"After Marina throws away the plastic wrapper on her sandwich, the plastic goes on a journey to disturb a series of sea creatures before, later, washing up on a beach where Marina and her family are playing. This experience is Marina's introduction to the harmfulness of single-use plastics, lighting a spark within her to learn more and do more to help the planet"--

Jesse Byrd is an international award-winning children's book author and the youngest NPR Board member. At 6'8", Jesse pivoted from playing basketball at UCSB to pursue his passion for storytelling. After working at Google in Silicon Valley and later EY in Dubai as Director of Communications for Middle East and North Africa, Jesse turned all of his energy toward his deepest love: making stories for youth and families with a focus on supporting diverse creators and #own voices material. He's written six children's books and helped produce over 40 others as an editor, art director, and publishing consultant. Jesse is based in Los Angeles, CA.