Come along to Española Island, in the Galápagos archipelago, one of the only places in the world where the waved albatross breeds. Meet Waverly, a young albatross who is afraid to spread her wings and fly. What if she gets lonely? What if she misses home? As Waverly thinks things over, she befriends other unusual and special animals on Española Island. Together, they help Waverly discover just how brave she can be. This rhyming story skillfully explores themes of anxiety, friendship, and bravery while introducing kids to the real-world life cycle of the waved albatross. "Waverly Braves the Breeze: The Story of a Galápagos Albatross" centers on the process of fledging, when young albatrosses reach the age of about six months and leave their home on Española Island to spend years at sea. The charming story is followed by robust educational backmatter about the Galápagos.

Samantha Cora is a writer and photographer with a fascination for the natural world. She grew up exploring the woods around her family farm and cabin in Wisconsin, writing stories and taking photos. Her first children's picture book was inspired by a class trip to the Galápagos Islands. After earning a BA in English from St. Norbert College, she spent the first decade of her career as an award-winning journalist and then as a magazine editor for a national environmental nonprofit. She now works in marketing, writes stories, and is the founder of the organization Playful Acorns. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin with her husband, daughter, two cats, and many backyard birds.

Livestream: Samantha Cora