Melby and the Warm-Water Wrong Turn (The Melby of the Lagoon Series)

Melby is a gentle manatee who just wanted to stay warm. When a cold Florida snap sends him searching for cozy water, he takes one very wrong turn—and ends up stuck beneath the road in a storm drain. Inspired by a true story that captured hearts nationwide, Melby and the Warm-Water Wrong Turn is a poetic, funny, and tender picture book about patience, community, and what happens when kindness shows up with flashlights, teamwork, and care. Perfect for ages 2+, this rhyming tale reminds readers big and small that when you’re stuck, you’re never alone—and sometimes help comes from an entire town. This special edition also includes kid-friendly manatee facts, a gentle “Be Calm Like a Manatee” mindfulness exercise, and simple resources for families who want to support manatee conservation in real life.