Local Children's Author Lisa Pliscou in Town to Promote ‘Dude’

Surfers often rave about being stoked to catch that perfect wave, but for children’s author Lisa Pliscou, being “stoked” is more than surf speak, it’s a way of life.

Pliscou will be coming home to California to visit and will be at Warwick’s bookstore Saturday, Aug. 27, from noon to 2 p.m. signing copies of her newest children’s book, Dude: Fun With Dude and Betty.

Growing up in Southern California and on the shores of Mexico, Pliscou has had the ocean literally as her backyard, and though she is not a surfer herself, she says she understands “the euphoria” that surfers feel.

That euphoria combined with the feeling of being “stoked” is something that Pliscou thinks everyone, not just surfers, should find and pursue.  It’s important, Pliscou says, for parents to help their children find what they are passionate about and to help them be stoked about those passions.

In Pliscou’s book, the character Dude has the archetypal surfer story of pursuing his passion of surfing despite the challenges, and in the end he grasps that ecstatic, stoked feeling when he overcomes his obstacles and finds success.

Dude: Fun With Dude and Betty is a hero quest and also a fun mash-up of a classic Dick and Jane type storyline that brings in a contemporary surfer sensibility.

Pliscou has always been a fan of the mash-up, saying, “When out of two elements comes a whole new energy, it’s fascinating as a writer.”

The story is filled with surf speak, which Pliscou has always been drawn to. She says, “Surf speak is a playful, funny, lingo with a plastic, flexible quality to it, charming, and a language of its own.”

Warwick’s bookstore is excited to host Pliscou and her book this weekend. “We love supporting our local authors,” said Events Director Julie Slavinsky.

Along with the book signing, Pliscou will be organizing a surf-inspired craft. Kids and parents will be able to make their own surfboard bookmarks to take home with them.

Events for all ages take place at Warwicks, Slavinsky said, and readers can view the events calendar at warwicks.com.

Pliscou is already working on her newest children’s book, which will be geared toward third-graders. The book will have a more serious theme, focusing on combating drug use among young people, and to do it she is teaming up with the Brent Shapiro Foundation for Alcohol and Drug Awareness.

Pliscou is currently living in New Jersey, but is excited to be visiting California.

“California will always in some way be home,” she says, “but one of the great tricks in life is to be happy wherever you are.”

For more information about the author and her book, visit Pliscou’s website: lisapliscou.com.