At a Glance
- Andrea and Darrell Clulow adopted a shark and dubbed her “Kelly Sharkson” during a research expedition.
- The couple’s children’s book Finn & Friends pairs an interactive story with ocean-conservation lessons.
- A share of book proceeds funds shark research, ocean conservation, and education groups.
- Why it matters: The project reframes sharks from feared predators to ocean guardians, aiming to spark empathy in kids.
Kelly Clarkson discovered she has a toothy namesake swimming off the Australian coast. On the January 15, 2026 episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, the singer met Andrea Clulow-a former preschool teacher-and her husband, Darrell Clulow, who are turning shark anxiety into admiration through storytelling.
From Attack Headlines to Empathy
The couple’s mission began after a 2022 shark attack near Australia dominated news cycles. Rather than feed the fear, Andrea said they sought to cultivate “empathy” for the animals.
“Sharks aren’t monsters,” she told Clarkson, explaining how the incident inspired her to write Finn & Friends. The book follows a shark and his ocean pals, encouraging kids to “relate to these animals and see them through empathy and not fear.”
Clarkson praised the approach: “That’s really clever.”
Tagging a Star
Last summer the Clulows joined marine researchers and helped tag their first shark. They adopted the female tiger shark and, in a nod to their favorite daytime host, christened her “Kelly Sharkson.”
“I love sharks,” Andrea said, grinning as she revealed the name. Clarkson pumped her fist and cheered, “Yes!”
Interactive Ocean Adventure
The Clulows designed Finn & Friends as more than a read-and-shelve title. Darrell said every page invites participation:
- Word-search puzzles
- Sketch pages for favorite sea creatures
- Coloring sheets downloadable from the Finn & Friends website
“When a kid sits down and they draw something that they love, they’re forming a connection,” Darrell explained. “They’re not just being lectured about conservation.”
Dollars for the Deep
Andrea noted that a portion of each book sale supports:
- Shark-tagging research
- Ocean-cleanup initiatives
- Classroom education kits
Big Picture Goal
Darrell summed up the couple’s ambition: “When a child finishes this book and feels inspired to get out and to explore, care about the ocean, imagines themselves maybe as a future marine biologist, or just sees sharks in a different way, that’s our goal.”
Clarkson closed the segment urging viewers to pick up the book and “help the oceans.”
