Meet & Greet Author Patricia O'Hara

Ollie Smallie’s Dangerous Discovery

This newly released children’s book is authored by 2024 River Award recipient, Patricia O’Hara and tells a story about Ollie the Smallmouth Bass and Rita the American Eel, who make a scary discovery together in the St. Lawrence River. The story is inspired by Patricia’s many encounters as a scuba diver in the St. Lawrence River, and is brought to life with illustrations of Ollie and friends by Patricia’s twin sister, Sheila Dunkinson.

Book Description for “Ollie Smallie’s Dangerous Discovery.”
Two aquatic friends stumble upon a dangerous situation created by garbage dumping but they learn from some odd-looking strangers that it is okay to ask for help.
Have you ever wondered what other creatures, like fish, see and think when they come upon something unfamiliar in their world? 

When Ollie Smallie, a juvenile small mouth bass, and his bestie Rita, an elver (juvenile) American eel, decide to cruise a different part of the Great River, they stumble upon a dangerous situation. They also encounter weird creatures that Ollie has only heard of from his father.

This story was inspired by a true event. Garbage dumping is a serious environmental problem and its impact does not stop at the water’s edge. As a scuba diver, Patricia O’Hara finds garbage during every dive. It is very important that children learn how our thoughtless actions can be tragic to other species and also that we, as the new species in the water, can be the solution.