Paula Ruth Jones was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, with a lifelong passion for teaching and sharing the wisdom found not only in books but also in life’s valuable lessons. After graduating from the University of Arkansas in 1966, Paula moved to New York City, where her fascination with ancient art deepened and where she had the opportunity to explore many parts of the ancient world. In 1984, she relocated to Miami Beach and enjoyed a successful career in selling luxury real estate.
Her love for travel and cultural exploration has given her the chance to witness how people—especially children—interact across different societies. These experiences have greatly influenced her writing. Her children’s book, Mark the Bully Shark, was inspired by a shipwreck diving trip in the Great Barrier Reef, where she reflected on important life lessons about kindness, empathy, and understanding.
In addition to writing for young readers, Paula felt a heartfelt calling to preserve her family’s legacy. After attending several family reunions, she recognized the importance of honoring one’s roots and published Dalton’s Dream, a tribute to her family’s history. Through this book, she hopes to inspire young adults to appreciate their heritage, understand the sacrifices of their ancestors, and embrace the opportunities of the present.
Now retired from real estate and living in Las Vegas, Nevada, Paula continues to enjoy traveling and checking off her “bucket list.” Her writing reflects a lifelong mission: to uplift, educate, and remind readers that the past is not as distant as it may seem—and that the choices we make today shape the stories of tomorrow.
Visit the author’s website: paularuthjones.com
Publications
Mark the Bully Shark
Mark is the toughest shark in the coral reef, chasing sea creatures and taking what he wants. But when he gets stuck in a hole with no one willing to help, he realizes his bullying has left him all alone. Desperate to escape, Mark makes a promise to change—but will the other sea animals believe him?
This heartwarming children’s book teaches the power of kindness, friendship, and second chances. With fun underwater adventures and colorful illustrations, “Mark the Bully Shark” helps young readers understand the importance of treating others with respect. Perfect for kids who love ocean stories and valuable life lessons!
The full-page illustrations really make the underwater world really come to life. It’s a great way to help kids understand the emotions in the story without needing to explain it all in words.
Mark the Bully Shark 2: A Second Chance in the Sea
Mark the Bully Shark 2: A Second Chance in the Sea
A heart-warming underwater adventure about second chances and the power of kindness
When a dazzling, color-changing octopus named Ollie splashes into Miami Reef, everyone is mesmerized—except Mark, a young bull shark still learning to leave his bullying days behind. A sudden wave of jealousy sends Mark’s emotions swirling, and one thoughtless remark threatens to undo all the progress he’s made. To win back his friends—and his own self-respect—Mark must decide what kind of shark he truly wants to be.
Why kids (and grown-ups) will love it
- ★ A relatable social-emotional lesson about jealousy, empathy, and making amends
- ★ Bright, full-color illustrations that burst with coral-reef magic and expressive sea-creature faces
- ★ Perfect for ages 1–8—soothing as a lap-sit read-aloud, engaging for preschoolers, and confidence-building for emerging readers
- ★ Classroom-ready themes that align with anti-bullying and kindness curricula
At just 32 pages, Mark the Bully Shark 2: A Second Chance in the Sea is the ideal story-time pick for parents, teachers, and caregivers who want to spark conversations about feelings while diving into a splashy reef full of adventure.
Whether you’re meeting Mark for the first time or returning after his breakthrough debut, this standalone sequel will leave young readers cheering, “Kindness makes waves!”—and eager to dive back in for more.
Bright, big-hearted, and brimming with teachable moments, Mark the Bully Shark 2 earns its place alongside classroom staples like The Recess Queen and Chrysanthemum.
Mark the Bully Shark 3: Christmas on the Coral Reef
Mark the Bully Shark 3: Christmas on the Coral Reef
This Christmas, the coral reef is glowing with seashell ornaments, seaweed garlands, and the joyful songs of Sandy the seahorse. But not everyone is in the holiday spirit. “Mark the Bully Shark” still struggles with his old habits—and when he teases Sandy, the reef grows quiet, and the celebration begins to fade.
When disaster strikes the decorations, Mark realizes his mistake and discovers that Christmas isn’t about being the loudest or toughest. It’s about kindness, forgiveness, and working together to bring joy.
With colorful underwater scenes and a heartwarming message, Mark the Bully Shark 3: Christmas on the Coral Reef is a festive tale that children will love to read during the holiday season. Perfect for parents, teachers, and anyone who wants to share the true spirit of Christmas, this story shows that even the biggest bully can become a hero when he chooses compassion.
The book sends a great message. It talks about forgiveness, teamwork, and what the holidays are really about—without ever sounding preachy. Kids will pick up on the values naturally because they’re embedded into the story instead of being spelled out in bold letters. It’s storytelling first, lesson second, which is why it works so well.
Dalton’s Dream (3rd Edition)
Dalton Cole Wright never expected a simple family history book to change his life. But when the tech-savvy twelve-year-old drifts off to sleep, he awakens in 19th-century Tennessee—face to face with his own ancestor, John Knox Bain. Thrust into a world without electricity, running water, or modern technology, Dalton must navigate life on a pioneer farm, where every day is a lesson in resilience, gratitude, and survival. As he bonds with John, sharing stories of the future and learning about the past, Dalton gains a newfound appreciation for his own heritage.
Blending history and adventure, “Dalton’s Dream” is a heartwarming journey through time, perfect for young readers who love family, discovery, and the magic of storytelling. Will Dalton wake up before he learns everything he wants to know? Or is the past not as far away as he once thought?
It’s a journey worth taking—reminding readers that the past is not as distant as it may seem, and the stories of our ancestors live on within us.