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| Photo courtesy of Marghanita Hughes |
When I started blogging some 2+ years ago, I fell in with some amazing people. I mean, truly amazing souls. Marghanita Hughes is one of those people.
From the moment I read her quote “when children and nature mix, something magical happens,” I was hooked. Her passion and love of all things nature is infectious. And her commitment to inspiring the next generation of nature lovers and stewards for the planet is unwavering.
Among other things, Marghanita is a children’s author and illustrator and creator of the award winning children’s brand The Little Humbugs.
Her latest work, Orange Moon – Grandmother Tree, is the first in the Orange Moon book series, and introduces us to Elloise (a.k.a. Orange Moon). Here’s a little look-see:
As with all of Marghanita’s creations, the words and images in Orange Moon – Grandmother Tree take us to a magical place filled with innocence, playfulness, wonder and love.
The story centers around Elloise, a sweet-spirited girl who is at home outdoors in nature. One summer day, she meets an old man who has just lost his dog. The story teaches us about friendship, grief and the healing power of nature.
Orange Moon – Grandmother Tree struck an extra-special chord with me. After all, it was nature I turned to for comfort as I coped with the loss of my dad some three years ago. It is nature I still turn to for inner peace, strength and constancy.
Elloise put into words something I have not as yet been able to convey to my kids: That when you open your heart to someone or something, you are connected forever. And that connection can be “felt” every time you are out in nature – it surrounds you and is with you always.
And as I read this heartwarming story with The Big Explorer, I knew he got the message.
The Nitty Gritty on Orange Moon – Grandmother Tree
Yes, it’s an e-book and I love traditional books – the ones you can snuggle up with. But that only seems to be an issue for me; The Big Explorer thought it was cool to read a book on mom’s computer.
- This is the first book in the Orange Moon series, introducing us to Elloise (a.k.a. Orange Moon) & her innocent, loving take on the natural world
- 37 pages, including enchanting full-color illustrations
- Includes several nature craft projects & play ideas inspired by the story
- There is no recommended age, but I’d suggest it for young readers or those who can sit patiently & listen (not my 3.5-year-old!)
- Best suited for families who can either print the story out or don’t mind reading it in an electronic form
- E-book is available in pdf format
- Sells for $4.99
The Giveaway
I am beyond thrilled to offer you a chance to win your own copy of Orange Moon – Grandmother Tree, courtesy of the lovely Ms. Marghanita. She’s also been gracious enough to include one of her gorgeous color illustrations from the book!
To enter, leave a comment sharing one thing you do that makes you feel connected to nature. Good luck!
- This giveaway will run through midnight PST on Sun., Jan. 19, 2012.
- This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents.
- The winner will be chosen using the nifty random number generator at random.org.
- Winner will have 24 hours to reply to my notification; if I don’t hear back after that, I’ll pick another winner.
Note: I received a free copy of Orange Moon – Grandmother Tree in exchange for providing my honest review with you. Read my full disclosure policy for more information.
