Page 16 - May-June-July_Life_In_Naples_Magazine

JOAN J.
introducing

HANLON CURLEY’S

new book

were mostly adults. Since I had written and published nine
children's books I decided to write a book that although
written for an adolescent and older population it could be
enjoyed by all. I thought I could make it a coffee table book.
I started my research on the pelican bird and decided to
write about the Brown Pelican that is so common to us here
in Naples.
But how could I make my book different than just a story
of the Brown Pelican but use the pelican to also add some
thoughts on life experiences.
I decided the book would contain background on the
Brown Pelican and then use drawings of the pelican's action
to highlight thoughts and reflections on life.
I wanted the reader to reflect and slow down from
ocal writer and beloved story teller Joan Hanlon the hustle and bustle of daily living to think about what's
L Curley has just published a new book, and this is important about one's life. The sayings and thoughts
her first written specifically for adults. Her keen
hopefully would bring a smile about one's life and reflect
observational skills as well as insight can bring about life's trials and tribulations.
simple concepts to life in ways we never imagined, Here she As a side note I chose the name Peter after my oldest
shares thoughts on her newest creation. brother who was a veteran of WWII and Prisoner of War
"The Brown Pelican is enticing to watch as it flies overhead and dedicated the book in his memory because he loved
and zooms quickly through the air, Suddenly it dives into the fishing."
water to hopefully catch a fish. Joan Curley had two desires: to travel and to write, she
I always enjoy going to the Naples Pier to watch the accomplished both but deferred writing while she worked
fishermen and the pelicans go after a fish that is caught and professionally as an educator. She enjoyed her career as an
released. But I was most intrigued by the excitement and the elementary school teacher, counselor for K-12 and school
smiles of all the visitors and guests watching and taking pictures principal with international experience. Travel was woven
of the pelicans diving into the water or flying in and landing on into all aspects of her life, circumnavigating the world twice.
the surface of the water and then just bobbing along. It was those personal and professional aspects of her life
Watching people in different Naples locations I observed that she wanted to share with others. In addition to the
the attraction and attention the bird drew as it flew over the latest book "Peter the Brown Pelican of Naples, Florida"
water. So I thought to myself, I think I have a story idea. Joan is the author of nine other books which were written
My observation of the people interested in the birds specifically for children.

16 Life in Naples | May • June • July 2017