The End

I recently published my first edited book,  Labor of Love: A Literary Mama Staff Anthology ,  with  Small Harbor Publishing . It's an anthology of writing from  Literary Mama  staff over the past 20 years. It's a beautiful collection and I am proud of the writers and proud to share the book.  It seems a fitting moment, as I pondered sharing about the book here on the blog, to reflect on my life as a blogger, and acknowledge that it is time to officially end this blog.   I started blogging in about 2007, when my baby was learning to toddle, when I was learning how to be a mother and stepmother, when I was just starting to see my way as a writer. I needed it back then. I craved it. I had a variety of blog iterations--family, art, creativity, writing things I delved into. There's a freedom in blogging, a casualness, an easy familiarity that's lacking (for me anyway) in other kinds of writing. I loved blogging and the words came pouring out.  Ove...
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For the Birds


Last fall our local SCBWI had upstate New Yorker Peggy Thomas come for a talk.  She was an inspiration to me to refocus on writing non-fiction.  I was delighted to discover the connection between Highlights and the Roger Tory Peterson Institute when, last week we workshop atendees were lucky enough to be given one of Peggy's books.  For the Birds.  Illustrated by Laura Jacques.

If you like picture books, if you like great art, if you like birds or nature in any way, then this book is for you.  It is the story of Roger Tory Peterson, the man who developed the first bird identification books for the regular nature loving citizen. Surely you know of the Peterson guides? 

Ol' Roger found his love for birds at an early age.  And proceeded to spend his life in a dedicated obsession with creating complete guidebooks.  He started with birds of the East, publishing his first Field Guide to the Birds, and causing people all over 1930's America to suddenly feel interested and excited about seeing birds in the wild.  His first guide was wildly popular, as people began to think of birds as more than just feathered caps or hunting targets.

For the Birds covers most of Roger's life, and shines a light on one of America's early passionate advocates for nature.  It also inspires us to share a the fun of birding with our kids.  I love this picture book.  And not just because it was given to me for free.  But because it is beautiful to look at, fun to read, and reminds me that powerful and meaningful picture books do exist.  Finally, I love this book because it taps right into the heart of what matters so much to me, loving nature and treating all of Earth's creatures with respect.  Every day.

STEM Friday
Check out the STEM Friday blog for more book reviews.(STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

Comments

Roberta said…
I have meaning to take a look at this book, thank you for reminding me. It sounds wonderful for a cetrain youngster I know who is really into birds.

Welcome to STEM Friday!
April 27, 2012 at 3:22 PM
Sue Heavenrich said…
he, neighbor - welcome to STEM Friday. I agree, this is a fun book to read. Not only a good story, but the illustrations are awesome.
April 27, 2012 at 5:56 PM
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