The Adventures of Syd

“ Danielle Simone has a light touch that allows the reader to learn about nature and arouse curiosity to find out more once the book is finished.”

RW, Author

“The Adventures of Syd series are fantastic books that blend storytelling and learning that kids (and parents) will love! They are easy and engaging reads for children 8 and up, and are filled with educational moments that feel natural instead of forced. I’m 35 and thoroughly enjoyed reading both books with my kids”

KF, Early Childhood Educator

“Readers will enjoy learning about nature and how to protect through the eyes of this intrepid pair. Highly recommend for STREAM teachers.”

CB, Teacher and Author

In this third book in the series, readers will join Syd, her furry sidekick Goose, and her father as they are off on a mission to determine if vaccinated bat colonies are merging in a cave in the mountains of West Virginia. After learning spelunking skills to assist them on this exploration, father and daughter set off in the cave before sunlight! After crunching over bones and crawling through a tight pinch, equipment failure leaves them in the dark. The farther they go into the cave, the less likely it seems that the bats, who are suffering from White Nose Syndrome, have a chance at survival. Syd’s lapse in judgment finds her falling in the cave, but it’s Dr. Gardner that gets injured. Syd must go out alone to find help. Thankfully, Goose was not with the pair but waiting for their return. When Syd can’t find her way out, it’s up to Goose to rescue her family that is Lost in Bone Cave.

In addition to introducing mechanical equipment and skills needed for spelunking, the story serves as a reminder of our impact on the environment and how we can be more considerate stewards of our surroundings. Vandalism is seen, and Syd is conscientious about the glow sticks she has left on the cave floor that could be littering. Readers are introduced to a caving map legend, various cave features, cave formations, and STREAM (reading added) challenge at the end.

Author Biography

Danielle Simone, creator of The Adventures of Syd, is the proud owner of Lucy (Goose), a very spoiled blue heeler. Syd and Goose enjoy outdoor adventures while focusing on being good stewards of our environment and tackling topics like global warming. Author and Early Childhood educator Danielle Simone is now booking virtual author visits, in-person author assemblies, and Educational STREAM programs for groups. An Early Childhood Educator for over thirty years, she is also a gifted public speaker who can be booked on a number of topics for Early Childhood Educators. She is currently located in the Richmond, Virginia area. Her books have already been well-received by forest schools and outdoor education programs.