Dogs day at the beach in New Smyrna

• By James Bojaciuk jbojaciuk@hometownnewsmediagroup.com Nov 7, 2024

Elizabeth Martinell is on the beach with the real Bravo and Buster, the subjects ofc her first book.

Elizabeth Martinell is a first-time published author and first-time grandmother.

The two are more connected than you might think.

“As a first-time grandmother,” Ms. Martinell said, “I thought it would be special to share the story with my grandson, Joseph.”

Illustrated by Roka Studio, the story in question is about her real-life dogs, Bravo and Buster, and their boundless curiosity for the natural world.

“The Adventures of Bravo and Buster at New Smyrna Beach,” Ms. Martinell said, “is a fun story that follows two furry friends on a beach adventure right here in New Smyrna Beach. They escape from their yard, and they run down Flagler, and they run to the beach where they run into characters on the beach like birds, crabs and a shark. Of course, it’s a friendly shark. It’s a really cute story.”

The author wrote with children’s interests in mind, hoping to spur them onto their own adventures.

“I think the age group the book is suited for would be 3-8 years old. I was hoping that the kids would feel the same sense of adventure that I feel every time I take Bravo and Buster out on a walk,” she said. “I wanted to keep the paragraphs short so that they would be excited to turn the page. I wanted kids to bring nature and fun life lessons together. After reading the book, I wanted kids to have an adventure of their own.”

Bravo and Buster’s adventure is in New Smyrna Beach, where the author resides. It is as much of a character in the book as Bravo and Buster.

“I wanted to capture NSB’s iconic landmarks,” Ms. Martinell said. “That’s why the tower is on the front page, and they meet a shark in the water, and they find a turtle. I wanted to give local readers a sense of connection, and give people who don’t live here a sense of what makes this place so special.”

This book fulfills one of the author’s long-time dreams.

“I’ve always wanted to write a children’s book,” she said. “Since Bravo and Buster are my own dogs, I thought it would be fun to capture their personalities. Every time I take them on a walk, I feel like I’m on an adventure. They are curious about everything. Bravo is high energy with a wild spirit. Buster is more laid back.”

Every author who finishes a book faces one question: will there be a sequel?

“I do have plans for more adventures with Bravo and Buster,” Ms. Martinell said. “I want to dive into more locations around town.”

Ms. Martinell will sign “The Adventures of Bravo and Buster at New Smyrna Beach” at 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, as part of the grand opening of the Gray Room, a new meeting space at 320 Canal St. in New Smyrna Beach. The book is available from local retailers Cap’n Lu’s on E Third Avenue, Beachside Siren Gift Shop on Flagler Avenue and GYFTZ on Flagler. It will be available at babybook.com and amazon.com starting Nov. 8.