What do people, animals and plants have in common?

Answer: We all inhabit the same space. By that, I mean planet Earth!

If you are like me, you marvel at the variety, dare I say diversity, of species! When it comes to meeting new people and seeing new animals and plants, count me in! At this age/stage of my life, I believe I owe it to myself to stay curious. I satisfy that "itch" by reading and traveling as often as possible. Take me to a Zoo or Botanical Garden and I am a kid! But, I am not one to keep it to myself! So, I share with all of you.

Children blossom (yes, a plant pun) when they are curious and are aware that they can learn in leaps and bounds by reading.. This past weekend, while promoting my books, I met a brother (7 y.o.) and sister (4y.o.) who do just that! After just 5 minutes with my book, "Who Found Who?", the little girl had lots of questions about the character, Georgie. What I loved most was that she connected with the story through the pictures. That is what every children's book author hopes for!

As she turned to each page, she put her own words to the pictures. She became part of the story. When I asked about her ability to read, she was proud to tell me she was learning. I can see why! Her parents and her brother were readers, so she was setting her own goals in that endeavor. She had three people who could read to her, but she wanted to do it on her own.

She understood that Georgie is my pet. She understood that I found him 8 years ago, walking on the roof of my car. But she needed to know, based on one of the pictures, why my car had lights on it? She went back to the picture to show me what she perceived as "lights". I explained that the artist who did the pictures was making it look sparkly, like when the sun shines on water. In the story, Georgie lands on the roof of my car because he thinks it is water and he is thirsty.

She had lots of questions. She wanted to know if Georgie had a place to live? We looked at the pictures where she could see a cage. She inspired me to make short videos today with Georgie doing his everyday things.

Oh, and if you are wondering why I included plants in my title, it's because I can get equally excited about them, too! Living here in Columbia, SC, we are fortunate to have the amazing Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens. We also have many State Parks, Preserves, and other locations to enjoy Nature! I hope you can come see for yourself. It's not just for the kids. And stay tuned for more "Garden Chronicles," here on the Blog!

Hungry Georgie loves his food!