Nurturing a Sense of Wonder
I’m thrilled to share the news that my book, The Nature Explorer’s Sketchbook, is now available. Geared for ages 10+, it invites kids to begin a lifelong journey of nature exploration with ideas, tips, and plenty of space to sketch. Launching a book makes you think about the people and experiences that were critical to launching you— family, relatives, teachers, friends. People who believed in you; people who were hard on you; or, in my case, people who encouraged me not to hide my sketchbooks in a drawer.
My grandmother, more than anyone, is responsible for nurturing my creative tendencies and interest in the Arts. A painter herself, she praised my earliest attempts at drawing and painting. She enrolled me in a plein air painting class for adults when I was just entering high school (I was in WAY over my head). She displayed a clunky clay mask that I made in art class in her living room! She shared her curiosity and enthusiasm and nurtured that in me.
If there are young people in your life, think about ways to nurture their sense of wonder and creativity. If that means giving them The Nature Explorer’s Sketchbook, wonderful. Better still, add a box of colored pencils, and spend time together discovering how big and beautiful the world is if we only go outside to look.
TO ORDER
Use special discount code “nature25” and receive 25% off from 11/1 through 11/6 when you order from Tumblehome Books. Or order from your local bookseller with ISBN# 9781943431595, or at Amazon.
JOIN ME THIS WEEK ON ZOOM
Look, See, Sketch, 11/4, 5-5:45pm (EST) FREE
Register: Tumblehome Books
This Zoom session is for youth and adults alike who enjoy exploring nature or drawing or both. We’ll talk about The Nature Explorer’s Sketchbook, and you’ll have a chance to ask questions and draw along with me as I share some activities and tips from the book to spark your curiosity.
Art Chat
11/5, 10am (PST)/1pm (EST) FREE
Register: Winslow Art Center
Come talk art and creativity with me and Winslow Art Center Director Martha Jordan.
Drawn In 
I pre-ordered and my book has been shipped. I can’t wait to see it!
Susan
Thanks again, Susan!
My copy is on the way! Love your intro about your grandmother Jean.
Can’t wait to hold it in my hands ❤️
Thanks Cindy– I’ll be eager to hear your thoughts.
Congratulations on your book! I always enjoy seeing your wonderfully colored sketches!
Thank you! It’s nice to finally reach this point with it.
Congratulations, Jean! The gift shop at the nature center is closed during COVID, unfortunately. Let’s keep an eye to the future…
Maybe things will open up more in the spring. Finger’s crossed.
ORDERED!
Thanks Robin! Hope you enjoy it!
So exciting that your book is out!! I ordered a copy for my 11 year old granddaughter for Christmas. She loves to draw and create and loves nature. I think I will give it to her with a handmade watercolor journal for Christmas. That gives me lots of time to absorb the book before then. 🙂
Cathy- That sounds like a very lovely gift! What a wonderful way to nurture her interest and share something special together.
I’ve ordered two copies. Can’t wait to see it! Looking forward to your Zoom events.
Thank you! I’m looking forward to them too. The one through Tumblehome may have a lot of kids on and we’ll do some sketching together. The Winslow chat will be a nice opportunity for q&a and to learn more about my process.
So cool, I just ordered the book for my granddaughters!
Sent from my iPad
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Thank you! I hope you enjoy it together!
Just received your book and I love it. Your illustrations are wonderful and the sketchbook activities are easy to follow with loads of room for exploring on our own. My niece will be over the moon to receive this treasure!
Hi Debra- Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on the book! I really appreciate it. Your niece is fortunate to have you to nurture her curiosity and nature explorations. Enjoy!
Just ordered your book. Can you recommend a reference book for children, to identify plants, Seeds, , etc. to accompany your book?
Loved the Art chat. Thank you
Hi Maria- Thanks for ordering the book and coming to the Art Chat! Take a look at the Peterson First Guide series. There are books for trees, birds, seashore life, etc. The guides are made for young people and beginners. I recommend looking for field guides that are specific to your region. That helps to eliminate species that don’t occur in your area. Good luck and enjoy!
Hi Maria- Thanks for ordering the book and coming to the Art Chat! Take a look at the Peterson First Guide series. There are books for trees, birds, seashore life, etc. The guides are made for young people and beginners. I recommend looking for field guides that are specific to your region. That helps to eliminate species that don’t occur in your area. Good luck and enjoy!
I just received my pre-ordered book and am looking through it. I had to stop and tell you how thrilled I am. It’s beautiful.
I can imagine a child being very excited to explore and fill those pages, plus the “fun elements” is a wonderful idea.
I have trails to map!!
Jean, many thanks.
Thank you Dawn- I’m thrilled to hear that you are enjoying your first look at the book! No reason you can’t map those trails yourself! Tap that inner child and go explore!
Best wishes with the book, Jean. Yes, we stand on the shoulders of others, don’t we? BTW, thanks for following my blog!
Thanks Dave. I am enjoying your posts.
Congratulations. I will look for it. And I am so glad you were encouraged to remove your sketchbooks from the drawer.
Thanks Lisa!!