“Patti the Pelican and the Gulf Oil Spill” by Lynda Deniger Children’s Book Review

It’s hard to believe that the Gulf Oil Spill happened just over a year ago. It had such an impact in the way that people view the world and how they treat it. At least it did for me, and I hope that other people are more aware of what they do to help take care of our earth too.

Sometimes when things like this happen it’s hard to explain it to younger children. We want them to know what happened and why, but it’s difficult to do it in a way that they understand and doesn’t scare them. Author Lynda Deniger did a fantastic telling the story of the Gulf Oil Spill for children in her new book Patti the Pelican and the Gulf Oil Spill.

Gulf Oil Spill Anniversary was April 20Story teaches children the importance of protecting wildlife and the Gulf of Mexico 

Louisiana author and storyteller Lynda Deniger has published Patti Pelican and the Gulf Oil Spill, a very special and beautifully illustrated children’s book that focuses on teaching and inspiring children to respect and appreciate the environment . 

In this thoughtfully written children’s book, Patti the Pelican and Sammy the Seagull share what happens to them along the shores of Louisiana following the Gulf Oil Spill. 

When the oil slick comes ashore, Patti Pelican and Sammy Seagull find themselves in trouble. With their feathers covered in oil, they are at risk. Their firsthand experience reveals the environmental impact of the dark oily mess that hit the shores and ruined their beautiful habitat. 

Patti and Sammy find themselves trapped. What now?Will they be rescued and taken to a place of safety? Will they ever be able to return to their home? 

Child-friendly illustrations assist children in understanding the serious nature of the terrible disaster in an uplifting, educational way. Conveyed as well is the rapid response, and the strength and commitment of the people and organizations who rushed to aid those affected in the communities along the Gulf of Mexico. 

Patti Pelican and the Gulf Oil SpillBy Lynda Wurster DenigerIllustrations by Paulette FergusonList $19.95
Hardcover full color 36 pages
Published by HIS Publishing
ISBN 978-0-9831744-0-0
including a sing-along CD
Available in bookstores nationwide. For more information visit www.saltyseasandfriends.com. 

This bitter-sweet tale recounts the events and responses of the people who came to help save the animals impacted by the spill. Deniger captures the heart of the personal efforts and achievements of those who sought to protect the wildlife and help in the area’s recovery after the spill. Her story tells how friends can help others in time of need when they work together toward a common worthy goal. 

About the Author 

This is the second book in the Salty Seas Series by Lynda Wurster Deniger of Abita Springs, La. The former journalist used her research and fact-gathering skills in presenting this factual account of the events of the oil spill from a bird’s perspective. 

Performing for audiences since she was three, Lynda Deniger literally dresses the part of a real life shrimper as she takes children on a fun-filled adventure when she acts out the story of Salty Seas and His Heroic Friends. 

About the Illustrator 

The colorful illustrations, true to the areas of the Gulf and Louisiana, done by Denham Springs artist Paulette Ferguson make this book a memorable, quality reading and learning experience She was named “Artist of the Year, 2006” by the Arts Council of Livingston Parish and the Denham Springs Fine Art Association. 

What People Are Saying 

Author Lynda Deniger has brilliantly crafted a factual story about the plight of birds who were oiled, captured, cleaned and rehabilitated by caring humans during the Gulf oil spill. This marvelous educational tool will help children understand the importance and value of preserving and protecting our environment while conveying a message of hope and inspiring environmental stewardship in children and adults alike. -Jay Holcomb, Director, The International Bird Rescue Research Center 

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill impacted lives along the Gulf coast as no hurricane could. In this book, Lynda Deniger gives young readers a first-hand account of the effect of the oil spill on the animals that live in and around the waters of South Louisiana. If you're looking for a way to share with children what happened and what followed in an accurate but friendly way, this is the book you want. Well done, Lynda! -Mike Artell, Award-winning Children's Author/Illustrator

My son loved Patti the Pelican and the Gulf Oil Spill by Lynda Deniger very much. He also confiscated the CD that comes along with it the moment he found it. I know he listened that that in his room at bedtime over and over. In fact he was quoting me lines from it one day, and I couldn’t figure out where he got it from. I had only read the story to him a few times when that happened, but he know the story better than me.

I really enjoy children’s literature. And a book that is fun and engaging for kids is the best. With Patti the Pelican and her pals Sammy Seagull and Dottie Dolphin children will love this tale. The characters are fun, yet the story portrays the Gulf Oil Spill in an appropriate way to children too.

I would recommend Patti the Pelican and the Gulf Oil Spill by Lynda Deniger as an addition to any child’s book library. It is well done and your kids will enjoy it. Be sure to check out Lynda’s website and Facebook page as well. You can buy Patti the Pelican and the Gulf Oil Spill by Lynda Deniger in bookstores everyone and it’s available online as well.


*Disclousure: I received a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.*