Just Kate

About the Book

When a mommy green turtle lays one hundred eggs on the beach, she gives each of the eggs a special name that imparts a character trait and points to their destiny. Her youngest egg, she lovingly and wisely names just Kate. When the eggs hatch, each turtle is aware of their special gift. Kaikoa is a sea warrior, Yuka is a bright star., and Fernando is an adventurer. But Kate is left wondering why her name is so plain and her destiny so undefined. As Kate and her turtle siblings have an adventurous night, bravely facing their world for the first time and overcoming challenges, the baby turtle eventually discovers that her mother has given her the best gift of all—the opportunity to create her own destiny. In this poignant story for children, a brave newborn turtle seemingly without a special name or destiny guides her brothers and sisters safely to the sea and learns the meaning of being just Kate.

About the Author

Barbara and Fran are two friends from Brooklyn, circa 1970. Barbara's professional life in Dothan, Alabama, has had much to do with writing. Fran's professional pathway in South Huntington, NY, has been all about art. Both spent many years in schools and classrooms committed to the growth and development of children and teens. But it was their experience with their own granddaughters that led them to collaborate on Just Kate. These three little girls--Skylar, Haley, and Kate-- have been their audience, their critics, their motivators, and their muse.