Children’s book aims to raise awareness of the issue of marine debris

Etched by the Sea is pleased to introduce the children’s book I Sea: A Beachcombing Treasure Hunt, where readers are challenged to find hidden beach treasures. The pages are filled with clever riddles and photos of colorful marine debris from beaches around the world, providing fun for beachcombers of all ages.

The book was written by author Mary T. McCarthy, with photos and design by Kirsti Scott. I Sea is dedicated to beachcombers worldwide who pick up not only the treasures on our shorelines, but also the trash. Mary and Kirsti hope that looking for the hidden beach trash and treasures inspires readers to continue to find and pick up treasures on their own beaches. Eight million tons of plastic are dumped into our oceans each year, and while only a fraction washes up on beaches, beachcombers have the opportunity while on the beach to pick up man-made materials so they don’t harm marine life.

Mary McCarthy is author of three novels, her first (The Scarlet Letter Society) reached #1 on the Amazon bestseller list. A reiki master, her 25-year professional writing and editing career includes Salon.com, the Washington Post, Philadelphia Inquirer, Baltimore Sun, Beachcombing magazine, editorial positions at several regional magazines including Chesapeake Family and What’s Up Eastern Shore and a newspaper humor column “Quite Contrary.” Mary served as an elected official on the Centreville Town Council from 2004-2007. She serves on the Executive Board of the North American Sea Glass Association where she is also Education Chair, and is Executive Director of The Sea Glass Center educational nonprofit organization. Mary is a mother of four on Maryland’s Eastern Shore where she enjoys kayaking and beachcombing. Learn more at marytmccarthy.com.

Kirsti Scott is an artist and designer and founder of Etched by the Sea. She lives and beachcombs on the coast of California with her husband, a couple of cats, and occasionally their three grown children. Etched by the Sea is the publisher of children’s books A to Sea and A Sea of Colors and publisher of the bi-monthly print magazine, Beachcombing.

The book is available for sale on the Etched by the Sea Etsy shop. Wholesale inquiries welcome.

Download an excerpt of "I Sea: A Beachcombing Treasure Hunt" ›

A portion of the profits from the book goes to support ocean conservation.