New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/08/2014 -- Research is consistently telling us that nature can play a critical part in the lives of our children by reducing stress and helping create a healthy mind and body. Also, children have to learn how to trust themselves in decision making and interactions with others. WhipEye, the first book in the urban fantasy series, WhipEye Chronicles, combines these elements in a suspense action thriller aimed at middle grade and tween readers, and the author thinks young adults and adults will find it enjoyable too.

This debut thriller novel from St. Paul author Geoffrey Saign portrays twelve-year-old Samantha, who is in love with wildlife, suffering from loss, and trying to find her way again in an unsteady world. Samantha must overcome huge obstacles and challenges, while repairing her relationship with her father and finding her way back to her mother’s love. Her guide is a thousand-year-old parrot who imparts his wisdom with wisecracks. Her friend Jake is also missing his absentee father. The two children and parrot have twenty-four hours to save two worlds, by figuring out how to use the supernatural staff, WhipEye, while facing their greatest fears.

WhipEye grew partly out of Saign’s love of wildlife, as well as his own search for remaining grounded over the years after struggling with serious health issues. He also co-teaches a self-awareness class for young adults in a local school district. ‘It is essential that children learn to trust themselves, their intuition, and to understand that nature can be as thrilling as the video games that occupy too much of their time.’

Polls report that 90 percent of all children play video games, 69 percent play video games or watch TV every day, and conversely, just 11 percent of children reported regularly spending time outside every day.

This passive lifestyle has led to obesity and lack of exercise, and a decreasing appreciation for nature as beautiful and riveting. In WhipEye, Saign wanted to create a character that sees the beauty of nature and wildlife, and is willing to fight for it.

Geoffrey Saign can often be found looking for interesting critters, and magic, while swimming, snorkeling, sailing, or hiking in the woods. His passion for nature and wildlife led to his nationally endorsed book, Green Essentials: What You Need to Know About the Environment, as well as his books African Cats and Great Apes. He has a background in biology, assisted in field research with hummingbirds and humpback whales, and sailed as far away as Australia. With more than twenty years of experience working in special education, he has taught adults and children everything from sailing to self-awareness and novel writing. He lives in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Information:
Purchase Paperback ($.9.99) or eBook ($2.99) at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/WhipEye-Chronicles-Volume-1/dp/0990401308

WhipEye Book Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQQt4_0PIO0

Contact:
KiraKu Press
Geoffrey Saign
geoffreysaign@centurylink.net
651 698 5097

Website:
http://www.GeoffreySaign.net