for the mincemeat pie that plays a pivotal role in the tale, thereby rounding out a full and rich learning experience.

Zachary Cooks up Some Fun offers an enriching experience for the young reader. That this book is published by a small press and done so with such finesse speaks well of Ocean Publishing. This text would make an excellent keepsake addition to any young reader's shelf."

(Reviewer's note: Ocean Publishing publishes my own books, and that of many other authors, but this review was not solicited by the publisher or the author of Zachary.)

Susan D. Brandenburg, River City News Correspondent

"Three-year-old Zoe Bevan of the Westside is one lucky little girl.  Her "Grandy" is Jan Atchley Bevan, the smiling face behind the desk in the Art Connections area of the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens."

An accomplished writer, composer, pianist and poet, Bevan is passionate about keeping the arts alive for future generations.  As the Cummer's author in residence, she has recently completed her second book, Zachary Cooks Up Some Fun, which is being published by Ocean Publishing of Flagler Beach.  Her first was Corky, the Bathtub Who Couldn't Swallow.

In Zachary Cooks Up Some Fun, she weaves a tale of a Texas prairie dog who saves his town through courage, ingenuity and a special family recipe.

Bevan draws upon people in her life for the personalities in her books..."Corky was my late husband's name, and Zachary the prairie dos was inspired by a special great-nephew."  Noting that prairie dogs naturally protect and care for one another, Bevan says her Zachary series of books will teach many life lessons.

Reviewed by Brandy Holboldt Allport, Times-Union Children's Book Reviewer

Jan Atchley Bevan's latest book, Zachary Cooks Up Some Fun takes place in Dog Town, USA, smack dab in the middle of Texas.  The adventure book is for children ages 4 to 8...  Dana Kleiman Garfinkel, artist and teacher at LaVilla School of the Arts, created the illustrations.

Zen Fishing and Other Southern Pleasures

Jayne Jaudon Ferrer, Author of Dancing with my Daughter, A New Mother’s Prayers and A Mother of Sons

"Poetry that makes me weep, ponder, sigh, and laugh out loud. “Gather Ye Rosebuds” will haunt you. “Women I Have Loved” will make you miss maternal arms that held you close. “Beach Reverie” will make you yearn for an ocean breeze. And like the kiss whose imprint lingers on the kitchen window long after lips have gone, Dorothy Fletcher’s words will linger in your mind long after you’ve finished reading."

Click here to link to Dew on the Kudzu – Book Reviews

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Author Events

From the Publisher

"I want all of our authors to share their work with the public. I believe it is important that Ocean Publishing authors talk with anyone who is interested in their books or wants to know what it takes to be a published author. I work closely with Ocean's authors to insure that they are properly prepared and excited about meeting the public. As a traditional small press, one of only a few in Florida, it is important to create and maintain that personal touch with the public at all times."

Previous Author Events: 2007

Schedule of Future Author Events: 2007 - 2008

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Publisher Events

Schedule of Publisher Events: 2007 - 2008

These are events where either our publisher, Frank Gromling, will be speaking about book publishing or where Ocean Publishing will have its books displayed for purchase.

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News

Children’s Picture Book Series “Here’s What I Know So Far” Launches at BookExpo America 

FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. – May 29, 2007 – “Here’s What I Know So Far” is both the concept and the title of a new book series that tells the first year in an animal’s life from a unique point of view – that of the animal. Ocean Publishing (www.ocean-publishing.com) debuts the first book in the series, Doc’s Story, at BookExpo America on June 1 in New York City.

Doc’s Story begins on day ten of a mixed-breed pup’s life and moves excited  ly through his curious puppy milestones with humor and poignancy. Doc shares what he knows so far in rhymed verse. His discoveries are informative and entertaining, from his first visit to the vet to his comical but shocked revelation: “You won’t believe the places where you’re not supposed to pee.”

Frank Gromling, Publisher, said, “We believe this series is a wholly unique approach to picture books, in both content and illustration technique. Doc’s discoveries inspire a dialogue between parent and child. There is depth and humor in this series, as well as great sophistication.”

Each of Doc’s discoveries is accompanied with a bit of prose from Doc’s vet, Dr. Tim. He gives the child (and the child’s parents) a veterinarian’s perspective on the importance of puppy health, comfort, training and, of course, love.

Doc’s Story helps a child understand why good parents sometimes have to say “no,” and it helps parents realize the great importance of play. Doc’s experiences include learning to walk on a leash and the joys of rolling on a dead fish. They are often comical, as when he tells his readers, “Of all the wonderful things to do, my absolute favorite is to chew.”  

About the Author

Diane Till, a former New York advertising creative director, has lived in Italy and Australia, and worked throughout Asia, Europe, and Mexico. She is an avid animal rights advocate who shares her home with dogs, cats and parrots, and believes respect for earth’s creatures should start young.

About the Illustrator

Tom Schwartz is a celebrated advertising art director who brings Doc to life with complex, rich, and brilliant illustrations which provide striking imagery to each of Doc’s milestones. He has won a variety of awards, including the prestigious Gold Lion at Cannes, three Clios, and ten Addys.

About the Veterinarian

Dr. Tim Roberts received his veterinary degree from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. He practices in Louisa, Kentucky, where his patients include large animals, dogs, cats and the occasional iguana.

Here’s What I Know So Far, Doc’s Story (ISBN-13: 9780976729174) is available for $15.99 online at Amazon.com as an advance order and will be available in June at Internet retailers, local bookstores, and the publisher.

Ocean Publishing, a traditional publishing house established in 2003, has 15 nonfiction, fiction and poetry titles. It produces four titles a year, with three being trade paperback and one being a children’s hardcover picture book.

Ocean Publishing at ALA

At the American Library Association (ALA) Conference and Exhibit in Washington, DC, Ocean Publishing's latest book will be on display at a major trade booth. Here's What I Know So Far, Doc's Story, will be prominently featured at the six-booth display of PMA, the Independent Book Publishers Association. This children's picture book was extremely well received at Book Expo America in New York City in June when it was first introduced to the book buying world. Author Diane Till and illustrator Tom Schwartz signed over 200 copies of the book for bookstore buyers, teachers, librarians and media representatives. Publisher Frank Gromling is looking forward to a similar reception by America's librarians at ALA on June 23-26.

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Photos

Frank Gromling announcing winners at the 2007 Ben Franklin Awards, NYC

Diane Till and Tom Schwartz signing "Here's What I Know So Far: Docs' Story" at 2007 BookExpo America

Frank Gromling conducting a class at FPA's 2007 Mini-College

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