Dive deep into

Our Scrumptious Lake PHYTOTASTIC!

This new adventure-filled science-themed graphic novel engages and inspires us to celebrate our interdependence with and advocate for the restoration and protection of our watery world.

Discover and explore our irreplaceable aquatic ecosystem spotlighting earth’s unsung hero, Phytoplankton.

This savory story serves up more than Didymo Rock Snot Creemees and Zebra Mussel Casserole. It dishes up hope, stirs empathy and beckons lake stewardship. Hungry for more? Grab a fork and dig in!

“You’ll never look at Lake Champlain the same way again!”

— Bill McKibben, Environmentalist, Author, Journalist Leader of the International Climate Campaign Organization 350.org

Story Summary

Phytoplankton, a microscopic organism, oblivious to his crucial role in the lake’s food chain is befriended by a diverse lake community, particularly Vermaid, the lake scientist of Abenaki heritage. A critical turning point occurs when stormwater runoff stirs up more than green pea soup. Will the underwater ecosystem survive the resulting cyanobacteria bloom?

Fintastic Features of this Fun-Filled Book

Themes: Lake Champlain, Vermont: Abenaki place and culture, ecology, history, flora and fauna (even Champ makes an appearance); social-emotional health, friendship, youth empowerment

Science Learning: food chains, photosynthesis, invasive species, water cycle, watershed, runoff, cyanobacteria blooms, actions to restore and protect aquatic ecosystems, girls in science

Don’t forget to leave room for dessert! Devour the Comprehensive Appendix containing a plankton classifying/coloring page, fun plankton/aquatic organism activities (art, music, nature, games, etc.), standards-based science, math and language arts projects and activities, lake protector pledge, resources for further learning and more!

All to help ensure that Our Scrumptious Lake is swimmable, fishable and drinkable.

Sample Pages

Buy BOOK: place order at phytotasticlakes@gmail.com or Amazon.com also can be purchased at bookstores

About the Authors

Sandy Murphy, raised on a dairy farm along the shores of Lake Champlain and Karen Neeson, along the west coast in a commercial fishing family, share a deep rooted kinship to water. Witnessing the degradation of water over decades compelled them to write this graphic novel revealing the fragility and interdependence of aquatic ecosystems.

As mothers and teachers, they understand that meaningful learning occurs best when connecting with one’s heart. Based on this premise their story is crafted to stir empathy, evoke laughter, give hope, and beckon lake stewardship to restore and preserve our irreplaceable freshwater for generations to come. They know that any “fin” is possible, just don’t “trout” your ability to take action and make a difference.