Last Child in the Woods--Kids Leaving Nature Behind

Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, coined the term, nature-deficit disorder in this book.  He describes how children today are in great danger of losing touch with nature.

The author directly links a lack of nature in the lives of today's "wired generation" to some of the most disturbing childhood trends, such as the rises in obesity, attention disorders, and depression.

Last Child in the Woods discusses a new and growing body of research indicating that direct exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood development and for the physical and emotional health of children and adults.

Louv offers practical solutions and simple ways to heal the broken bond—and many are right in our own backyard.

And here is a great book from my friend, colleague and writers group member,  Jennifer Ward.  It is, It's a Jungle Out There, published by Shambhala Publications.  This new book is a wonderful example of what can be done to keep kids engaged in the wild side of nature, even in the confines of the city!

One Pelican at a Time Now Available Through Guardian Angel Publishing

One Pelican at a Time

A Story of the Gulf Spill

                                       

                                   www.blazingtrailers.com

 

Guardian Angel Publishing

Academic Wings 

Author: Nancy Stewart   www.nancystewartbooks.com

Artist: Samantha Bell   http://www.samantha-bell.com/

Print Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-61633-138-2; 1616331380
Print Paperback ISBN: 978-1-61633-139-9; 1616331399
eBook ISBN: 978-1-61633-140-5; 1616331402

Bella and Britt love living by the beach.  When they find oil washing to shore from a gulf spill, they want to help but are told there is nothing for kids to do.  But when their old friend, the pelican, becomes covered with oil, they help save his life by their quick thinking and action.

One Pelican at a Time will soon be available through:  Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, http://indiebound/ and museum shops and aquaria.

Picture book, One Pelican at a Time, coming soon!

My first picture book in the Bella and Britt series, One Pelican at a Time, is getting close to its release date of early 2011. The book tells the story of the girls' heroic efforts to save the old crooked beaked pelican from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.  They have know the pelican all their lives, and he, more than anything, stands for everything good about the beach.  Along the way, Bella and Britt assist other pelicans who are in trouble.

This was an emotionally difficult book to research and, in some ways, hard to write.  It is my wish that children take heart and courage from Pelican and do their part to help save this fragile planet they are to inherit.