Shorecrest Prep Headmaster Publishes 1st Children's Book

ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- The students at Shorecrest Preparatory School in St. Petersburg know him as Headmaster Mike Murphy. But soon children throughout the country will know him as author Mike Murphy.

Mascot Books in Herndon, Virginia, announced the release of Murphy's first children's book, "Lilly Lou Makes a New Friend."

After spending a career as a teacher and school administrator at schools throughout the United States and Berlin, Germany, Murphy is well-acquainted with the topics that excite children and motivate them to read.

"My experience with children inform me that children love animals, humor and travel/adventure," said Murphy. "'Nice' space creatures have appeal and short chapters help reluctant readers. They feel like they have made progress when they end a chapter.

At the same time, Murphy's book addresses social issues such as the importance of reaching out and making friends with those who are different.

The main character, Lilly Lou, never expected to meet a new friend from outer space, but that's exactly what happens when a strange spaceship crashes into her barn. Soon, she and her family are caught up in a wild adventure that'll take them from their Missouri farm all the way to New York City to reunite the lovable alien Moozy Toozy with his brother while dodging the CIA and nosy reporters.

"I spent a small portion of my life working and living on a farm owned by my father," said Murphy. "Farms are great places for learning responsibility and for having adventures."

"Lilly Lou Makes A New Friend" is the first of a series Murphy plans to publish. He already has five drafts written.

"I love to travel. Having Lilly Lou and the Moozites visit different major cities and regions of the United States allows for the travel bug to fly. Eventually, Lilly Lou will go to Mooz but there are many places in the United States to visit before that trip," Murphy said.

Lilly Lou and the Moozites will visit Washington, D.C., in book two. They will go to Florida in book three and then to Kentucky in book four.

"The Lilly Lou and Moozites stories give young readers and their families ideas about places to go in the United States, interplanetary travel, and how to befriend others who come from diverse backgrounds. Lilly Lou’s relationship with the Moozites opens up a whole universe of adventures for her," said Murphy. "The books are intended to make children smile and want to know more about the world around them."

Murphy's text is illustrated by the artwork of Jonathan Hoefer, who has two sons who attend Shorecrest Preparatory School.

"He is an amazing person," said Murphy. "His illustrations give readers an opportunity to find emotion and a sense of wonder about the places we see and the people we can meet."

Headmaster at Shorecrest since 2005, Murphy was previously the headmaster at Pace Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. He has served as a teacher and administrator at five other schools including four years at the John F. Kennedy School in Berlin, Germany.

Murphy and his wife, Robin, have three grown sons. When not at school, Murphy enjoys bird watching, kayaking, traveling, camping, reading and pancakes.

For more information on Lilly Lou and her adventures, click here.