We had the good fortune of connecting with Adalgisa and David Nico and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adalgisa and David, how did you come up with the idea for your business?

We love national parks and other national lands, such as seashores and monuments. Two years ago, we camped at Death Valley National Park for the first time and became fascinated by the pupfish that live in the middle of one of the harshest environments on Earth. As a teacher, Gisa likes to bring back a book from the places we visit for her students. During this trip, we went to the gift shop to buy a book about the pupfish that live in Death Valley and Ash Meadows, but we couldn’t find one. We also asked at the Ash Meadows gift shop, and the lady there told us they didn’t have the book but needed one for the children who visited. David suggested we write the book ourselves, but Gisa was hesitant and not eager.

David and their friend Anna convinced Gisa to co-write the book. During the process, David and Gisa enjoyed it so much that they felt strongly about inspiring kids and their families to visit national parks early in their lives. David and Gisa decided to start a book series, Bringing National Parks to Life! They believe the book series will help kids see the connection between all living things and make them good stewards of our lands, protecting our national parks for future generations.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Our author’s journey began amidst the stark beauty of Death Valley, where the pupfish species thrives in one of the harshest environments on Earth. The most fitting descriptor for these pupfish is undoubtedly “resilient.” These aquatic inhabitants have withstood the harsh crucible of isolation for over 20,000 years in one of the world’s harshest environments. Despite their modest size—measuring no more than two inches—these unassuming creatures left an indelible mark on us.
Our encounters with Death Valley took on new significance during the COVID-19 quarantine, following months of restricted mobility and isolation. As we explored this unforgiving landscape, we found ourselves humbled by the challenges faced by the pupfish, who had endured an unimaginable stretch of solitude. This sentiment resonated deeply with us as we navigated our period of isolation.


Adding to our appreciation was the discomfort of navigating Death Valley’s heat during a spring trip. We were irritable and uncomfortable, starkly contrasting the pupfish’s remarkable ability to adapt and survive. Little did we know that our own resilience would soon be put to the test.
Our lives took an unexpected turn as my mother’s Alzheimer’s progressed and my father suffered a debilitating stroke. The following months were marked by uncertainty, with my father’s life hanging in the balance. The intensive care unit became a backdrop for our worries and fears, where we grappled with the fragility of life and the daunting challenges of caregiving.

Yet, amidst the challenges and daily stress, we discovered a resilience within ourselves—a strength forged through adversity and nurtured by love and determination.
Looking back two years after the stroke, we see a portrait of familial resilience that defies easy explanation. The challenges we faced—difficult medical decisions, navigating a complex healthcare system, and learning to care for my father’s new needs—revealed strengths we didn’t know we had.
As a family, we came to understand the depth of our collective and individual resilience. Just as the pupfish continue to endure in their harsh habitat, we, too, discovered an inner strength that carried us through tumultuous times. Our experiences have shown us that even when faced with challenging obstacles, humans possess an innate capacity to overcome and grow stronger.
As we gear up for National Park Week, April 20-28th, 2024, we’re thrilled to present our captivating book series aimed at igniting the curiosity and passion of children and families towards our nation’s treasures: the National Parks.
Our book series isn’t just about beautiful landscapes and fascinating wildlife; it’s about fostering a deep connection between people and nature. Through vibrant illustrations, engaging storytelling, and interactive activities, we aim to inspire young minds to embark on their own adventures, discover the wonders of the great outdoors, and become dedicated stewards of our environment.
Our book stands out in many ways. Fish in the Desert’s blend of stunning visuals, broad appeal, educational value, unique narrative approach, and its role in filling a gap in children’s literature makes it a must-read for children of all ages. The book’s captivating storytelling and vivid imagery not only entertain young readers but also educate them about the unique ecosystem of the desert. Fish in the Desert is an excellent addition to any child’s bookshelf and a valuable resource for parents and educators looking to teach kids about the wonders of nature.
The stunning illustrations by Andy Atkins not only captivate readers’ attention but also provide an accurate depiction of Death Valley and the pupfish This combination of beauty and precision elevates the visual storytelling experience.
The fact that young children and adults love our book speaks volumes about its universal appeal. It manages to strike a balance that engages children’s curiosity while also offering depth and insight that adults appreciate.
Many adults have expressed how they’ve learned much about Death Valley and the pupfish through our book. This highlights its educational value, making it a valuable resource for children and adults interested in learning about this unique ecosystem.

While there may be nonfiction books about Death Valley for children, Fish in the Desert blends factual information with a fictional narrative, adding a fresh perspective. Research suggesting that children learn better through narrative nonfiction further reinforces the effectiveness of our approach.
The scarcity of children’s books about Death Valley and the lack of children’s books about the pupfish address a gap in children’s literature.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Of course, we would take our best friend to a few national parks in California. We would most likely start at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. We would camp at Hume Lake for a few days and then go to Yosemite. We would hike into the stunning Tuolumne Meadows and enjoy the plants and animals in the picturesque meadow!
Once we got back to Los Angeles, we would take him/her on our favorite hike up to Griffith Park, where we would enjoy the observatory and a picnic lunch.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

We have many shoutouts!
A big thank you to our parents, who demonstrated and instilled resilience and a strong work ethic in us.
Thank you to our dear daughter for inspiring us to write this book. We love going on adventures with you!
Without our incredibly talented and profoundly dedicated illustrator, Andy Atkins, this book series wouldn’t have been what it is. His artistic vision and skill have brought life to our stories and captured the hearts of readers, young and old. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence are genuinely remarkable. We are incredibly grateful to have him as part of our team, and we can’t thank him enough for his hard work, passion, and unwavering dedication to making our books the best they can be.
Sunny Duran, Paul Elliott, and Jennifer Delaney’s artistic talents brought Fish in the Desert (the first book in the series) to life, and I am forever grateful to them for their invaluable contributions. Their hard work and dedication have made this project successful, and we couldn’t have done it without them. Their passion for their craft is truly inspiring, and we feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work with such talented artists.
Thanks to our friends and family who have reviewed the manuscript, given feedback and suggestions, and cheered us on the whole way!
Thanks to David Blacker, Kevin Wilson, and Michael Bower, who reviewed the manuscript and draft of the book for scientific accuracy.

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