In the Author Spotlight ...
Nora Dohlke, author of
The Wonderful Adventures of Ozzie the Sea Otter

 

When author Nora Dohlke went to the University of California at Monterey Bay to drop off her grandson, she had no idea the trip would lead her to create a colorful little sea otter named Ozzie. In her new book The Wonderful Adventures of Ozzie the Sea Otter, she introduces us to an amazing adventure that will entertain and educate the reader about the ocean and the sea otter.

While walking through the college bookstore, Nora came upon a small stuffed sea otter. "I picked up this darling stuffed sea otter. I looked at my husband and asked, 'What's his name?' 'Ozzie', he said," she explains. "So I went home and started the book."

Nora is no stranger to writing. "I've been writing for many, many years," she says. "Mostly scripts for Easter and Christmas programs for my church. I've also written a few short articles for magazines." In fact, Ozzie was put on hold for a few years, while Nora continued writing programs for her church's prison ministry.

Nora's love for children and the ocean led her back to the "Ozzie Project". From first thought to finished product, the book took about seven years to complete. "I tried to make Ozzie not only entertaining, but educational as well. I did research on the life and habits of otters. I also tried to highlight values."

This book not only tells a fantastic story about a colorful little sea otter, but you are also able to follow his adventures through 90 pages of full color paintings. This lovable animal is fondly known as the puppy dog of the sea. "I think that the little sea otter is the cutest sea mammal out there," Nora says.

You will follow Ozzie and his mother on an ocean journey that will keep your interest every moment until the exciting ending, leaving you wanting more. Nora hopes that the story will appeal to people ages 3 to adults. "I read to my children always," she says. "I'm hoping that a mother, father, or grandparent will pick up this book and read it to their children. I believe they will enjoy it as well."

Nora has been married for almost 40 years. They have 3 daughter, a son, one stepson and a stepdaughter. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her 15 grandchildren. She is currently working on a drama/musical based on the Biblical figure Ester titled "Golden Scepter".