From the book Orange Moon © Marghanita Hughes
Exploring the wonders of nature with the children who come to visit my wildlife garden is one of the greatest joys of my life.
- We turn over rocks to look for the Worm Snake who lives there.
- We watch the bugs with our hand lenses.
- We are amazed when the butterfly emerges from its chrysalis.
It is impossible to be uncheered when you’re exploring the magic of nature with a young child. My young friends remind me to let go of all of life’s cares and worries and just be in the moment with nature’s gifts.
Orange Moon in her garden © Marghanita Hughes
Several weeks ago when I first saw the above artwork from my gifted artist friend Marghanita Hughes I told her that the painting was able to transport me to my place of garden mindfulness, the time that I spend every day in my wildlife garden being present with the gifts of nature for that day. This painting is now my screensaver on my computer, reminding me to breathe and to go and sit in my wildlife garden.
Marghanita has such a gift for reminding my adult self that its time to let my child self out to explore and play in nature. And I know that gift isn’t just for me. Many adults have found healing and inspiration through Marghanita’s work.
These paintings are from Marghanita Hughes’ new book Orange Moon and the Grandmother Tree. I’m so thrilled to add it to my collection of children’s books that help connect children with the natural world around them. My second favorite activity with the kids in my life is to sit and read with them about nature’s wonders. I’ve read Marghanita’s other books in this series with my little friends over and over again, so I’m really looking forward to sharing Orange Moon with them, too.
Orange Moon is a beautiful soul who lives in a big garden full of life. Her friends are the birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and trees who fill her magical world. Her heart is so open, she speaks with her friends.
In this story with Orange Moon we learn about love, friendship, grief, healing, and listening with our hearts. In our world where children are increasingly disconnected from the natural world around them, Marghanita is able to connect children to the wonders of nature.
My advice, get a copy of Orange Moon, go sit in your wildlife garden, and let this magical story melt away all of the cares of the day! Marghanita is able to take us to the place where the magic happens through the beauty of her paintings.
Enjoy some of Marghanita’s beautiful work in this video book trailer:
To find out more about Orange Moon:
- Check out the Orange Moon website
- And join the Orange Moon Facebook community
Marghanita Hughes is a children’s author and illustrator and creator of the award winning children’s brand- The Little Humbugs. A naturalist and founder of the “Let’s Go Outside” Revolution – a non-profit organization with a mission to change the way children spend their time. Marghanita also runs nature based art classes throughout the year for children and runs workshops for teachers and caregivers wanting to learn how they can reconnect children with nature.
© 2012, Carole Sevilla Brown. All rights reserved. This article is the property of BeautifulWildlifeGarden.com If you are reading this at another site, please report that to us
About Carole Sevilla Brown
It is truly special watching the joy that comes over a child’s face when they have new experiences with nature. Marghanita has a gift: being able to share with us the joy of a child & help us remember ~
http://nativegardener.blogspot.com/2011/11/her-first-autumn-leaf.html
Beautiful Kathy, thank you so much for your kind words, we are all gifting our children the precious things in life, thank you for all the wonderful work you do. Happy Tuesday, may your day be full of awe and wonder, love Marghanita xx
Marghanita Hughes recently posted..Many Children’s Books Fail to Incorporate Nature
Kathy, Marghanita really does have a very special gift, it’s so true!
Carole Sevilla Brown recently posted..Creating Change to Make the World a Better Place: NWF Backs Down
As an elementary teacher (now school administrator) I have always loved and collected children’s books…I recently gave most of my thousands away to nieces and libraries but I kept a few that are near and dear…I cannot wait to get this…I did order it and it sounds right up my alley…I loved teaching kids about nature and lessons through nature…must be where the roots of my blog came from..thx Carole for steering me to this book.
Oh Donna, I hope you have a magical time sharing “Orange Moon” with the children – so thrilled you had such a wonderful time teaching children about nature – thankfully more and more teachers are beginning to see the benefits of taking lessons outdoors. I continue to learn from the children I teach and what a joy they gift me each and every day in my nature classes. Just off to visit your blog. Wishing you a beautiful evening, love and peace, Marghanita xx Happy Reading!
Marghanita Hughes recently posted..Many Children’s Books Fail to Incorporate Nature
Donna I wish every child had a teacher like you who could share their passion for the natural world with them! What a different world this would be
Carole Sevilla Brown recently posted..Occupy Scotts
Very beautiful illustrations, it really transports you to the other side of the garden!
karen ho fatt recently posted..What is a CSA Certified Fire Pit?
Karen, Marghanita’s illustrations are simply magical! They can transport me back to my own childlike sense of wonder
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My dearest Carole, thank you for such a beautiful review. I am deeply touched by your words. The very thought that Orange Moon’s painting was able to transport you to your place of garden mindfulness is the biggest compliment I could ever receive, thank you.
Your work and dedication to what you believe in inspires me each and every day Carole, thank you for what you do, we are so blessed to have you in our lives. Wishing you a magical day in your wildlife garden, love and peace, Marghanita xx
Marghanita, you are such a special person! Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. You are a true inspiration
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