Every writer has that one story close to their heart, and for me, it was Karter Roo’s Underwater ABC Adventure. The inspiration came from a special place—my nephew. As a curious little explorer, he was always fascinated by the ocean and its magical creatures. I wanted to create something unique for him, something that would blend fun, learning, and a touch of whimsy. What started as a simple idea quickly became a project that brought endless joy—not just for me, but for everyone involved.
The Idea: An Underwater Alphabet Adventure
It all began with a simple goal: to create an alphabet book that felt exciting and playful, rather than routine. My nephew’s love for marine life made the underwater theme an easy choice. I could almost hear the excitement in his voice as I imagined him flipping through pages filled with colorful fish, dancing jellyfish, and mysterious octopuses. Each letter of the alphabet would introduce a new sea creature, accompanied by playful rhymes to keep him engaged.
The Fun of Writing Rhymes
Writing the rhymes was one of the most enjoyable parts of the process. It felt like solving little puzzles—how could I make each letter not only informative but also fun to read aloud? From “A is for Angelfish, dreaming dreams that could come true” to “Z is for Zebra Shark, swimming where the corals bend,” each rhyme became a tiny story of its own. I pictured my nephew giggling at the silliness of some of the rhymes and learning something new with each turn of the page.
Collaborating with an Illustrator
Once the manuscript was ready, it was time to bring the story to life through illustrations. This was my first time working with a professional illustrator, and it was an absolute blast. Together, we brainstormed how each creature would look and what vibrant, underwater scenes would capture a child’s imagination. The illustrator’s ability to turn my words into stunning visuals was nothing short of magical. Watching Karter Roo swim alongside colorful coral reefs and meet quirky sea creatures made the story leap off the page.
Seeing My Nephew’s Reaction
The highlight of the entire process was sharing the finished book with my nephew. His face lit up as he saw the vibrant cover and flipped through the pages. I envision as he gets a little older he will be laughing at Karter Roo’s adventures and eagerly trying to repeat the rhymes. It was heartwarming to watch him point out his favorite creatures and ask questions about them. The book wasn’t just a story for him—it became a game, a learning tool, and a way to spark his imagination. Seeing his excitement made all the effort worthwhile.
Why I Decided to Publish It
Initially, Karter Roo’s Underwater ABC Adventure was meant to be a one-of-a-kind gift for my nephew. But as I shared the idea with friends and family, I realized it had the potential to delight other children too. Publishing it felt like the natural next step—a way to share this little labor of love with a wider audience. Knowing that other kids might learn and laugh along with Karter Roo made the journey even more special.
Reflecting on the Journey
Creating Karter Roo’s Underwater ABC Adventure was an unforgettable experience. From writing rhymes to collaborating with an illustrator, every step was filled with creativity and joy. But the most rewarding part was seeing my nephew’s reaction and knowing that the book brought him happiness. It reminded me why I love storytelling—to inspire, entertain, and connect with others.
If you’ve ever considered turning an idea into reality, whether it’s writing a book or creating something unique for someone you love, I encourage you to go for it. You never know how much joy it might bring—to you and to others.
Have you ever written or created something special for a loved one? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!