I met Dr. Ellen Prager, the author of “Shark Whisperer,” during an Ocean’s Day celebration at Tampa Bay Watch earlier this month. In her presentation her passion for the ocean and the welfare of the creatures that inhabit it was instantly apparent.

In what can only be described as an illustrious career, Prager has served as the chief scientist for the world’s only undersea research station in Key Largo, Fla., and as the assistant dean at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. Prager also has participated in research expeditions to the Galapagos Islands, Papua New Guinea, the Caribbean, the Bahamas and the deep waters of the Florida Reef tract.

A sought after speaker, she has appeared on the Today Show and NBC News, Good Morning America, Fox News, CBS Early Show, CNN American Morning, Larry King, the Weather Channel and in shows for the Discovery Channel.

As a marine scientist and author Prager is widely recognized for her knowledge and ability to make science entertaining and comprehensible for people of all ages. She is currently active as a freelance writer, consultant, science advisor to Celebrity Xpedition Cruise Line in the Galapagos Islands and a Safina Center Fellow.

In her presentation Prager gave a slide show and spoke of the Galapagos, which she considers (with a few exceptions) to be managed sustainably. She then explained her new passion for writing books to inspire younger generations to understand, appreciate and help protect the ocean environment.

The “Shark Whisperer”, written for youngsters from 8 to 12, is the first in a series of books that have been described as an underwater Harry Potter, complete with communicative sea creatures and a group of gifted youngsters. The action begins when protagonist Tristen Hunt slips and falls into a live shark exhibit at a marine aquarium. Unharmed and curious about an odd sensation he has with the encounter, he is soon invited to attend a sea themed camp in the Florida Keys.

As we find out, Tristen and other members of the camp are possessed with magical powers that are developed with the help of the camp staff. The action comes quickly as Tristen and fellow campers Samantha, Hugh and Ryder are drawn into a daring rescue in the Bahamas. With the help of dolphins, sharks, a quick-escape artist octopus and some aerial bombing seabirds, the campers use their newly developing talents to outwit an evil shark-finning, reef-blasting billionaire.

While the book wasn’t written for adults, I found it a quick and entertaining read that I was eager to share with a young family member. In addition to being a fast paced thriller, the book has a message aimed at showing the oceans as the exciting, vulnerable and critical habitat they are. Books like the “Shark Whisperer” and the sequel “Shark Rider,” that follows later this year, have the potential to inspire readers to get involved in ocean conservation and become ocean stewards like Prager.

This isn’t the first time Prager has been published. Other works include the “Oceans,” published in 2001, that was described by Publisher’s Weekly as “an absorbing survey of oceanography, an elegant study and an excellent resource.” Other credits include the 2014 illustrated young children’s book, “Sea Slime: Its Eeuwy, Gooey and Under the Sea.” In another popular science book, “Sex, Drugs and Sea Slime: The Oceans’ Oddest Creatures and Why They Matter,” Prager takes an entertaining look at marine biodiversity and its significance to everyone. She points out in compelling facts the ways in which ocean life and ocean resources are at risk.

The “Shark Whisperer” and other of Prager’s books are available through Amazon booksellers at www.amazon.com. For a full exploration of her fascinating career, check out the Website http://www.earth2ocean.net/bio.html. While the “Shark Whisperer” was written for ages 8 to 12, I think younger children as well as young (and not so young) adults will find it an educational and fun read.