"The Gentle Pen" -Shirley and the SS Sea Sparkle

Why I Wrote Shirley and the SS Sea Sparkle

A Sweet Story with a Sweeter Lesson

When I set out to write Shirley and the SS Sea Sparkle, I didn’t just want to tell a story about a little girl on a cruise ship. I wanted to create a tale that sparkled with fun, adventure, and plenty of giggles—but also carried something more: a meaningful life lesson tucked between the frosting swirls and water slides.

The heart of this story is Shirley—a spirited eight-year-old with a wild imagination, a sweet tooth the size of a cruise ship, and a deep love for her grandparents. Like so many kids, Shirley is drawn to the thrill of sweets, especially cupcakes. Her obsession leads her to sneak off in the night on a cupcake quest, which ends with her accidentally locked in the ship’s kitchen cupcake room, and her poor grandparents frantic with worry.

At first glance, it’s a humorous adventure. A cruise! Swimming pools! Towering buffets! A magical chocolate fountain! All the fun and fantasy a child could dream of. But under all that sugar and sparkle lies something far more important: a lesson in patience, responsibility, and love.

In today’s world of instant gratification, it’s easy for children to think that the things they want should come right now. However, sometimes, the things we desire most—like Shirley’s cupcake—are worth waiting for. More importantly, the people who love us are sweeter than anything we could ever crave. For Shirley, that’s her grandparents—her greatest gift on this journey.

As an author and a grandmother, I wanted this story to resonate with children, parents, and teachers alike. I hope it opens the door to conversations—gentle ones—about how our choices affect others. Shirley’s nighttime adventure may seem harmless at first, but it causes deep worry for the people who care about her most. That’s a powerful message, one that’s delivered with kindness and wrapped in frosting, not lectures.

Shirley and the SS Sea Sparkle is a story of joy, family, and learning through experience. It's also a journey many children may never take in real life—a cruise across the sea with doting grandparents, magical buffets, and underwater adventures—but that’s the beauty of books. They allow children to travel far, imagine freely, and reflect deeply… all while having a whole lot of fun.

So whether you’re a parent reading with your child at bedtime or a teacher sharing this story in the classroom, I hope Shirley’s journey brings both laughter and lessons. I hope it reminds little ones that while cupcakes are sweet, the love of family—and the wisdom they pass down—is even sweeter.

With heart and GENTLE whimsy,

Liv McLean