A Hole New World

A HOLE NEW WORLD

Bainbridge Author Taps Into Her Childhood for Inspiration

BY SOPHIA SOLTES

PHOTO BY ANNIE GRAEBNER

Growing up on Bainbridge Island, Nora Nickum developed a deep relationship with the sea.

“I have always felt that connection to the ocean and to all the creatures that live there,” Nickum shared, “and [I] love learning more about them.”

Her latest children’s book, “This Book Is Full of Holes,” takes readers on a journey from the tiny openings in moon snail shells to the enormous mine pits that can be seen from the International Space Station.

Nickum, formally trained in public policy, began working about five years ago at the Seattle Aquarium, where she now advocates for environmental health, particularly in marine conservation. As she led conservation policy efforts, she also found herself drawn to writing children’s literature. Her inspiration: The inquisitive youth at the aquarium as well her own childhood spent exploring the beaches and tidepools of the Pacific Northwest.

Nickum published her first book, “Superpod: Saving the Endangered Orcas of the Pacific Northwest,” last year. Since then, she’s been hard at work on “This Book Is Full of Holes.”

“I wanted to try and cover as many different kinds of disciplines as possible,” she explained, “so it has ecology, geology, art and music.” Taking a creative approach to explore the many types of holes that can be found in our world, Nickum invites readers to see things from a new perspective.

“The book is framed around opposites,” Nickum said. For a seal, an opening in the ice can provide a necessary oxygen break or an opportunity for a nearby polar bear to spot it. So, holes can be lifesaving or dangerous, big or small, stable or aerodynamic, form rapidly or slowly, and much more.

“This Book Is Full of Holes” offers a glimpse into the world through a concept that children can wrap their minds around. The book also is infused with other engaging themes, and, according to

Nickum, one of the best ways to appeal to a younger audience— humor. “I have a lot more humor in it than I had in my first book,” she noted. With clever inscriptions and playful illustrations by Robert Meganck, Nickum’s newest piece is full of wit and surprises. It includes detailed explanations on each page, offering plenty for both older and younger children to enjoy.

“Curious kids can resonate with curious scientists,” Nickum said, noting that children’s innate curiosity leads them to question the world around them. She emphasized the power that children hold to make positive change. “Kids are the future,” she explained, “and we all need to be doing things to protect the environment.”

Nickum hopes that “This Book Is Full of Holes” will encourage children (plus anyone else who wants to join in on the fun) to explore the holes—and all the other amazing things—in the world around them.