Gloria (the WeirdFish Lady) is an author, speaker, educator
and champion for the ocean environment.
gloria @ weirdfishlady
gloria @ theweirdfishlady
Gloria – the Author
Science Educator, Author and Presenter, Gloria Barnett has spent more than 30 years exploring the world’s oceans. She is also a master scuba diver and sailor. She has worked as an educational advisor developing teaching materials for the UK national curriculum as well as travelling the world lecturing and teaching young and old about our planet and its amazing sea life.
All Gloria’s books can be purchased in the UK or around the world from
Bookshops
Amazon
This Website
The Amazing World Beneath the Waves
– An Introduction to Understanding the Oceans
In this easy-to-read illustrated guide, Gloria shares her knowledge, enthusiasm and love of the sea,
explaining in accessible terms
the fascinating underwater world of our planet’s oceans.
‘This book deserves be in every school and college library – and on all home bookshelves.’
Satisfy your curiosity about everything ‘Ocean.’
Available in soft cover from all outlets.
‘I have no hesitation in recommending this book to both children and adults alike. The illustrations, graphs and photographs support the text which is both absorbing, educational and entertaining.’ (Stephen P.)
Write your own ‘Did you Know’ facts
from the mass of easy-to-read information in this incredible book.
50 Fabulous Facts about Ocean Creatures
For all ages
includes: Ocean Animal Species, Adaptation of life in the Ocean, The largest creatures in the Ocean, Invertebrates and Humans and Oceans.
This non-fiction book enables you to discover some of the weird and wonderful creatures in the oceans.
Available in paperback from all outlets.
Available as an e-book from Amazon.
‘The facts are amazing and the images are stunning’
(Paul Bishop – Parent)
Sign up for a newsletter to keep up to date with all our latest news.
‘More than just adventure stories – these books should be part of every child’s reading experience to help them understand the world they live in.’ (Helen, Grandparent)
“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world” – Nelson Mandela. ..
The Lucy Morgan Adventure Stories
for ages 8 – 13
‘The author manages to combine exciting adventures with the environmental concerns a young girl has about ocean creatures. A very current theme and beautifully written.’ Chloe (Year 4 Teacher)
‘Original and exciting stories with a twist. You can learn real scientific facts and understand more about keeping the oceans healthy, as well as reading a really good adventure.‘ (Booklife Review)
‘Lucy is a girl who never gives up her fight for what she believes in. She shows we can make adults aware of problems and children can make a difference to the planet.’ Esme (age 9)
‘Readers will relate to the friendship between Lucy, Jack and Solomon and use the characters as role models. Exceptional stories.’ (School Librarian)
‘I couldn’t put this book down. Fabulous storytelling.’ (Charlie, aged 11)
Available in paperback from all outlets. Available as an e-book from Amazon.
‘Elena (Parent) ‘ Kent, UK
The Fishy Tales Storybooks
for ages 3-6 years.
The stories are entertaining, informative and a good introduction to myriad and diverse life in the oceans. These tales deal with a wide variety of moral values, feelings and other aspects of personal and social well-being. Great for parents to share with youngsters, and perfect for Early Year storytime in schools. Lots of starting points for discussion.
‘The Fishy Tale Storybooks are fun underwater storylines with scientific facts about ocean creatures at the back of the book.’ Josie Rolph – (Grandma)
Available in paperback from all outlets. Available as an e-book from Amazon.
Sign up for a newsletter to keep up to date with all our latest news.
Gloria’s work for charity
Did you know Gloria has written a Christmas Book … illustrated by the wonderful Mandy Broughton?
Three stories in one book – set at the North Pole when Santa and his elves are getting ready for the Christmas.
It’s published by the Rotary Club of Canterbury Sunrise to help raise funds for local youth charities and is available from this website.
It’s a great reading resource for parents, grandparents and teachers … for all the little people in your world.
Why not help our charity work this Christmas by purchasing your very own copy?
Gloria – the Presenter
Here’s me on stage during a recent speaking tour in Scandinavia. I’m having fun with my audience whilst talking about sharks.
Dates for your Diary
I am now signed up for my work out of the UK at various times throughout 2023. There will be times, when I am in the centre of an ocean, when I can’t receive phone or text messages, however, I promise to respond to all emails/orders as quickly as possible – thank you in advance for your patience.
Gloria – the Educator
Now, some news about the educational materials which are available from this website
Our amazing teaching resource is now available in digital format for teachers to download directly to their classroom computer.
Go to the SHOP on this website to purchase your digital packs of Teacher’s Resources or books for your school library or classroom.
BOOK NEWS
Awards for the Lucy Morgan Adventure Series books!
‘Eye of the Turtle’
reached the quarter-finals of the BookLife Awards – October 2021.
“Congratulations! Your book was named one of the quarter finalists in the 2021 BookLife Prize Fiction Contest.
This year’s Fiction Contest had over 900 entries, so you can be proud that your book was judged by our reviewers as one of the best.
On behalf of everyone at BookLife, thank you for your participation in the BookLife Prize–and for writing such a noteworthy book.”
signed: Carl Pritzkat, President of BookLife.com
Great news – ‘The Secret of the Shallows’
was a FINALIST in the Wishing Shelf Awards.
This award is chosen by the children who read it.
Now for three reviews of the Lucy Morgan Adventure Series
Here’s a ’10 out of 10′ professional review for “Eye of the Turtle” – the first book in the series of the Lucy Morgan Adventure Series.
Review/Assessment:
Plot: In the first of a three-book adventure series for middle-grade readers, eleven-year-old Lucy is moving away from everything she has ever known. The Caribbean is a long way from London, but she soon finds friends Jack and Solomon, who introduce her to the beach and the ocean’s wondrous creatures. As Lucy finds out, plastic poses a serious threat to the ocean environment, and mitigating that danger leads her to find the courage to learn new skills and brave the ocean deep, which, of course, just might be full of sea monsters.
Prose/Style: The author moves the story along quickly in keeping with Lucy’s sharp mind and ability to adapt to her new situation. Each character has a refreshingly distinctive, consistent voice and point of view.
Originality: Gloria Barnett (aka the WeirdFish Lady) uses Lucy’s move to the Caribbean as a vehicle for introducing readers to sea life. She has handled the device well and by focusing so emphatically on her cast of interesting characters she turns the story into a compelling read.
Character Development/Execution: Lucy is a self-aware and perceptive pre-teen and with the help of her friends, learns the skills she needs to feel comfortable in her new home (including learning to swim and scuba dive) and, as she overcomes her fears, even finds a way to contribute to cleaning up the environment.
Plot/Idea: 10:
Originality: 10:
Prose: 10:
Character/Execution: 10
Overall Score: 10.00
Date Review Submitted: August 10, 2021
Here’s a professional review for “The Secret of the Shallows” – the second book in the series of Lucy Morgan Adventure Series.
THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS
January 2022
TITLE: The Secrets of the Shallows:
AUTHOR: Gloria Barnett
‘A twisting, turning ‘battle the odds’ adventure story for 9 –13 year olds.’
I can sum the plot up for you in a sentence: the young protagonist (Lucy) and her pals discover that humans are destroying an underwater habitat and do everything they can to protect it. If that all sounds very ‘politically correct’, then, yes, it sort of is. And I for one enjoyed it very much.
Gloria Barnett is a very talented author. From the opening – and very well-written – first chapter, this is a compelling story. The plot is cleverly constructed, the island and underwater settings are splendidly described, the pacing is spot on – and the characters! Wow! They deliver BIG TIME! I particularly liked Lucy; she’s brave, strong-minded, and determined to do the right thing – a good role model for any child. The author knows how to describe the hero’s feelings when battling the odds.
So, who will enjoy this book? To be honest, I think pretty much any child between the age of 9 and 13 will find this a compelling read. It’s predominantly an adventure with plenty happening all of the time.
To sum up, this is a captivating story of mystery solving, overcoming the odds and adventure.
Enjoy!
A Wishing Shelf Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
Here’s a great review from ‘The Book Life Prize’ for ‘The Hidden Cave’
The Book Life Prize
Title: The Hidden Cave: A Lucy Morgan Adventure Story
Author: Gloria Barnett
Genre: Fiction/Mystery/Thriller
Audience: YA/Middle Grade
Word Count: 38776
Review/ Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Gloria Barnett once again delivers an underwater-focused plot that builds slowly, with intriguing elements added, such as using sign language to communicate while diving. Readers will be riveted by the story’s exploration of dark and mysterious spaces at the bottom of the ocean.
Prose: The prose reflects diving terminology that elevates the story’s authenticity, and Gloria craft-polished dialogue feels relaxed and logical for the situation.
Originality: Gloria helps readers understand the natural environment of the underwater world and provides readers with educational snippets throughout the novel. There is information on relevant sea life included at the end. Story-specific jargon gives readers an immediate connection with the plot.
Character/Execution: Lucy’s first-person perspective rings true, and her growth into a self-assured advocate by the end of the story is admirable.
Report Submitted: June 28, 2023
Wow ! thanks everyone for writing these wonderful reviews about all three of the Lucy Morgan Adventure Series.
I’m writing Book 4 – now !! Watch this space ….
Hi … I’m Prickle and I’m your guide around this website!
That’s enough breaking news for a while … now let me get started and help to guide you around this website……..
Firstly – let me tell you about Gloria …
Based in Kent in the UK, she is an
author, speaker, educator and champion for the ocean environment.
Gloria:
speaks to all generations and has been applauded for her ability to explain science in everyday language and with humour
writes fiction and non-fiction books to increase awareness about her subject
produces teaching resources and regularly visits schools as the ‘Weird Fish Lady’ helping young people engage with the problems facing our planet.
In the past couple of years, Gloria has spoken to audiences all over the UK, Australia, South Africa, the USA and Norway about the importance of oceans to life on Earth. Her talks are illustrated with original photos and underwater video.
Click on the image for information about Gloria's Speaking Events
Click on the image for Ocean Information
‘Hi – Prickle the Pufferfish here again.
To find out all about Gloria’s work as the
‘The WeirdFish Lady’
and how she does virtual visits to primary schools … take a look at the Teacher’s page.
Gloria says –
‘Yeah – Okay, Prickle – but
just remember I talk about ‘Weird Fish’ – I’m NOT a Weird Lady …OK !
(Although those who know me well might think differently!)”
‘My love of the sea comes from travelling around the world exploring our planet’s oceans.
Diving with my video camera has brought me face to face with the underwater creatures I talk and write about.
My mission is to help people of all ages understand the amazing world of oceans.’
Click on the hand to see Gloria’s fun introduction to this website ..
Click left to go diving
with Gloria in the Red Sea in Egypt.
This is a wreck of a ship that sank in 1874. Can you see any metal bits between all the coral.
Education is the key to saving life and the natural habitats on our planet.
Teachers? Have you visited the Books page and the Teacher’s page yet?
All the books can be found for sale on the SHOP page !