The Mouse Who Went Surfing Alone

by Risa Vetri Ferman

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Watching my son innocently navigate an Internet game made me realize that there were no resources to teach young children about safety online. Our family set out to share Wesley’s adventures on the high seas and the lessons he learned about “surfing” alone. My daughter Jenna brought her creativity and imagination to our story and son Jake was the inspiration for our mischievous mouse and the sea predators that surround him. My husband Michael and son Ben offered constant support as the rest of our clan was off surfing and exploring the sea. Thanks to my friends at Diccicco Battista Communications who made Wesley come to life.

All proceeds for this book will support Mission Kids, a leading child advocacy center. For more information, visit us at www.missionkidscac.org.

-Risa © 2011 by Diccicco Battista Communications. All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States by Neibauer Press, Warminster, PA.

Story by Risa Vetri Ferman

Illustrations by Stephen Herko

he Whiskers family did everything together.

They loved to go surfing, no matter the weather.

Wesley’s Mom and Dad had only one rule: When kids go surfing, riding alone isn’t cool!

ne day Wesley snuck outside.

He saw a huge wave and took it for a ride.

Before he knew it, he was far from home.

Lost at sea, after surfing alone.

e saw a school of catfish and thought they could help.

“Please help me, I’m lost,” he let out a yelp!

The catfish tricked him and sent him towards danger.

“That’s the last time I surf and talk to a stranger.”

esley saw a barracuda trolling around.

“Could you please direct me to my hometown?”

he barracuda cackled and fled the scene.

When you’re surfing alone, people can be mean.

“

ey little mouse, you don’t belong here!”

Snorted a puffy blowfish, filling Wesley with fear.

“If you tell me where you live, I promise not to spike.”

Wesley paddled fast to escape the fish he did not like.

cute friendly dolphin called Wesley to play.

Wesley was happy to meet a friend that day.

But as he paddled closer, he saw his mistake.

Who he thought was a dolphin was really a fake.

he hungry shark stuck his teeth out far.

People are not always who they say they are.

esley learned why his parents would stress.

Surfing by yourself can be a scary mess.

Just when he thought he’d never see another mouse, off in the distance he saw it, “There’s my house!!!”

esley rode in the tide, filling his parents with joy.

“You could have been hurt! You’re one lucky boy!”

He said he was sorry, and told them about his crazy ride.

“Surfing is fun, but only with your parents by your side.”

1. Don’t surf alone. Only use a computer in a family room with a parent or adult close by.

2. Always be nice to your friends online. Don’t be a cyber bully.

3. If you see anything on a website, game or email that makes you feel uncomfortable, tell your parents or an adult you trust right away.

4. Don’t chat or text with anyone you don’t know and tell your parents if someone tries to contact you.

5. Just like on the playground, don’t talk to strangers or accept their invitation to be “friends.”

6. Never tell a stranger online your name, age, address, telephone number or which school you attend.

7. Never share your password with anyone but your parents.

8. Don’t open emails from people you don’t know—it could be a virus.

9. Talk to your parents before joining a website or buying games, music or “apps.”

10. Tell your parents who you talk to online.

BLURB ABOUT HERKO/STEVE. DBC

Steve, Becca, Fran, Tim and everyone at Diccicco Battista Communications, a full-service brand communications agency, were privileged to be able to help tell Wesley’s story and to support Risa Vetri Ferman and Mission Kids, a leading child advocacy center, aimed at easing the criminal justice process for abused children. For more information on Mission Kids, please visit www.missionkidscac.org

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