Today’s Picture Book Postcard is from Sadie and Josie of The Ocean Protectors: Colors of the Coral Reef.
A climate fiction picture book with strong commercial appeal and a high-concept STEM hook, The Ocean Protectors: Colors of the Coral Reef is a transformative way for readers of all ages to visualize climate change as they experience a bleaching event unfold through the illustrations in the story while highlighting the power of even the youngest voices to inspire action.
The Ocean Protectors: Colors of the Coral Reef
Author: Blair Northen Williamson
Illustrator: Svitlana Holovchenko
Publisher: Genius Cat Books
Publication Date: November 11, 2025
Fun Resources and Educational Materials: Educator Resources
During my years as a dive instructor, I witnessed coral bleaching events firsthand. This experience motivated me to raise awareness through writing. My hope is that my books inspire wonder and joy, spark curiosity, and help support my mission to protect our precious ocean.
– Author Blair Northen Williamson
About Author Blair Northen Williamson
Award-winning author Blair Northen Williamson grew up in Richmond, Virginia, but her childhood adventures along North Carolina’s coast sparked her lifelong love for the ocean. After graduating from the University of Virginia, her passion for nature, the sea, and building meaningful connections led her to a career as a sailing captain and scuba diving instructor, where she witnessed coral bleaching events and the problem with plastics firsthand. Determined to spread awareness and share her love for the ocean with the next generation, Williamson channeled her creativity into writing, using her books to inspire wonder and joy while championing her important mission to protect our precious oceans.
You can connect with Blair on X @theislandwriter or IG @theislandwriter8 as well as follow her website for updates www.theislandwriter.com.
About Illustrator Svitlana Holovchenko
Svitlana Holovchenko is an artist and children’s book illustrator originally from Donetsk, Ukraine. Drawing has been her favorite pastime since early childhood. Later, her passion for art became her profession and a tool of self-expression. Nature, travel and meeting new people are an endless source of inspiration for her. She studied art at design college and worked as a visual designer. She later found her calling in illustrating children’s books. She lives in Germany and collaborates with various publishers and authors around the world.
You can connect with Svitlana on Facebook or on Instagram. View more of her art at svitlanaholovchenko.artstation.com/.
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