The Last Spotted Turtle

The Last Spotted Turtle is a heartwarming children's story about the importance of kindness, friendship, and taking care of the environment. The story follows Henry, a kind old man who lives with his beloved spotted turtle, Ernie. When Henry realizes that he is getting too old to care for Ernie properly, he asks a group of children who visit him every day after school to help him. The children love Ernie and are determined to make the rest of his life special. They build him a wonderful home, filled with beautiful plants, delicious food, and plenty of sunshine. They also open the windows and invite the birds and butterflies to nest in the trees, so that Ernie will never feel bored or lonely.

One day, Henry tells the children a secret: Ernie is the last Spotted Turtle on Earth. The children are heartbroken, but they are also determined to protect Ernie and make sure that he lives out his days in peace and happiness. They continue to care for Ernie with love and devotion, and they also learn to take care of each other and themselves.

The story ends with Henry passing away peacefully in his sleep. The children continue to care for Ernie, and they also take good care of each other. They know that they are all special and unique, just like Ernie, and they treat each other with kindness and respect.

The Last Spotted Turtle is a beautiful story that teaches children about the importance of love, friendship, and caring for the environment. It is a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Walter Schubert: A Pioneer in Inclusion and a Pillar of Resilience

Walter Schubert, a former member of the New York Stock Exchange, etched his name in history as the first openly gay member of the NYSE in 1994. This trailblazing act marked the beginning of his unwavering commitment to fostering a more inclusive and welcoming workplace environment on Wall Street and corporate America.
Walter's life is a testament to resilience. Having survived the devastating 9/11 attacks at the World Trade Center and overcoming five bouts of a deadly cancer over two decades, he embodies the indomitable spirit. His wealth of life experience serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring others through his captivating storytelling that opens minds and touches hearts.
Driven by compassion and optimism, Walter embraces the belief that every individual possesses unique talents, skills, gifts, and perspectives. He champions the human spirit and the transformative power of community. His passion for life extends beyond his professional endeavors, as he dedicates his time as a life coach and mentor, guiding individuals of all ages through life's challenges.
When not inspiring others, Walter finds solace in the melodies of the piano, the creative world of writing, the capturing beauty through photography, and the tranquility of nature's embrace, exploring trails through camping, hiking, and skiing.
Walter Schubert's story is a symphony of resilience, compassion, and unwavering optimism. He is a pioneer who paved the way for a more inclusive world, a pillar of strength who emerged from adversity, and a beacon of inspiration who continues to illuminate the lives of others.


Janey Robideau is an American illustrator with a strong passion for
children's books featuring diverse characters. She recently earned
her master's degree in Illustration at the Savannah College of Art and
Design. She illustrated this story using watercolor and gouache.