Finny and the Seal Hotel

 So it was a little over ten years later, that in honor of Draco, I would put a ‘naming scene’ in my first children’s story ‘Finny and the Seal Hotel.’ 

For the nine years that I worked at ILM, I’d grab my Starbuck’s coffee and sit at this same spot in Sausalito every morning, waiting until I saw a seal pop it’s head up out of the water, then I’d go to work. 

I got the idea of doing a story about a seal that wants to eat Crab Cioppino at Pier 39, and ends up at the Marine Mammal Center. 

Sandra Scott and I had volunteered there for one day. We were told not to contact the seals, so that they don't form a bond with humans. As soon as I stepped in the pen, a big white seal named ‘Casper’ came over to ME, and put his head on my foot. I stood, not knowing what to do  next.

I've attended several SCWBI workshops in wiring and illustrating for children. I wanted to create characters that were fun and memorable. The regulating book, Finny and the Seal Hotel is inspired by memories of Sausalito and the guest of the Marine Mammal Center, or as Finny and Tam call it 'the Seal Hotel.'