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A children’s book
Billy the Otter is a children’s book derived from a song that is geared for Pre-K to 2nd Grade. With its beautiful illustrations by Luis Berros, (www.luisberros.com) this picture book will teach our youth about the dangers of overfishing in the Alaskan coast and its effect on the kelp forest ecosystem.Children will be able to relate to Billy and make real world connections while learning, singing and dancing. This book and song will appeal to all learning styles, since it brings visual, auditory, and movement. Younger children can benefit from the rhyming words and catchy melody. Science standards can be integrated into this picture book since Billy the Otter deals with ocean habitats, lifecycle, food chains and endangered species. This STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, Mathematics) book is a great resource for teachers. Billy the Otter faces issues with survival and determination. It includes character values students can learn from. You will be able to integrate reading and language arts with STEAM subjects with the use of this book and song. This picture book can be used at any level (yes, even in high school) with just a few strategies. Billy the Otter will appeal to children of all ages as you root for him to live free.
Billy the Otter is fun for the whole family. This is an animated story that takes you through the struggles of being a little guy in a big ocean. Billy faces many challenges, but due to his perseverance and quick thinking he overcomes his obstacles.
Otters are in trouble and it is our duty to help. By raising awareness of this growing concern, we will be able to reach people and hopefully, find a solution. So be like Billy and Swim, Swim, Swim! You are a little otter in a big ocean. Just imagine the possibilities waiting for you beyond your sea.
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“Great feel good story written by a teacher. With awesome illustrations the kids will love. Perfect for the very little ones but fun for the entire family to read together.“
“I may be an adult reading/singing with my 4 year old, but I caught myself singing along to the book. My daughter was dancing! We absolutely love this book. Great story, theme and catchy song. As an educator, I loved the added glossary too!“
Let’s Help Billy
This is Willy the Walrus with breaking news from the Bering Sea. Due to overfishing in the Alaskan Coast, there has been a lack of fish for killer whales to eat. These enormous creatures have had no alternative, or choice, but to hunt otters and seals. The following is a true story about a brave little otter and his encounter with a ferocious killer whale. We wish you luck Billy! Take it away! .
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JUAN GIL
AUTHOR – COMPOSER
Juan was Born in 1970 in Sagua La Grande, Cuba. At a very early age, he loved the guitar. He remembers sitting down in front of the TV, hypnotized by the sound of Paco de Lucía, flamenco guitarist. At the age of 5, a friend of his father taught him how to play. As soon as he was able to learn a few chords, he played and sang boleros in many functions in his town. At the age of 10, he moved to the United States via the Mariel boatlift.
He moved to West New York, New Jersey and lived in the same building as one of Cuba’s most celebrated musicians, Jose Fajardo, El Rey De La Flauta. He is still keeps in touch with Jose Fajardo Jr., who he considers like a brother from another mother. As a result of his examples from his parents Raul and Conchita and his 7th Grade teacher, Mr. Alfonso Lopez-Chavez’s motivational tactics, he continued his musical adventure and performed in both P.S. #2 Elementary School and Memorial High School programs. He also performed in a couple of U2 influenced rock bands throughout his teen years.
At the age of 17, he moved to Miami Florida. In his senior year, Juan performed in in drama and chorus. After high school, he joined a group of some amazing musicians and played at different venues in Miami. Members of the band Daynight then transformed into the band Air Radio. Air Radio is an Alternative rock band and you can catch reunion shows around town occasionally. In 2000, he took a giant leap forward and joined a project called Franklin’s Wheel. Franklin’s Wheel was a Santana influenced original band that encompassed a multitude of genres while infusing Latin rhythms. Franklin’s Wheel left its mark all around South Florida. Currently, you can catch Juan and his band Juanabe performing around South Florida.
He has been truly blessed in sharing the stage with many well-established musicians such as Tito Puente Jr. who has blessed him with a cameo appearance at a school he taught at and impacted the students beyond measure. Juan is now dedicating his time to family, his teaching job, Juanabe, and now he is a published author. He feels he is living the dream.
LUIS BERROS
ILLUSTRATOR
Luis Berros (Born 1970) is a lifelong “semi-native” of South Florida, having been born in Jersey City, NJ before moving with his family to Miami as a child. When he demonstrated ability and an interest in art his parents brought him to an art teacher in an effort to channel his energy away from his other talent, mischief.
Spending several years as a student in Lesver de Quiros’ studio he developed his skill working with oil and canvas and gained a sensibility for color, composition and the undeniable power of fine art.
In high school Luis was a student of Eric Jenkins at Miami Jackson Senior High, a teacher whose influence still flows in the work he is now creating. As he refined his technical skill along with his knowledge and appreciation of art history, Luis’ own style and interpretive arc began to emerge.
Finding an outlet for his creativity, and a welcoming community in the fledgling graffiti culture of South Florida in the early 1980’s, Luis took part in this emerging art form and experienced firsthand the power of art without limits. Today he has become engrossed by the underlying narrative of his work, which is to accelerate fine art and street art along the same plane and document the collision.
When Luis isn’t painting he is living, loving and laughing with his two wonderful children. All of whom have a talent for mischief.
Billy the Otter is fun for the whole family. This is an animated story that takes you through the struggles of being a little guy in a big ocean. Billy faces many challenges, but due to his perseverance and quick thinking he overcomes his obstacles.