Melby and the Warm-Water Wrong Turn

By Sara Russo

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0GNGSNHYH
• ISBN13: 9798247785958
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 26 Pages
• Weight: 0.19 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.5" x 8.5"