From Shy Student to Children's Author: How One Teacher's Story Inspired 'Elephant Beach'
Episode Notes
What happens when a shy, young girl who hated being called on in class grows up to become a teacher—and then writes a children's book that helps kids face their fears?
This episode of Teacher Stories features Christine Devane, a former educator who transformed her childhood struggles with shyness into a powerful tool for connecting with students and young readers.
You'll hear how Christine's own experience with shyness led her to give students choices and help them find their voice. You’ll hear how an 8-year-old reader immediately related Christine's book to her own experiences at a waterpark and arts camp.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone who believes in the power of storytelling, this conversation will remind you how the right book at the right moment can help children—and adults— gain important insights about themselves and the world around them.
Plus, you'll get a simple suggestion at the end to reconnect with a childhood book that made a difference in your own life.
Featured Guest
Christine Devane grew up in North Andover, MA, with her parents, Tony and Joyce, and brothers Anthony and Eddie. She was very shy when she was young and spent a lot of time reading. Throughout her childhood, Christine loved animals, especially elephants. People started to buy them for her as a collection. Her grandparents, Eddie and Ginger, as well as her parents, would bring her back lucky elephants from their trips. Throughout her childhoo,d Christine always enjoyed trips to the beach with her family and grandparents.
In 2006, Christine graduated from Merrimack College with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in Elementary Education. In 2008, she received her master’s degree in Elementary Education from Merrimack College. Christine would then go on to teach elementary school for the next 13 years. Her favorite part of the day was reading to her students. It was during reading time that she connected with her students through books. They learned, laughed, and felt a range of emotions together. Christine decided that she wanted to write her book for students to engage with while learning and laughing. Since elephants have always been her favorite animal, she found it fitting to include them in her story. In 2017, Christine traveled to Africa with her mother and husband, where she was able to see elephants living in the wild, which was always a lifelong dream. Many of the elephants were playing in the water and seemed to be having fun, much like they did in her book.
Christine and her husband John have 3 children, Joey, Nick, and Adeline, and a dog named Sophie with whom she loves to read. They laugh at her stories and enjoy trips to the beach together as a family.
Elephant Beach is her first published work.
Elephant Beach by Christine Devane
A young girl is expecting a quiet, peaceful beach day of reading--but she's in for some disappointment. It turns out elephants love to play, especially at the beach! At first, the girl is annoyed when the elephants break her beach chair. Then, they block her sun amidst other loud and distracting shenanigans. Soon, though, the girl becomes intrigued by the elephants' playful nature. She still tries to read, but their games continue and can't be ignored. Having a change of heart, the young girl joins in when the elephants play volleyball. She surfs huge waves and even helps the elephants when they are scared. The young girl came to the beach to be alone, but she now finds herself surrounded by new friends. The silliness of these gentle giants amuse her, and what was once a plan to find some peace turns into a feast of fun! Come along to Elephant Beach, where distractions are welcome and adventure arrives with each and every wave.