About the Story

James throws a wrapper and plastic bottle in the gutter and doesn’t believe that it will go all the way to the ocean. His friend Isaac warns James about the consequences of his littering. There begins the adventures of James and Isaac as they learn about the harmful effects of storm drain pollution, and in turn, spread the word to their friends and the rest of their school. Helping the kids along this journey are a concerned Crane from the coast line, a surprisingly insightful Surfer Dude and James’ Mom.

Story Background

All the Way to the Ocean has been a true labor of love, spanning back more than a decade. Since its publication in 2006, the book has been translated into three languages (English, Spanish and Mandarin) and sold in zoos, aquariums, surfshops, nationalparks, children’s museums, watershed protection agencies, Patagonia Retail and REI internationally.

And now, I am excited that my story and passion are taking a giant leap forward. A short-film adaptation of the book is being made to extend the story and provide additional opportunities to educate children and adults alike through a broader reaching media platform. A collection of games, content and educational tools distributed on the web site and on mobile and tablets is also being created to extend the learning opportunities for children through out the world and across all sections of society. A select group of talent, organizations and companies who share the same vision and opportunity are helping to propel the story to new heights.

With our partners like Mediatavern and with all of the amazing talent and supporters who are making this come to life, I am convinced that great things will happen and this critical, timely message will reach a global audience of children and families and further inspire and educate children to want to clean up their communities and make the oceans safe for future generations. Thank you for your interest and your support in making our oceans, and our world, a better place to live. –Joel Harper

“Forgive me for the delay in writing you to express my immense gratitude in the gift of your inspirational , important, and moving stories. My favorite part was actually the anatomical drawings of the creatures of the sea. When I opened the book , my breath was taken away with the confirmation that we are all one. I keep Sea Change open to these two drawings at all times for everyone to see; and with great curiosity they continue to turn each page. Every school library should have both books on their shelves for all ages to turn a negative into a positive. Emerson defined the word success:”To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one’s self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—this is to have succeeded. “You sir, have accomplished this. Thank you for making this world a better place ; I will be a mere subject always supporting your great gifts by spreading awareness, purchasing , giving, and reading your books when opportunity is before me. ”
– Donna Dixon Aykroyd

“All the Way to the Ocean, by Joel Harper, not only educates the children (and me) about the dangers of various pollutants, but also gives us wonderful online and written resources to further educate ourselves as to causes and preventative measures for all ages. My children will never look at litter the same way. It’s a true threat to our environment and I’m thrilled that my kids are now fully aware of what we can do to help do every little bit.”
– Maggie Storm

“Thank you for the work you do with our youth.The education you provide them, through this great story, is certain to stay with them for a lifetime.”
– Malea S. Ortloff | Education Specialist | Public and Governmental Affairs Department

“I will be making the rounds this spring to elementary schools to do a classroom reading and at some schools a site walk around so they can see how they impact waters every day. What an absolutely useful tool! Love your website too!”
– Colleen Peterson | Stormwater Program Coordinator | City of Bismarck

“I am excited to include “All the Way to the Ocean” in to my youth presentations. It will aid me in sharing the importance of not polluting our storm drains and the children will see that the message is not only coming from me. It will also aid me in letting them know that they have the power to make a difference, like Isaac and James! Inspiring the students to perform their own campus cleanups. Thank you again for your inspirational work of art! It will most definitely assist me in spreading this important message.”
– Jackie Besoyan | Environmental Outreach Coordinator | Public Works Department / Environmental Division (WPCP)