Sea Lions & Kids & Books, Oh My!

Story time at the Corte Madera Library is every Tuesday from 3:30-4pm.  On this particular Tuesday, local author Jeanne Walker Harvey read her new children’s book, “Astro the Stellar Sea Lion” to 20 children eager to hear Astro’s story.

This is the true story of a baby sea lion stranded on Año Nuevo Island off the San Mateo coast. Astro was taken care of by the Marin Mammal Center in Sausalito until he was strong enough to be let go into the Bay Area waters. However, he would find his way back again and again to the people who cared for him.

Jeanne explained to the children that seals have 2 flippers but sea lions have 4 flippers enabling them to “walk.” One time after Astro was set free near the Farallon Islands, he swam all the way back under the Golden Gate Bridge, then waddled ashore at Marin Country Day School in Corte Madera. He joined the children on a walkathon in progress and starred in the school’s photos and videos!

All eyes were on this beautifully illustrated book as Jeanne told the touching story of this very special sea lion. 

Jeanne showed the children how big sea lions are by stretching out a ribbon held at one end by a child.  She asked the children, “Do you think the daddy sea lion is bigger or smaller than the mommy sea lion?” Children chorused, “bigger!”  Then one child was heard saying, “…and older!” 

One child asked, “Is Astro a boy or a girl?” A boy.  Another asked, “Is he named after Astro Boy?” He was named by his caretakers at the Marin Mammal Center. Astro means “star.” And one little boy asked, “Can I have a picture of Astro?” He then focused intently on a current photo of Astro that the author passed around. She said that everyone was welcome to see more pictures and videos of Astro on her website.

Astro is now 5 years old living happily at the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut. You can find out more about Astro and the book, “Astro the Steller Sea Lion” at Jeanne’s website.

Sea lions love to have FUN, play with aquatic toys and Astro especially loves children. The children at the Corte Madera Library story time had lots of FUN hearing about Astro’s adventures and will hold a special place in their hearts for this playful Bay Area born sea lion.

Until next Wednesday, remember, it is all “for the love of kids…”

In joy, Marilyn

Story times at the Corte Madera Library: Tuesdays 3:30pm (ages 5-8), Wednesdays 10am (ages 2-3), Wednesdays 11am (ages 3 and up) questions: (415) 924-6382.

Story time at the Larkspur Library: Tuesdays 9:30am (ages 6mo-24mo), Thursdays 9:30am (ages 2½-5), Fridays 3:30pm (ages 4 & up): questions: (415) 927-5005.