The Big Reveal
Big news! I’m thrilled to share that I have a book coming out in November, The Nature Explorer’s Sketchbook. The book is primarily intended for young people (9+) and aspires to help them look more closely at nature and capture what they discover with pencil, pen, and paint. I hope it invites kids to begin a lifelong journey of exploration and creative expression with ideas, tips, and plenty of space to draw.
This book has been a year in the making and it’s exciting to see it all come together from concept to completion. I deeply appreciate several fantastic early reviews from educators, nature journalers, and artists, including Cathy Johnson and John Muir Laws.
THE LAUNCH
In the next few months, I’ll give you a sneak peek inside The Nature Explorer’s Sketchbook. I am also putting together a “launch team” to help me spread the word about the book. I would love you to be part of it. Here’s what’s involved:
Starting in mid-September, I’ll provide the launch team with a social media post once a month to share on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. If you are a blogger and would like to write a review, I can provide you with an advance copy. Once the book is available, I’ll be looking for people to write a brief review on Amazon. Reviews are key to having the search engine drive traffic to the book.
If you are interested in joining the launch team, let me know in the Comments section below. And, of course, I welcome you to buy a copy of The Nature Explorer’s Sketchbook for the special young people in your life—or for yourself—when it comes out November 1.
The book is being published by Tumblehome Books, a small publisher with a big mission: inspiring kids to think critically, love learning, and become fascinated by science. It will also be available at Independent Booksellers and Amazon.
ONLINE CLASS NOTICE! The Artist Sketchbook, Tuesdays, August 18, 25, Sept. 1, 8
6-8pm Eastern / 3-5pm Pacific; Offered by the Winslow Art Center, Bainbridge Island, WA
Registration opens later today, 7/26.
Drawn In 
Congrats on your soon to be published book. Can’t wait to buy 2 for my nieces and have them signed by you.
Thanks Diane– appreciate it!
Congratulations Jean! You are the perfect choice for this book. I’m sure it will be amazing. I would love to help out with a review or whatever you need. Shari
Thanks Shari– I appreciate it! I have an idea I want to share with you. I’ll reach out via email with more.
I would love to be a part of your launch team! You make your art so teachable and friendly. I’m sure your book will blast off!
The cover is very appealing. I’d love to review it. I rate with stars, feature the cover so readers can recognize it, and have a wide range of book topics.
I am no longer a blogger, but I am on Facebook and would love to be a member of your launch team.
Thanks Candice- That sounds great…everyone who can help spread the word will help to take the book farther! I will be in touch via email in the coming weeks with details.
This book really had to happen!! Congratulations! I will gladly be on your launch team.
Yeah! I’m glad to have you on the A-team! Lot’s of experience from Family Camp went into the pages of this book. I look forward to sharing more with you soon.
Being part of the launch team would be a great pleasure! Since my husband and I participated in a workshop with you at the Maine Audubon Center, I have given many sketchbook kits as gifts. Having your book will be a wonderful inspiration to go with the kits. It is really exciting to have your book to look forward to, and would enjoy being part of its launch!
Great Sara! I love the idea of giving sketchbook kits…and, of course, think that The Nature Explorer’s Sketchbook and a set of colored pencils would make a perfect holiday gift! I’ll be in touch via email in the coming weeks with more info. Hope you are doing well — I miss Maine this summer!
What wonderful and exciting news, Jean! I can’t wait to see what you have created. I will certainly want a copy of my own and it launches on my birthday month so a gift for myself. Here’s wishing you much success in this delightful venture.
Thanks Dawn– I always like to treat myself to a birthday gift too! More to come…stay tuned.
Our family would love to join your launch team! I have an 11, 10, 8, and 6 year old. We homeschool and greatly enjoy exploring and drawing nature. Thank you for sharing your beautiful work!
Hi Colette- That sounds perfect! I welcome you to join the launch team and then test drive the book! I’ll be in touch soon with details.
Wow, such great news! Congratulations! I am quite interested, to see more sneak peeks of your soon to publish book! Wishing you great success with it – I am pretty sure it will become a great success!
Thanks Liisa– It’s been quite a fun endeavor. I’m honored to have the chance to put a book out into the world and see where it goes…and where it leads me. More to come!
I am happy to be on your launch team. I taught art to children in grades 1-8 for over 25 years. I enjoy sharing nature with my grand children and encourage journaling. I can’t wait to get your book for them!
Perfect! Teachers are always so generous– thank you for helping to launch the book! You will be a great person to test it out. I’ll be in touch in the coming weeks via email with more info.
Whoo-hoo! Congratulations Jean!
Yeah!!
I would love to be a part of the launch team, too. I’m one of the founding members of League of Urban Nature Artists and would be happy to write a review for our blog and other social media accounts.
Thank you! Nice to find out about the League of Urban Nature Artists. I appreciate you writing a review for your blog– I’ll be in touch via email in the coming weeks. Appreciate it!
Congratulations! I took one of your workshops about 5 years ago in Killington, VT. I have enjoyed creating nature journals ever since. I will definitely be preordering your book. It would be a pleasure to be a member of the launch team.
Hi Cyndi– I remember that workshop well! I’m so glad to hear you have continued to enjoy nature journaling. I appreciate you being part of the launch team. Look for more info in the coming weeks via email.
How wonderful! I can tell our local bookstore , library, and sketch group and would love to buy one myself.
Thank you! I’ll be in touch with you via email in the coming weeks to share ideas, images, and info. I so appreciate your support!!
Congratulations! I can’t wait to see more.
Thanks Ellen…I can’t wait to share more of the book in the coming months!
Please put me on your team! Whenever our sketch group meets we welcome kids and I even carry along some mini supplies for young people who stop by and join us. We post results on a blog and on Instrgram.
Congratulations on your book; I can’t wait to see it. Peggy
Peggy- Your group sounds great– how nice that you welcome kids and carry mini-supplies! I always love it when kids are curious when seeing me sketching in public…I love sharing what I’m doing with them. I appreciate you helping with the launch and will be in touch via email with more details in the coming weeks..
I’d love to buy a few copies of your new book for granddaughters. And me,too! 🥰
That’s great Kathy! Your granddaughters are lucky to share an art connection with you. My own grandmother nurtured by artistic interests and it made a huge difference to have her support.
Oh, yes! What great news! I can’t wait to see it! I don’t have a blog, but know lots of teachers who would love to use it with their students here in the PNW. We have outdoor programs in the area , as well. Congratulations, Jean!
Missy
Hi Missy- Thanks for your enthusiasm. I remember you asking me about doing a book when I was in Anacortes…how many years ago now? Every connection helps, so I will be in touch via email with more info, images, and ideas for spreading the word.
Count me in, Jean!
As a retired art teacher, I see this as a great catalyst to young people and everyone else!
It will give parents and educators wonderful
adventures in exploring and observing. Best of luck with the launch. I will be purchasing !
Thanks Karen– you’re the best! Glad we are staying connected through Art!
I’d love to be part of the launch team, however I’m not a blogger but would happily post because your nature art is so fabulous! Christmas gifts for my littlest grand girls, can’t wait to order! And of course one for me too!
Thanks so much Judy! You don’t need to be a blogger to share your enthusiasm. I’ll be in touch via email about the launch team and provide info and images to help. Really appreciate it!
Wow Fantastic!! Can I pre-order yet??? It is a VERY exciting thing to see your work in book form, and I am jazzed for you! Ha I’m also jazzed that I get to buy and keep your sketches 🙂 Well, anyway I am going to make sure my excellent local bookseller can order this – and I will also leave an Amazon review when you are ready — BIG Congrats, I hope I can add your book to many people’s library!
Big Thank You, Sheryl! Glad you are jazzed for the book! I appreciate you helping to spread the word and leave an Amazon review when it comes out. You can preorder now (follow Amazon link in the blog). I’ll be in touch via email with more info on the Launch Team.
Great project. I would be glad to help as part of the launch team.
Thanks Michael- Glad to have your help in spreading the word! I’ll be in touch via email in the coming weeks with more info.
Glad to help. info@amagaphoto.com
I am always amazed by your page layouts and composition and colors. I would love to be a part of your launch team.
Marybeth
Thanks Marybeth- That’s great! I’ll be in touch via email in the coming weeks about the Launch Team.
Definitely would love to be part of your launch team, Jean! I love this! As a teacher and home educator of 25 years, this is exactly the sort of thing I want to help my children with studying!! Can’t wait!! 👏🏻🙌👏🏻🙌
Hi Christa- Thanks for joining the launch team. I hope the book will be engaging and fun for you and your younger children. I come from a big family, so can appreciate how much you must have going on every day! You will be a perfect “test” for the book.
Well Madam, do you have any idea how long the world has been waiting for this event??? and its for the kid in all of us, we are all, always learners and this is such great news.. I dont blog but fb and already know its a gift, having and learning from this work of art… all the best hooray !
Thanks Sandra- I’m glad the world is ready and waiting! I love “the kid in all of us”…couldn’t agree more– exploring, learning and growing is a lifelong joy.
I am so pleased to see that one of my favorite educators and artists has written a book I will cherish for myself and my grandchildren. I’d love to help out with comments or whatever.
Hi Judy! Thanks for your offer to help…and perhaps test it with your grandchildren! Hope you are staying well and taking time to be creative!
So very excited for you! I have already pre-ordered my copy from Amazon and I can’t wait to share this with my Master Naturalist chapter and my fellow nature sketchers. Congratulations!
Thanks Laura– appreciate the early confidence and sale! I really appreciate you helping to spread the word.
Wow. How fantastic, Jean. Though not a blogger I am active on on Facebook in a number of art and nature journaling groups. I’d love to be part of your launch team. I also have two granddaughters, 7 & 9, just across the pond from me, both are artistic, especially the almost 8 year old who carries her sketchbook everywhere with her. We have been drawing and painting and nature Journaling together for several years. Would you like to have the book “kid tested?” Both are articulate in expressing their thought and opinions!
Will preorder as soon as it’s available for Anya’s 8th birthday in early Dec.
Hi Sherry– So glad to have you on the Launch Team! I will let you know about having the book kid tested. I don’t have printed copies yet, but your granddaughters sound like they would be perfect for the job. I’ll be in touch in the coming weeks via email.
I’d be interested in helping out
Thank you Marilyn. I will be in touch via email in the coming weeks.
Brava, brava, Jean! How wonderful for you and for us, it’s a long time coming. I’m sure it’ll be spectacular. I think more children will be homeschooled going forward so what better time to come out with a nature journal book. Please add me to your launch team and I’ll gladly promote your book on my facebook groups and on twitter. I also love reviewing books on Amazon. 🙂 congrats!
Hi Marleny– Thank you. I’m glad to add you to my launch team! Yes, not only are more kids at home, but people are spending more time in nature…which is one of the silver linings of the pandemic. Hope you are well and staying creative!
I write a blog, Florida Backyard Sketchbook (flbysb.blogspot.com), and would be delighted to review your book and also post notices on Facebook. I don’t have a website.
Thanks Jeanette! That’s terrific! I will be in touch via email in the coming weeks about doing a review. It’s nice that you have a FL Backyard Sketchbook group!
This is wonderful news, Jean. Congratulations! I can’t wait to see it and give copies to my grandkids and one for me too!
Hi Audrey– Copies for all! Thank you for all of your support. I’m glad to be connected with you again through the class. Love seeing what you are creating!
Congratulations!! I look forward to your upcoming sneak peeks, and to purchasing copies for our nieces.
Thanks much! I’m eager to share more in the coming months.
Congratulations. Just preordered my copy on Amazon. Can’t wait to share with my 7 grandchildren.
Thanks Sue! What a perfect way to spend time with your grandchildren and instill a love of nature with them.
Jean, this is wonderful! Your art and your poetry always bring delight. I will be so happy to write a review on Amazon. Sending love, Betsy garrard
Hi Betsy– Thank you! It’s exciting to get to this point, but I look forward to crossing the finish line in November and seeing the book out in the world.
Congratulations, Jean❣️ I will be keeping an eye out for your book to be available and, of course, will leave a review on Amazon. Your work is always so beautiful.
Thank you Gwen! I appreciate it!
Hi Jean, I’d be honored to be part of your launch team. I’m a professional copywriter able to write reviews and even a short article or two highlighting your book. So very excited for you!
Thank so much– that’s wonderful! I will be in touch via email with more information and we’ll go from there.
Love to help spread the work about your book which I know will be beautiful! Happy to post on Facebook, Instagram, and with our Shenandoah Nature Club. Best to you with this endeavor!
Thanks Rhonda– I look forward to sharing more details with you in the coming weeks. I’ll contact you via email for that. I really appreciate you helping to spread the word!
Congratulations! Can’t wait to see more and order one for a young friend!
Thanks Tori! That’s so nice to hear. I love encouraging young artists and nature enthusiasts.
How exciting – I hope it’s a huge success!
Hi Jean. Congratulations on your upcoming book launch! If you still need folks to help out, I’d be honored. I have a blog and am very active on Instagram and Facebook. You must be thrilled, and I’m excited for you!
Thanks so much Carol! I would love to add you to my “launch team.” I’ll send details soon to make it easy.
Hi, Jean! My 9-year-old daughter and I have recently discovered nature journaling and it has helped us tremendously in coping with Coronavirus quarantine. I so admire your work and would be happy to help out in any way I can. I am active on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter), and my older daughter is a teacher and she is interested in implementing nature journaling as part of her school curriculum. If you think we would be a good fit for your launch, we’d love to be a part of it!
Hi– That’s terrific! I would love to have you join the launch team. It sounds like you and your daughter would be a perfect audience for the book. I’ll be in touch soon with details. Thanks!
I’m sorry I missed this post before, Jean, but please accept belated congratulations on the publication…well, the congrats are belated and the publication will be soon. Yea! 😉 Maybe there’s something I can do to help get the word out. 🙂
Thanks much! I’ll keep you posted!
What exciting news! It sounds like the perfect Christmas gift for my niece and nephew for Christmas. I’m happy to review your book if you need any more for your launch team.
Hi Claire- Thanks so much! That sounds wonderful. I’ll send you more information via email soon.
Hi Jean! I’m so excited about your new book! I’m definitely buying several – one for myself of course and for a niece and nephew who are really into art and watercolors. If you still need additional help with the launch and reviewing, etc. please count me in. I can do a review on Amazon if you like. I’m primarily on FB, IG, but also belong to a large art group here in Ohio (over 50 members) who I can also share this with. We meet a local library and I’ll also put in a request for the library to purchase this as well. Let me know how I can help!
Great to hear Diana! I’ve sent you an email with more info.