Over the past twelve years, our family has noticed an increase in trash on the beautiful beach and it has been disturbing for us. Our family has picked up trash on many occasions. We have played and walked and danced by the Atlantic Ocean. 
One day in January 2020, our black Labrador Nellie encountered a crab, and this chance meeting originated the story I sent the photos to my step grandchildren, saying "Nellie has a new friend, Charlie the crab."
During a family visit in February, the kids were picking up trash, and I took pictures of them on the beach. The story began. The illustrations in the book are from that one special day on the beach. In caring for our environment, we were all becoming closer and more loving with each other.