Tag Archives: nature

December 14, 2023 · 7:00 am

As Maya Grows in the Natural World by Patricia Ambinder (Book Spotlight)

As Maya Grows in the Natural World” celebrates the joyful play of a young child and her friends as they discover the wonderful sights, sounds, tastes, touches, and textures in the natural world. Catch a falling leaf that waved goodbye to its tree, wiggling fingers in the squishy and lumpy earth, and dancing to the music of branches that sway as the wind plays are just a few of the book’s experiences for nurturing a child’s love and care for the environment.

Fun prompts and cues encourage outdoor exploration, enhanced by the whimsical and stunning illustrations and poetic phrases. Timeless quotations about nature and its profound impact on children are a wellspring of wisdom for adults to reflect on and share with the reader. The red lotus flower seek and find encourages attention to detail and instills a sense of accomplishment that brings a smile.

Feel the presence of nature’s calm and engage a child’s imagination as a listener, reader, and thinker through the book’s enchanting words and colors.

For budding nature explorers, ages 2-6.

Amazon Purchase Link

LINK to My Review

 

 

SAMPLE PAGE

Amazon Purchase Link

LINK to My Review

 

 

Meet the Author

A writer of poetry and prose, Patricia Ambinder is a passionate social justice advocate with an avid curiosity to understand the complexities of the human experience. She appreciates the concise eloquence of quotations to nurture imagination and challenge thinking.

For decades, Patricia held leadership positions on boards and councils, offering guidance and enhancing communications to strengthen community engagement on issues such as early childhood education, food security and peace and justice. She is an Honorary Life Member of the Board of Directors of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

Patricia and her husband cherish time with their four children and extended family. It was her adored granddaughter Maya’s fascination with leaves and delight in morning nature walks that inspired “As Maya Grows in the Natural World.” Patricia loves watching birds, hearing the rustle of sea grapes and simply being outdoors.

Amazon Author Page Link

 

 

Happy Holidays!

 

 

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November 30, 2023 · 7:00 am

Kaida Brightscales and the Rare Pollinators: Beehive Secrets 2 by Xanda Monteiro (Book Spotlight)

NEW EDITION! 

Step into a world filled with wonder and enchantment, where a young dragon’s unquenchable curiosity meets a promise that must be kept.

The meadow, once a vibrant haven of buzzing life, is now facing a new threat. Kaida and Bella return to their beloved meadow, only to discover a troubling silence—the bees have vanished. As they embark on a quest to uncover the mystery, they stumble upon distressing events. A farmer’s actions threaten their meadow’s delicate ecosystem; hedges, home to the Carder Bees, are being cut down, leaving our bee friends homeless and vulnerable.

Bella and Kaida have made a promise to help their buzzing friends and are set on a path fraught with challenges—trampled hives, pesticide exposure, and relentless destruction.

United by a common goal, can our colorful friends find a miraculous solution to save the bees?

Kaida Brightscales and the Rare Pollinators is the second book in the Beehive Secrets series for children aged 4-6. If you or your child like vivid and beautiful illustrations, fun ways to learn about nature, and making new friends, then you’ll love Xanda Monteiro’s tale of teamwork towards harmony.

Get your copy of Kaida Brightscales and the Rare Pollinators today, and join the quest to protect the meadow and make a difference in the world!

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Readers’ Thoughts

 

“Beautifully written and with bright illustrations, children will love this new tale with Kaida Brightscales and Bella. In this adventure, the two friends team up to protect the meadow and save the bees. I liked that the book included additional free resources about the world of bees and a glossary.” — ACG ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

“My 4yo loved the story!”  — Linaewe  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Xanda’s story is one of a lifelong explorer, born in Africa with a sense of adventure that took her far and wide. She spent countless hours getting her clothes ripped in tree branches and her knees scratched, but the magic of discovering new places made it all worth it. 

As she grew older, Xanda’s curiosity led her to chase eclipses and capture the perfect shot with her camera. Her passion for nature and fascination with bees inspired her to write a series of books for children about their struggles and possible solutions. 

When she’s not writing, Xanda can be found practising Qi Gong and meditation to deepen her understanding of the world and herself. She loves spending time with friends from all over the world and is always seeking out new experiences and adventures. 

Xanda’s African roots instilled in her a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world and the wonder that can be found in everyday moments. She believes that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and that we can do so without causing harm to other beings. 

If you’re looking for a guide to help you explore the wonders of the world, Xanda is the perfect companion. With her infectious enthusiasm and boundless curiosity, she will show you the beauty in even the most ordinary things. So come along and let’s discover the magic together – just watch out for those tree branches and knee scratches! 

Author Website
Amazon Author page
Twitter Link

 

 

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November 17, 2023 · 7:00 am

Kaida Brightscales and the Magical Meadows: Beehive Secrets 1 by Xanda Monteiro (Book Spotlight)

NEW EDITION

A world brimming with flowers and colors. An inquisitive young dragon. A sick friend in need of help.

Kaida Brightscales loves to explore. And when the shimmering winged creature crosses paths with a busy butterfly and a focused ant, she’s delighted to discover that they’re working hard at very important jobs. But after she spots her sick bee friend, she’s not sure how to help her feel better.

Bothered by the news that all the bees in the hive are ill, Kaida asks her insect buddies to help her find some medicine. And as the thoughtful youngster grows to understand more about how nature needs to be in harmony, she realizes she’s taken on a really big job.

Can she and her tiny chums stay strong and get everyone buzzing back to health?

Kaida Brightscales and the Magical Meadows is the first book in the Beehive Secrets series for children ages 4-6. If you or your child like vivid and beautiful illustrations, fun ways to learn about nature, and making new friends, then you’ll love Xanda Monteiro’s tale of teamwork.

Buy Kaida Brightscales and the Magical Meadows to fly to the rescue today!

Amazon Purchase Link

 

@lightshadowandink

Kaida Brightscales TikTok#booktok #readersoftiktok #realmewishlist #readysetlift #readertok

♬ original sound – Xanda Monteiro – Xanda Monteiro

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Readers’ Thoughts! 

“We had lots of fun reading this book, my 4yo is a fan!”
— Linaewe  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

“This was a beautiful little book. The general appearance was gorgeous – adorable illustrations of Kaida the dragon and her friends, and I loved how colourful it was. The pages were so full of beautiful bright colours. The story itself was also really sweet, and a fun way for children to learn about pollination.” 

— Kelly ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Xanda’s story is one of a lifelong explorer, born in Africa with a sense of adventure that took her far and wide. She spent countless hours getting her clothes ripped in tree branches and her knees scratched, but the magic of discovering new places made it all worth it. 

As she grew older, Xanda’s curiosity led her to chase eclipses and capture the perfect shot with her camera. Her passion for nature and fascination with bees inspired her to write a series of books for children about their struggles and possible solutions. 

When she’s not writing, Xanda can be found practising Qi Gong and meditation to deepen her understanding of the world and herself. She loves spending time with friends from all over the world and is always seeking out new experiences and adventures. 

Xanda’s African roots instilled in her a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world and the wonder that can be found in everyday moments. She believes that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and that we can do so without causing harm to other beings. 

If you’re looking for a guide to help you explore the wonders of the world, Xanda is the perfect companion. With her infectious enthusiasm and boundless curiosity, she will show you the beauty in even the most ordinary things. So come along and let’s discover the magic together – just watch out for those tree branches and knee scratches! 

Author Website
Amazon Author page
Twitter Link

 

 

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November 1, 2023 · 7:00 am

As Maya Grows in the Natural World by Patricia Ambinder (Book Review)

“As Maya Grows in the Natural World” celebrates the joyful play of a young child and her friends as they discover the wonderful sights, sounds, tastes, touches, and textures in the natural world. Catch a falling leaf that waved goodbye to its tree, wiggling fingers in the squishy and lumpy earth, and dancing to the music of branches that sway as the wind plays are just a few of the book’s experiences for nurturing a child’s love and care for the environment.

Fun prompts and cues encourage outdoor exploration, enhanced by the whimsical and stunning illustrations and poetic phrases. Timeless quotations about nature and its profound impact on children are a wellspring of wisdom for adults to reflect on and share with the reader. The red lotus flower seek and find encourages attention to detail and instills a sense of accomplishment that brings a smile.

Feel the presence of nature’s calm and engage a child’s imagination as a listener, reader, and thinker through the book’s enchanting words and colors.

For budding nature explorers, ages 2-6.

Reedsy Discovery Link

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

The author quotes Qwatsinas – Chief Edward Moody, Nuxalk Nation, saying, “We must protect the world for those who can’t speak for themselves such as the birds, animals, fish, and trees.” As Maya Grows in the Natural World shows readers all the beauty that is around them. Children will walk the beaches, feel the sand between their toes, listen to the waves, and smell the salty water. As they enjoy an exciting day at the park, they’ll see a rainbow light up the sky and hear the city come alive. 

Chirping birds. Purring cats. Colorful butterflies fluttering from flower to flower. A falling leaf that signals the changing of the seasons. Sprouting seeds. Apple picking. Jumping in leaves. Flying kites. Buzzing bees. As Maya Grows in the Natural World was an absolute joy to read. It highlights the fun to be had in nature using a diverse cast of characters and spectacular illustrations. 

As Maya Grows in the Natural World is advertised for children 2-6 years of age. The simplicity of the text and the illustrations fit this age group; however, the poetic phrases distract from the overall story. While the thoughtful insights are lovely, they interfere with the flow of the story and are best suited for older children, not toddlers and young preschoolers. 

 

This story encourages children to explore nature and help protect it. 

“If you like fruits, plant a tree,

If you like birds, plant a tree,

And if you care for others, plant many trees.”

– Unknown.

 

How We Learn states: “I will know problem-solving, self-exploration, decision-making, number relationship, structures, complex vocabulary, healthy living, cause and effect, creativity, imaginative thinking, and my natural world when I am big. Because I play outside when I am little.” Playtime has many health benefits: physical, emotional, and mental. It helps set the foundations for social interactions. Children learn cooperation as they learn empathy. This story spotlights these points while showing the importance of cherishing and protecting nature from tiny seeds, dolphins in the seas, our furry friends, and more. 

I recommend the book to elementary school children. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤

Reedsy Discovery Link

 

 

Meet the Author

A writer of poetry and prose, Patti Ambinder is a passionate advocate for social justice. Drawn to the palette of words and the language of colors, she uses them to seek a deeper understanding of the human experience and its relationship with nature. Patti loves spending time outdoors.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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September 1, 2023 · 7:00 am

God’s Promises: Wildlife Gray-Scale Adult Coloring Book & Journal by Stella Fanbosi (Book Review)

Enhance your spiritual growth and be inspired through meditation on Bible verses that feed the hungry soul, while adding color to illustrations of God’s beautiful creations. 20 amazing illustrations of wildlife nature in realistic, hand-drawn, gray-scale images, will capture your imagination and enlighten your spirit.

While coloring your favorite pages, meditate on inspirational Bible verses of God’s promises to His human family. Framed scriptural verses are located on the opposite page of the illustration for your convenience.

Use paint markers, gel pens, or colored pencils to bring the images to life with subjects such as animals, flowers, mountains, and waterfalls, all in gray-scale format and framed for a realistic finished masterpiece. Display your amazing finished works as home decor on your walls or on social media to show your skills to friends and family.

In addition to the adult coloring book features, journal pages are added for you to jot down your own thoughts, memoirs, or even drawings that leave a legacy to share for years to come. All journal pages are dotted for even spacing and guidance.

“God’s Promises: Wildlife in Gray-Scale Adult Coloring Book & Journal” includes the following:

◆ 20 breathtaking illustrations in gray-scale format for realistic imagery

◆ Single-sided pages to avoid bleeding into another image

◆ 20 timeless scriptural verses in a decorative font to uplift your spirit

◆ Increase your knowledge, faith, and wisdom through God’s infallible Word

◆ dotted journal pages for adding your own memoirs, thoughts, or drawings

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Coloring books are not just for children anymore. More and more adults are unwinding with coloring books. I see them all over the market, but none match the artistry level of Adeela Zahid (credited on the copyright page). Their realistic, hand-drawn, gray-scale images will amaze you, impress you, and you’ll almost hesitate to mark them with any color. That said, I’d be cautious when applying any color to the page. The artist creates textured images but, in the process, makes it difficult for the average person to “color” the pictures without certain focal points turning into a big blob. Mainly, I am speaking about the trees, stems, leaves, fields, and water. 

When I first glanced at the stunning drawings, I envisioned how to style these portraits. I’m not an artist, but I noticed enough white open areas allowing an amateur artist to add a pop of color to every picture—for instance, the bunny chewing on the leaves of a batch of wildflowers. Using a colored pencil, I could make the petals come to life. Same for the frog sitting on the lily pad. Depending on your skill level, you can shade in some or all of the coloring sheets. 

God’s Promises: Wildlife in Gray-Scale Adult Coloring Book & Journal also includes uplifting bible scriptures and dotted pages to journal your thoughts and feelings. People of faith will love reading the bible verses. They’ll warm a reader’s heart as much as the lovely drawings. In addition to the above-mentioned components, Stella Fanbosi (author) breaks down “How to Become a Citizen of God’s Kingdom,” citing the bible in multiple locations. Customers will also learn a sinner’s prayer. Since no one is without sin, this prayer is worth reading and reciting daily. 

No matter your skill level, grab a colored pencil, gel pen, or paint marker and bring the wildlife images to life. “Display your amazing finished works as home decor on your walls or on social media to show your skills to friends and family.” 

God’s Promises: Wildlife in Gray-Scale Adult Coloring Book & Journal would make an exceptional gift for any Christian. 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

My love for art and spirituality began early in childhood. I remember my mother saying that if I wanted to live happily ever after, I should regard the Bible as sacred and learn from it. Here I share a simplified version of art & spirituality without the confines of religion or dogma. 

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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