Southwest Florida authors lift lore off the page

The Everglades, local landmarks and history come to life in these books about our region.

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Five Southwest Florida authors lift local lore and landmarks off the page with lyrical prose and artistic illustrations.

Marjory Saves the Everglades

By Sandra Neil Wallace Illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon

Biographer Sandra Neil Wallace pens this story on Marjory Stoneman Douglas, the journalist who saved the ‘Glades by helping establish Everglades National Park. The book traces Marjory’s life, from childhood to her years with the Navy and Red Cross to her time tirelessly advocating for our national treasure. The author weaves in influences that shaped Marjory’s activism and an inspiring message about the power of one.

Simon & Schuster

Goodnight Fort Myers & Sanibel

By Adam Gamble and Mark Jasper Illustrated by Julissa Mora

This board book lulls young readers to sleep as they conjure dreams of seaside delights. Colorful illustrations introduce young’uns to the region’s varied creatures and scenes, including horse conch shells on Sanibel, bottlenose dolphins at Bowditch Point Park in Fort Myers Beach and the glow of the Sanibel Lighthouse. Don’t be surprised if your kid is educating you on our area’s wildlife the next time you’re out and about.

Good Night Books

A (Mostly) Kids’ Guide to Sanibel & Captiva Islands and the Fort Myers Coast

By Karen T. Bartlett

K ids just wanna have fun, and this photo-driven, scavenger hunt-inspired book, written by a local journalist, gives the best advice on how youths can get the most out of our region. A roadmap to exciting regional discoveries, the book combines practical, kid-centric insights on free things to do (including a calendar of events), with memorable local legends and fun quizzes.

Mostly Kids’ Guides

The Last Calusa: The Adventures of Charlie Pierce

By Harvey E. Oyer, III Illustrated by James Balkovec

The third in a series about teen explorer Charlie Pierce, this book follows the boy and his fearless little sister, Lillie, in the late 1800s, when South Florida was considered the last American frontier. Written by fifth-generation Floridian Harvey E. Oyer, III—the protagonist’s great-grandnephew—the book sees Charlie leading a scientist into the Everglades in search of the elusive ghost orchid, with learnings about the Calusa tribe and native flora and fauna along the way.

Middle River Press

N is for Naples

By Lisa Trebilcock Illustrated by Cheri Nowak

Dive into all things Naples with this lyrical story by local educator Lisa Trebilcock. Two young explorers traverse local sites and splash in our waterways as they discover landmarks and creatures through the alphabet. Every letter yields a new Southwest Florida lesson for littles, including introducing them to native wildlife. Check out Lisa’s E is for Everglades for a fun look at the world’s largest wetlands ecosystem.

Mascot Books