Local Children's Author Stoked By Surfing Lingo

Writer Lisa Pliscou of Morris Plains has a third children's book on the market and this one is a charming nod to the "Fun With Dick and Jane" readers used for decades in American Schools.

But instead of lines like "See Spot. See Spot run. Run, Spot, run," Pliscou has used surfer lingo throughout her book, resulting in, " See Dude Surf. Whoa! ... Surf, Dude Surf."

It's a blast from the past for adults who grew up with Dick and Jane and a fun introduction to surfing culture for those who didn't.

According to Pliscou, the book is "an extension of my learning about the surfing world. My oldest brother was a lifelong surfer. It's always been an aspect of my life. I have a lot of respect for surfers. I admire their dedication, passion and deep involvement."

Plus, surfers have that really righteous slang, which Pliscou uses liberally throughout the book. "Bogus," "wipeout," "yowza," and "bummer" all make appearances, but it was the enduring "dude" that inspired the book. Pliscou said the idea evolved from a discussion with a friend, in which they joked about the length to which "duuuude" could be elongated. 

"It's fun to say dude with lots of U's," Pliscou said.

In its review of the book, Publisher's Weekly expressed concern that words like "bodacious" and "cruisemobile" were too advanced for her early readers, but Pliscou said with a laugh that, "The Wall Street Jounal didn't mind so I felt vindicated."

The concept of being "stoked" is another important concept in the book. 

"It means passionate, excited, engaged. Dude and Betty are ambassadors for that experience." Pliscou said.

She advised parents to start a conversation with their kids about what gets them stoked.

"Having more stoke in your life is a worthy goal," she said. "I think it's really important for kids to explore what engages them, what excites them, what gets them into a space where time dissolves."

A good place to start would be at Pliscou's upcoming Stoke Party, taking place Thursday July 14 from noon–4 p.m. at Tuckerton Seaport and Baymen's Museum in Tuckerton, where participants are promised the chance to "learn some cool surf moves, sample yummy treats, make beach jewelry" and, of course, meet a righteous surf bunny named Lisa Pliscou.