Keanu Goes Surfing
A beautifully illustrated children’s book following Keanu,
a young sea turtle, as he learns to navigate the ocean and life’s challenges.
Keanu Goes Surfing is printed as a durable board book—perfect for pre-readers and little hands.
With 12 thick, easy-to-turn pages, this book is designed for simplicity, longevity, and the joy of reading early.
Illustrated by John Joseph, Animator on The Simpsons
A Simple Story with a Powerful Message
Keanu Goes Surfing is a heartwarming tale that teaches kids about resilience, courage, and self-discovery through a young sea turtles' desire to learn how to surf and the reward in challenging oneself to succeed in realizing your dream.
A timeless tale for all ages!
🔹 Perfect for young readers
🔹 Vibrant hand-drawn illustrations
🔹 Inspired by SoCal surf culture
🔹 12 Thick, Cardboard Pages
Behind the Story
Inspired by the ocean, written from the heart.
The Inspiration Behind Keanu Goes Surfing
As young mother in Southern California, much time was spent on the beach, in the waves, surf and sand. Our little boy was climbing on his dad's surfboard before he could walk. Mother Earth, family and never giving up on your dreams set the stage for Keanu Goes Surfing. Having shared the idea with a co-worker/artist on The Simpsons, his illustrations brought the story to life in our adventurous little sea turtle's endeavors.
About Colleen Lawler
Colleen is a passionate storyteller and artist who believes in the power of a simple, heartfelt message. She has created multi-media artwork, and been involved in film production and story development in Los Angeles. She hopes to share a timeless story of resilience, courage and self-discovery with young readers, through which adults might find renewed passion in their own dreams. In this allegorical tale, she hopes to inspire children to embrace change, chase their dreams, and ride the waves of life with the joy and confidence that is built through trial and error.
The Rumor Has it!
My daughters love this book! When we read, they get so curious about Keanu’s wipe-outs and want to hear about them and his journey on his path to success. This is such a relatable and aspirational story.
Mary L.
Keanu paddles out with all the hope in the world, eager to surf like his dad. He wipes out. He crashes. Again. And again. But he never quits. He keeps getting back on the board and going for it. This book matters. It will give love for the next generation. It radiates heart and persistence. That’s a legacy right there. Keep riding your wave.
ken t.
This beautiful little book is full of hope. I have it for my grandkids and it has already become a favorite! But beyond the art and simplicity, there’s a deeper truth in it. Keanu wipes out, crashes, falls again and again. But he never quits. He keeps paddling back out. And somehow, you might find that this turtle’s story mirrors your own.
faith b