CLAYTON, NORTH CAROLINA – May 30, 2025 – PRLog – Heather Barbour Fenty, an author specializing in children’s literature born in Raleigh, North Carolina, is set to reintroduce her beloved duo of picture books-Sea, He Is Upright Like You and Me and Sea, You Can Swim with Many Friends-through an inspiring tour across Barbados and North Carolina. Her storytelling journey emphasizes themes of acceptance, companionship, and celebrating our differences, brought vividly to life through vibrant underwater adventures.
Fenty’s inspiration stems from her years living and teaching scuba diving in Barbados, where she also met her spouse. It was during this period-surrounded by the ocean and inspired by her family-that she crafted these stories. Now based primarily in Clayton, NC, she and her family frequently visit Barbados, making both locations integral to her narrative and outreach efforts. These visits serve as a backdrop for her mission to promote understanding and kindness among children.
“My stories are grounded in the idea that despite our differences, we can all coexist harmoniously, support one another, and forge genuine friendships,” Fenty explains. “My goal is to help children understand that diversity isn’t something to fear-it’s something to cherish.”
Upcoming Caribbean and North Carolina Book Tour
The Caribbean-to-
- 9:30 AM at La Cabane, Barbados
- 12:00 PM at Hibiscus Café, Barbados
Following these initial stops, Fenty will extend her message of empathy and unity to communities throughout Clayton, NC and nearby towns. Her schedule includes readings at local children’s consignment shops, family-run boutiques, and community events during the summer months, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and understanding.
Story Highlights and Educational Messages
In Sea, He Is Upright Like You and Me, young readers are introduced to Sunny the seahorse and Shaley the scuba diver-two characters from vastly different worlds who form an unexpected friendship. The companion book, Sea, You Can Swim with Many Friends, showcases a diverse array of marine creatures-each unique in shape, color, and ability-swimming together in harmony, illustrating that embracing diversity is an adventure worth diving into.
Both titles are currently available in paperback on Amazon and are recommended for children aged 3 to 8. These stories serve as valuable tools for parents and educators aiming to foster empathy and acceptance from an early age.
About the Author and Her Mission
Heather Fenty hails from a large, diverse family in Raleigh, North Carolina. Her upbringing was deeply rooted in family values, with her cousins being her closest friends and her parents actively involved in shared activities. As the youngest cousin, she spent many summers at Lake LKG, engaging in waterskiing, tubing, jet skiing, and swimming until her fingers wrinkled like dried fruit. These joyful memories instilled in her a profound appreciation for the simple pleasures of life and the importance of community.
However, Heather’s perspective deepened through her lifelong connection with her cousin, who was born with heart conditions and autism. Witnessing her cousin’s daily challenges and resilience has reinforced Heather’s commitment to promoting understanding and acceptance of all differences. Her stories aim to educate children and families about the beauty of diversity, emphasizing that everyone deserves respect and kindness regardless of their unique circumstances.
This book is dedicated to families like the Castles, who demonstrate strength and perseverance in the face of adversity. Heather hopes her stories inspire children to recognize their own inner strength and to embrace others with compassion.
Author Background and Interests
Heather Barbour Fenty is an adventurous entrepreneur and dedicated mother from Raleigh, North Carolina. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Business from East Carolina University, complemented by a certification in Web Development. She also holds a Master’s degree in Project Management from Western Carolina University. Her passions-ranging from the ocean to art and storytelling-have been lifelong pursuits. Heather enjoys running, sailing, diving, and sharing her adventures through writing. She also supports clients worldwide as a virtual assistant, providing administrative and creative services.
