February 2010
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By Angus Macdonell
Are you a parent looking for ways to promote the concepts of sustainability, environmental awareness and respect for others to your kids? Setting a good example is the most obvious method but children also need to have their own realizations as they nurture a sense of global accountability and a broader perspective toward life. That’s where a good book can help.
Author Susanne Alexander-Heaton’s The ABC Field Guide to Faeries is an excellent resource that creatively instills your progeny with values that espouse a love for nature and the people with whom they share their planet. Written for ages six and up, it captures the innocence of children and the magic of
make-believe while providing meaningful messages to a
readership that will take them to heart as readily as they do milk
and cookies.
Every parent knows that children learn best when their senses are stimulated and their imaginations inspired. The beautiful photographs and illustrations (designed by Chantal Gabriell) in Alexander-Heaton’s book are a feast for any child’s eyes, offering a spectrum of colours as well as imagery that leave an indelible impression.
The wonderful rhymes that accompany the artwork are easily read and digested. The truths they convey of respect for the planet, self-love and compassion for others could be considered above some young children’s grasp but repetition of them throughout the book is an excellent way to guarantee that as a child develops they’ll begin to comprehend the meanings they contain.
It’s a perfect medium to reach children, who can be so full of hope, joy and selfless love that they can only benefit by such warmly positive sentiments like those expressed by faery Camilio, “Follow your heart as you go on your way, Then you will find pleasure in every day,” or the empowering message of faery Uniqueuella, “You are magical, beautiful, mystical and bright, So shine out strongly with your unending light.”
These and other uplifting themes within the book convey a positive approach to living with believable words that can help shape a child’s outlook and foster a strong sense of responsibility for all life. The ABC Field Guide to Faeries is a must-have addition to any child’s library, both for the beauty of the book’s design features and for the simple wisdom of its poetry.
TAKE ACTION:
- A portion of the sale of every book goes directly to causes related to the book’s themes and Susanne’s mission statement. Her goal is to raise $2.5 million dollars by 2012. If you feel your group or organization qualifies as a worthy cause for book sale proceeds and are willing to sell copies to fundraise, contact the author at smheaton@shaw.ca.
- For further information about the author, her mission statement or the book itself, visit: http://www.abcfaeries.com/
- For a list of places the book can be purchased in Alberta visit: http://www.abcfaeries.com/uploads/bookstores_19_1865867637.pdf
April 21st, 2010 at 5:08 pm
I have just receiv ed word that The ABC Field Guide to Faeries is one of the nominees for the AB 2010 Book of the Year Award for Children! The finalist will be announced on Friday, May 14 at the AB Writer’s Guild and the Book Publishers of AB Gala event in Edmonton. Thank you to Stephanie, REAP and Angus for all of your wonderful support. Wish me luck!