We’re thrilled to spotlight longtime Clover Baby & Kids supporter Mara Martin—a mama, author, and the powerhouse behind VYRAL Public Relations. Mara first captured global attention as a swimsuit model when she confidently walked the Sports Illustrated runway while breastfeeding her daughter, Aria. That unforgettable moment transformed her career and sparked a new path—from model to PR mogul.
Now, Mara is turning the page—literally—with the release of her debut children’s book, Gayl the Snail, a heartfelt tribute to her late mother and a celebration of kindness, courage, and being uniquely you. And psst… we’ve got something extra special coming soon. Stay tuned for a sweet Clover x Mara collaboration we can’t wait to share!
1. What inspired you to write Gayl the Snail?
Writing a children’s book has always been a dream of mine, but after having two kids, I felt an even stronger pull to finally bring that dream to life. I wanted to create something meaningful—not just for my children, but for all kids who love a good story with a heartfelt message.
The name Gayl the Snail is deeply personal. It’s named after my mom, Gayl, who passed away last year. Losing her has been incredibly difficult, but in the midst of that grief, I knew I wanted to find a way to honor her and keep her memory alive. My mom was a very hands-on parent, and she had such a profound impact on me—her example has shaped how I raise my girls. By creating Gayl the Snail, it’s my way of making sure her name and the beautiful lessons she taught me continue to live on—not just in my heart, but in the hearts of young readers everywhere.
2. What do you hope young readers take away from the story?
More than anything, I hope kids walk away from this story feeling inspired to be themselves, to embrace their uniqueness, and to always show kindness to others. My mom instilled so many important values in me while I was growing up—things like working hard, being grateful for what you have, and always treating people with kindness. Those lessons shaped me into the person I am today, and I wanted to find a way to pass them down to the next generation in a fun and meaningful way.
I want kids to know that their uniqueness is their strength. Whether it’s the way they think, the things they love, or the way they move through the world—there’s something special about each of us, and that’s worth celebrating!
3. Do you have a favorite part of the book?
Absolutely! One part that is especially close to my heart comes toward the end of the book. I included a special line that my mom used to sew into the dolls she made for us growing up. She was incredibly crafty and loved making handmade dolls, and inside each one, she would stitch a little message to my sister and me. My message was:
"Wherever you go, whatever you do, be happy and know that I love you."
That message was her way of reminding me that no matter where life took me, I was always loved. Being able to include that same line in Gayl the Snail was really emotional for me—it felt like a way to connect the past with the present and share a piece of my mom’s love with every child who reads this book. I hope it brings comfort and warmth to families, just like it did for me.
4. You’ve been a big supporter of Clover Baby & Kids from the early days—what does a bedtime routine look like for you and your girls? How do you think books and bedtime go hand in hand when it comes to creating special memories?
Bedtime is such a special time in our house. With two little ones, the days can be chaotic, but bedtime is when we slow down, snuggle up, and really connect. Every night, my girls and I pick out a book (or sometimes a few books) and our favorite pajamas—which are typically Clover ones. I love having them match when we can; it’s my favorite! We then read together before they fall asleep, and sometimes we make up our own stories and take turns. It’s one of those routines that feels small in the moment but will hopefully become a core memory for them as they grow up.
Books have such a magical way of bringing families together. Whether it’s a story that makes us laugh, one that teaches a valuable lesson, or just a cozy read that helps us wind down, these moments create a bond that lasts beyond childhood. That’s why I love the idea of Gayl the Snail being a part of other families’ bedtime routines. I hope it becomes one of those stories that kids ask to hear over and over again, making it a cherished part of their growing-up years.
5. Do you have any fun behind-the-scenes moments from working on the book?
So many! One of my favorite parts of the process was working with my sister-in-law, Julisa Batelaan, who illustrated the book. I am not an artist by any means, and my daughters and I had so much fun trying (and failing) to sketch out ideas for the characters. We would send Julisa our stick-figure drawings of snails and other animals, and she somehow managed to turn them into the most beautiful, vibrant illustrations.
There’s actually a really funny contrast if you look at some of the original doodles we sent her versus the final artwork. My daughters and I would joke about how untalented I am, but seeing Julisa bring the world of Gayl the Snail to life was absolutely incredible. It made the book feel even more special knowing it was a true family effort.
6. Where can readers find Gayl the Snail and connect with you?
You can find Gayl the Snail on Amazon and Barnes & Noble! It’s available in paperback, hardcover, and as an e-book—so no matter how your family enjoys reading, there’s an option for everyone. I’d love to hear from readers and see how they’re enjoying the book—whether that’s through reviews, messages, or even seeing photos of little ones reading Gayl the Snail!
You can also find me on Instagram @maramartin where I share a lot of motherhood and our family.
