Stories rooted in the Florida Nature Coast
Discover Florida through storytelling.
Heartwarming stories and hands-on resources that spark curiosity, make weather less scary, and nurture a love for wild Florida.
Featured story
A cozy burrow. A fierce storm. A lesson in kindness.
Deep in the Florida scrub, Little Gopher Tortoise is about to face his very first hurricane.
When Little Gopher Tortoise wakes up to the news that school has been canceled because of an approaching storm, he and Mama work together to prepare their burrow for the hurricane ahead. Just as they finally settle in for the night, there is a knock at the door, followed by another.
Throughout the storm, the Gopher Tortoise family welcomes friends and neighbors from the scrub into the safety of their cozy burrow. As the winds howl outside, Little Gopher Tortoise discovers that kindness and community are stronger than even the fiercest hurricane.
Meet the author
Toni Cuevas
Floridian, teacher, children's writer, and collector of stories.
When Toni is not reading and writing with her students, she can be found kayaking, fishing, or hiking along the beautiful Florida Nature Coast with her family. Her writing is inspired by the wild heart of Florida and the communities that care for it.
Read Toni's storyScrub neighbors
Meet the animals and habitats that inspire stories rooted in Florida.
Wild Florida
Meet Florida's remarkable wild neighbors.
Wildlife discoveries, habitat stories, printable activities, and trusted conservation resources all live in one child-friendly field guide.
Explore gopher tortoises, beautyberries, rabbits, raccoons, coastal habitats, and nature activities inspired by Toni's stories and the Florida Nature Coast.
Explore wild FloridaFlorida art & illustration
Explore wild Florida through color, texture, and imagination.
Browse a handpicked selection of artwork and illustrations created by Florida artist and illustrator Melanie Dilly.
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Stories with heart
Children's stories shaped by community, courage, and kindness.
Rooted in place
Florida habitats and wildlife are part of every discovery.
Made for exploring
Resources support families, classrooms, and young naturalists.
Bring wild Florida closer
Invite story, wonder, and nature into the day.
Connect about author visits, readings, events, or general questions.