​Seemore The Seagull
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                                               Brotherly Love
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     True Friends Indeed

​It is the grand finale of the Revere Beach Sand Castle Festival. The Fabulous Surfing Seagull Brothers, Seemore and Sydney, put on a show for the tourists doing acrobatic surfing maneuvers in the sea and in the air. From above, they witness a seagull, who looks different from the others, being taunted by Lucy and her followers. Seagull Lucy is no match for the quick response of Seemore and Sydney as they rescue Bonita. They show the other seagulls that everyone is valued and that friendship, courage, and inclusion reign supreme.  

Seemore the Seagull and his younger brother, Sydney enjoy life at Revere Beach, joining contests during a seagull field day.  The competitions are cut short when a hurricane arrives and the seagulls scramble for safety.  Little Sydney, caught in the windstorm, badly damages his wing.  Rescued by his brother, Sydney wonders about his purpose, since he can no longer fly.  Seemore proposes an important job that will give Sydney purpose within the seagull community. 

​The vibrant illustrations add to the richness of the tale and enhance the story's message.  Even when times feel hopeless and confronted with obstacles, there are always opportunities to find joy and purpose.  

Seemore the Seagull is a loveable people-watcher who observes the behavior of the diverse beach-goers on Revere Beach. He wants everyone to get along, no matter what color, language, shape, or size. He becomes very upset when he sees some children argue and fight about sharing sand toys and destroying each other's sandcastles.  Seemore helps them learn to cooperate and together they build a castle that makes them all happy. By listening or reading the story, young children learn respect for diversity and the benefits of sharing and cooperation.

​The illustrations and photos in the book capture the essence of historic Revere Beach, the first public beach in the United States. 

Ralph Tufo, Author
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For over thirty years, Ralph Tufo has been a part of the Boston music scene as a player of the piano accordion, Cajun accordion, concertina and keyboards.  One of the founding members of the Boogaloo Swamis, with whom he won four Boston music awards, he now plays with the Squeezebox Stompers.  His recordings are often played on NPR and he is also the author of several collections of poetry and plays, including the musical, "Rockin' Ralph's Roadhouse," about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. 

Ralph is a retired college professor and has been a professional musician for over 35 years. He has released 11 CD recordings and has received 4 Boston Music Awards. His band tours throughout New England. ​
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Seemore the Seagull
Author's Website

​​Ralph Tufo was inspired to write Seemore the Seagull during a walk along Revere Beach in Massachusetts. He stopped at a popular beach restaurant, Kelly's Roast Beef and locked eyes with a seagull that was standing on the cement wall. 

​"I am watching him like I am a bird watcher; but he is watching me like he is a people watcher," Tufo chuckled. "What does he think about me and human behavior." 

​Seemore the Seagull for children ages three to ten was written and illustrated three months later!

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          A Revere Beach Seagull Offers Words of Wisdom
                             (Boston Globe Article)

 Seemore Sea Shanty Song

Author Ralph Tufo Story Read-Aloud & Sing-a-long

Reviews:

Seemore the Seagull
"As an early childhood professional, I was impressed with the loyalty of the family and empathy that was exhibited. The compassion, acceptance, and problem solving to help Sydney continue to be useful was empowering. In addition, Sydney's expressions are magnificent." -Ann Taylor, Educator, NY
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​Seemore the Seagull
"Seemore the Seagull is a thoughtfully written children’s book by Ralph Tufo. The book is about a Seagull named Seemore and his perception of people as he wanders around Revere beach in Massachusetts. Seemore is a Seagull who loves to fly over Revere beach. He likes to observe people and the sights from the sky. He feeds on the food and leftovers which people leave behind on the beach. Seemore likes to watch children play on the beach, but his heart aches when he sees young children quarrel about trivial things. All people look the same from the sky, so he finds it difficult to understand why people fight. Seemore wants everyone to overcome their differences and live happily. What I liked most about the book is the author’s attempt to impart moral values in children through a simple regular story. The author has named his main character the seagull as Seemore. I feel this is very thoughtful because the seagull sees more than what meets the eyes. The author has conveyed the noblest message of treating each other equally through this straightforward book. In the world today, we see people fight based on color, race, or status. The author wants children and adults to overcome this barrier and live with compassion and empathy. There is nothing that I disliked about this book. The book is written in rhyming sentences like a poem, making it catchy and easy to understand. The illustrations are colorful and realistic. I have visited Revere beach a few times, and I could relate to all the landmarks and events mentioned in the book. I also learned some new facts about Revere beach. This book is exceptionally well-edited and has no errors. I give this book 4 out of 4 stars. The book is well suited for children of ages 5-8 years. It can also be read aloud to younger children and would make a valuable addition to the library." -Online Book Club Review
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​Seemore the Segull
In Seemore the Seagull, author Ralph Tufo skillfully creates a rhyming poem that not only provides a narrative from a seagull’s perspective but also engages the readers with its playful rhythm.  Seemore the Seagull loves to fly through the sky and dine at Kelly’s Roast Beef—well, dine at the trash can, that is. Seemore thoroughly enjoys being a seagull at Revere Beach, the first public beach in America. However, he is completely perplexed by people and their behavior. The attentive seagull notices that people, especially children, are struggling to get along, and he sets out to teach the value of respecting others and cooperation. The protagonist, Seemore, is delightfully described, and anyone with beach experience will recognize and relate to his behaviors.  Through Seemore’s eyes, readers see how humans allow differences in language and color to cause disruption on Revere Beach.  Upset with this, our plucky protagonist saves the day by teaching the children to cooperate and respect each other.   In addition to the engaging rhyme presented in the story, Amanda Grafe and Steve Levin provide realistic illustrations and photos to help clarify the story for readers and give them a detailed account of what Seemore sees on Revere Beach. This sweet seaside tale is perfect for readers young and old and a fun example of how to tell a story using rhyme. Seemore the Seagull is the first book in a series featuring Seemore. -The Children's Book Review
Brotherly Love
"An unlikely hero saves the day after he is injured in a storm. If you are looking for a story about friendship and seeing the super power in everybody, Ralph Tufo's Brotherly Love will offer its readers inspiration that is steeped in local flavor." 
​-Colleen Getty, Coordinator at The Room to Write

​Brotherly Love
"I can't wipe this grin off my face; Brotherly Love is the most charming child's book I've ever seen, with actual works of art on each page." -Diane Monaghan, Educator, Duxbury, MA

Brotherly Love
"Brotherly Love" is an adorable story about two seagull brothers, Seemore and Larry. Written in poetic rhyme, it is an adventurous tale about sibling love and kindness. It teaches self-worth even when things are looking down, and includes friendship, compassion, and the importance of diversity and inclusion. The colorful, gallery quality, spirited illustrations relate impeccably with the text, adding to the visual understanding of the rhythmic prose. As a retired early childhood educator, I would highly recommend this story for a fun read-aloud in the classroom, library, or at home." - Dale Kalberer, Primary School Teacher, Winthrop, MA

Brotherly Love
"Unfortunate events can cause setbacks in life. This could lead to depression and failure to achieve one's goals. Brotherly love relates how Sydney faced life head on.  Sydney and Seemore are brothers. They are seagulls who find delight in displaying their prowess at the flying contests and games.  Sydney got caught in a hurricane, which left his wings damaged. Life looked bleak for Sydney. How would he get by? Would he ever find purpose in life?  The storyline was well developed and interesting. The descriptive narrative made the story come alive. For instance, on page 9, the author described Sydney's plight with these words, 'He was blown from side to side. Up and down, the wind took him on a roller coaster ride. Slam! Sydney lost control...'  My favorite feature is the numerous expressive illustrations in the book.  Jory Mason, the illustrator, is an award-winning painter and accomplished art director.  The illustrations were bright and colorful, with an artistic touch.  They served as great visual aids for the story and made the book attractive.  Also, noteworthy is the vital moral being taught by the story.  There is much to learn from Seemore who did not fail to play his part as a good brother to Sydney.  There's also much to learn from Sydney's friends. Most of all, kids can also learn from Sydney who remained diligent despite his limiting circumstances. This short story can teach kids powerful lessons about showing love to others.  I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It was exceptionally well edited. I have no dislikes about it. The grammar is simple and easy to understand.  Kids would find the story engaging and captivating." - Online Book Club (Review)

Brotherly Love
"From the clam toss to the loudest shriek competition, seagull field day is all about having fun in the beautiful seaside weather. Seemore and Sydney are enjoying the seagull field day – especially when each seagull brother wins a prize. However, coastal weather can be treacherous, and the day after the games, a hurricane hits the coast, sinking boats, flooding houses, and smashing Sydney against the beach wall. With his wing broken, Sydney no longer feels like the hero who won the foot race the day before. What is the point of a seagull who can’t fly? Seemore and their friends are there to remind him – what you can do does not define who you are. Using evocative rhyming text, this lovely story about disability and inclusion shares the important message that finding a fulfilling purpose in life is always possible. The narrative demonstrates inclusive behavior that empowers rather than patronizes individuals with disabilities while promoting the role of family and community in overcoming adversity. Soft pencil illustrations capture the quirky personalities of these seabirds and bring the seaside to life with color and movement, while a set of photographs at the end of the book help situate the story in a real-life location of great natural beauty. Overall, Brotherly Love: A Seemore the Seagull Tale is heartwarming, instructive, and beautiful to look at." -The Children's Book Review

True Friends Indeed
"The third book in the Seemore the Seagull series, True Friends Indeed, continues the other books’ themes, teaching readers about acceptance, inclusion, and friendship. Seemore and Sydney are excited about the sandcastle festival – they’re looking forward to a day filled with singing, dancing, surfing, and fun. After accidentally breaking their surfboards, they take to the sky to look down on the festival from above—and see something very troubling. The other herring gulls have teamed up to bully a visiting laughing gull, attacking her for looking different, sounding different, and being from somewhere else. Seemore and Sydney step in immediately, reminding the other gulls how bullying feels. Once everyone has remembered how to be kind and accepting, the gull can get on with the day’s festivities—ending with a rousing song of thanks from their visitor! Seemore is a charismatic main character, full of confidence and always ready for adventure, with mannerisms that will be familiar to anyone who has ever watched seagulls at the beach. Lifelike illustrations pair well with the characterizations of the gulls, realistically depicting the anatomy and postures of gulls in soft, beachy colors. The rhyming text has a lively rhythm, perfect for reading (or chanting) aloud. True Friends Indeed is an enjoyable anti-bullying story that is as fun to read as it is beautiful on the page." -The Children's Book Review

True Friends Indeed
"Our little acts of neglect or disrespect towards on another, even when done in jest or for fun, will always sting, and we often live in constant terror as a result of the cruelty and neglect we endure at the hands of others simply because we are different. True Friends Indeed aims to encourage antibullying. The Surfing Seagull Brothers, Seemore and Sydney, grab their driftwood boards to catch a wave on the sand castle festival days while hoping to put on quite a show. As the performed their tricks on the waves, a rogue wave took them unaware and tossed them into the water, and they swam to shore only to discover their boards had been broken in two.  Since they could not surf in the water again, they decided to surf in the sky on a cruising kite. As they were in the distance, they saw a bunch of seagulls starting a fight, and readers would be enlightened on the genesis of this fight by reading a copy of True Friends Indeed. This book is appealing because its sole purpose is to enlighten our little children about the consequences of bullying. The author was concise in communicating the intended message, and this was possible because of the beautiful artwork by Jory Mason. I liked how Seemore and Sydney could make the other gulls see reasons to stop being unkind, and this book would enlighten children about the types of gulls. Other sea creatures were also mentioned in the book, which was enlightening. Last but not least, the importance of appreciation was indirectly communicated to readers. Considering the positives listed above, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars because it would be an excellent resource for children.  The book also contained no errors, which proves it was perfectly edited. I recommend this book to children between the ages of 6 and 10, as it will play a huge role in their moral growth. " -Online Book Club (Review)
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