As Maya Grows in the Natural World
Nature Opens A Path to a Magical Imagination
Maya and her friends enjoy catching falling leaves, dancing to the sounds of swaying trees, and embarking on enchanting adventures that build self-confidence and a love of nature. The illustrations bring to life the textures of sticks, stones, and cones, while the rhythmic verses invite readers to paint pumpkins with splish-splash colors. Insightful quotations for adults remind us of our smallness in the vastness of nature, yet highlight our potential for greatness. The book imparts nature's nurturing lessons of kindness, empathy, compassion, and curiosity. A hidden red lotus flower symbolizes resilience, waiting to be discovered. Through Maya's journey, children learn that nature's gifts belong to everyone and that protecting them is a shared responsibility—after all, Earth and Heart share the same letters. Celebrate the wonders of the natural world, filled with flowers, apples, turtles, deer, ducks, birds, soil, streams, and leaves. Join in the outdoor fun on every page. This is the first element of A Green Smile Equation: Fun + Curiosity + Imagination + Learning = Care for Nature and Environmental Stewardship. Maya hopes you enjoy reading her book under a tree, beneath the sky, or wherever you feel happiest!
