Discovering Misty: The Mermaid of the Emerald Coast (The Missing Tiara Book 1)

When Misty the mermaid’s tiara goes missing, she uncovers its whereabouts and teaches the culprit a valuable lesson in friendship, perfect for sparking conversations about trust.

When her adored tiara goes missing, Misty the mermaid is devastated. Who could have taken it? And Why? When she discovers its whereabouts, the culprit learns a valuable lesson in friendship.

Misty’s best friend, Moriah, the loggerhead turtle, learns that one shouldn’t judge another by their looks and that friendships come in all shapes and sizes. Misty and her friends live off the coast of Florida.

Their adventures, sometimes taking them to far-away exotic places, are always uplifting and tender. This is Book 1 of the “Misty the Mermaid” series of short stories, all containing a subtle message in each engaging adventure.

Misty’s stories are based on the real-life character actor, Misty Joy, whose performances as a mermaid is legendary in Florida. Misty Joy enjoys performing all her acts, especially “Misty the Mermaid”. Misty and Shirley collaborated on Misty’s website.

The website displayed Misty in her various roles as a performance artist in and about Panama City, Florida. Shirley, a web designer/writer, suggested that Misty should consider having a children’s book created for her character, Misty the Mermaid, to read during her performances.

And Voila! Here we are. We hope you enjoy the series.

About the author

Shirley Ulbrich is an award-winning newsletter editor, copywriter, web designer, homeschool teacher, Cub Scout leader, voter poll worker, and medical foster parent.

She’s survived raising eight children, altitude sickness, speaking at the State Capitol, three years in a 31-foot RV with three other adults, and managing a 25-acre church park. Shirley took in over 200 foster babies and hosted 600 Cub Scouts on her lawn for two weeks annually.

Now, she lives her lifelong dream in a log house in East Texas with her patient, wonderful husband of over 50 years, two adopted sons—Jason and Kenny—and a lively crew: one Great Pyrenees named Daisy, five cats, four breeder rabbits, 25 chickens, and two cows. With eight children, 16 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren (one on the way), her family is deeply cherished.

Shirley’s characters are fearless, clever, and wise, but in real life, she’s afraid of falling down. She and her husband share a home filled with love, animals, and a lifetime collection of books.

Dear Reader: My ideal readers are children and families who love imaginative stories that inspire empathy and perseverance.

I’m also working on unpublished manuscripts, like George and the Brave Eagle (a picture book for ages 3-6) and Washington’s Fantastical Crossing (a YA novel), which await funding for illustration. I have several others, adult historical fiction, awaiting illustration.

I’m currently shopping for an illustrator for the picture book. The eagle teaches 6-year-old George about shapes and colors, as well as patriotism.