Families, book lovers and sea turtle supporters are invited to kick off summer and honor World Sea Turtle Day with author Linda B. Schmitz Spangrud at a special celebration Friday, May 23 at Baumhower's Victory Grill at Tanger Outlets in Foley.

The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. and will feature food and drink specials, children's activities, book signings and a tribute to Share the Beach volunteers who help protect Alabama's sea turtles.

Spangrud, a retired Illinois educator and longtime Gulf Coast resident, will sign copies of her latest release, "Young Jack and the Turtle People," part of her popular "Turtle People Series." Her books, which promote environmental stewardship and sea turtle conservation, are available in English and German across three continents, five countries and 20 U.S. states. A portion of the book sales will support the Sea Turtle Conservation Program.

Children attending the event can enjoy a turtle scavenger hunt on the patio and turtle-themed balloons, while readers can take advantage of exclusive book bundle discounts and collectible turtle stickers. Spangrud's books will be available for purchase during the event.

Volunteers with the Share the Beach program, part of the Alabama Coastal Foundation, will be recognized during the celebration. Anyone wearing a green Share the Beach shirt will receive a complimentary food coupon as a thank-you for their service.

Spangrud and her husband Tom have been active volunteers with the sea turtle program since moving to the Alabama Gulf Coast in 2006. Her passion for wildlife preservation and literacy has shaped both her writing and her community involvement.

"I believe all of us can make a difference and work together to create a better world and future," Spangrud said in a news release.

The event also features Baumhower's "Inflation Bites" and "Halftime" specials for hungry guests.

For more about Spangrud's work, visit www.spangrud.com or find her on Facebook at Linda Spangrud.