Elizabeth Higgins

Join Elizabeth Higgins as she celebrates the debut publication of her rhyming children’s picture book, Bella’s Choice: A Tule Tug Safe Boating Adventure. The inspiration for this story came from a question her four-year-old granddaughter asked: "Grandma, do I really have to wear my life vest? It's squishy and hot!"

Elizabeth researched and found boating safety education for children content to be scarce, overly instructional, and just not the right fit for her family. She then consulted with Sheriff’s Deputies Joe Silva and Jason Glissman of the San Joaquin County’s Boating Safety Unit. Elizabeth took their crucial insights into children's boating safety education and created an alternative approach.

In Bella’s Choice, Elizabeth uses the power of storytelling and the principles of positive parenting to engage young minds between the ages of 4 and 8. Storytelling activates the entire brain, readying it for curiosity and learning. Positive parenting principles offer respect and give children a voice. Combined, this unique approach to boating safety education empowers children to make safe boating their choice.

Elizabeth and her family have been boating the waterways of Northern California for over four decades. She is grateful for time spent with loved ones and her family inspires her daily to be a better human.