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Elizabeth Fais

Tag Archives: Earth Day

The Writer and Rabbit Who Saved the Countryside

22 Thursday Apr 2021

Posted by Elizabeth Fais in Books, Children's Literature, Picture Books

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Beatrix Potter, Earth Day, environmentalism, Ilaria Urbinati, Linda Elovitz Marshall, Picture Books, Saving the Countryside, The Tale of Peter Rabbit

Most people don’t realize that Beatrix Potter was an environmentalist who deserves recognition for her significant contributions on Earth Day.

The lovely new picture book, SAVING THE COUNTRYSIDE, The Story of Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit, with words by Linda Elovitz Marshall and pictures by Ilaria Urbinati, is a tribute to Beatrix Potter’s dedication in creating a legacy that stretched far beyond her beloved stories. This true story, told with honest heartfelt prose paired with delightful watercolor illustrations, shines a light on Beatrix Potter’s deep love of nature and her desire to preserve her beloved farm, as well as the rest of the surrounding farms and countryside (totaling 4,000 acres!) for the greater good.

Ahead-Of-Her-Time Trailblazer

Beatrix Potter (1866-1943) was a trailblazer for children’s literature and women’s rights, as well as the environment. Her first book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit (published by Frederick Warne in 1902) established the genre of fiction for young readers. This in itself was a monumental achievement, but even more so in the late 19th century when it wasn’t considered proper for women to work outside the home in a professional capacity. Miss Potter (the 2006 film) provides endearing insights into the whimsical imagination of Beatrix Potter and the societal pressures she faced and overcame. You can watch the trailer for this inspiring film below.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit, cover

Born in Kensington, London, Beatrix later moved to Hill Top Farm in Cumbria. She was a biologist and naturalist at heart, and made it her mission to save the beloved countryside that surrounded her farm. In all, she protected and preserved 14 other farms, over 4000 acres of land, all of which were bequeathed to the National Trust upon her death.

Beatrix Potter wrote and illustrated 28 books that have been translated into more than 35 languages and sold over 100 million copies. The Tale of Peter Rabbit is still Potter’s most popular and well-loved tale. It’s the story of a mischievous rabbit and the ensuing trouble he finds in Mr McGregor’s vegetable garden!

Miss Potter ~ The inspirational life of Beatrix Potter

3 TREE-rific Informational Picture Books

14 Sunday Mar 2021

Posted by Elizabeth Fais in Book Reviews, Nonfiction, Picture Books

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Arbor Day, Balboa Park, Charlotte Guillain, Earth Day, Elizabeth Fais, environment, H. Joseph Hopkins, Jill McElmurry, Kate Sessions, Lita Judge, Nonfiction, Picture Books, Sam Usher, San Diego, The Tree Lady, The Wisdom of Trees, Trees, What Did The Tree See?

There is a wealth of amazing informational picture books on the market today, in every subject and category. Each one beautifully illustrated and wonderfully told. So much so, I have a hard time limiting my purchases whenever I wander into a local bookstore. With spring almost here and Earth Day and Arbor Day coming next month (April 22nd and 30th respectively), now is the time for trees.

I can’t say enough good things about these TREE-rific informational picture books, so I’ll let their stories and artwork do all the talking.

The Tree Lady

The Tree Lady

Written by H. Joseph Hopkins
illustrated by Jill McElmurry

The Tree Lady is the true story of how one tree-loving woman changed a city forever. Kate Sessions arrived in San Diego in 1883 and looked out over an arid and barren landscape. Her vision transformed San Diego into the botanical jewel it is renowned for today. She received many honors for the work she did, but the one that pleased her the most was being called the Mother of Balboa Park. This book is a must read for anyone who doubts that one person can change their world.

The Wisdom of Trees

Written and illustrated by Lita Judge

The story of a tree is a story of community, communication, and cooperation. Although trees may seem like silent, independent organisms, they form a network buzzing with life: they talk, share food, raise their young, and offer protection. Trees thrive on diversity, learn from their ancestors, and give back to their communities. Trees not only sustain life on our planet––they can also teach us important lessons about patience, survival, and teamwork.––Synopsis

Lita Judge’s lush illustrations are matched with the beauty of poems and easily interpreted scientific explanations about the Secrets of the Wood Wide Web. This book provides a depth of insight and knowledge about forests and the animals and other life forms that make their homes within. The Wonder of Trees is sure to intrigue readers of all ages.

What Did The Tree See?

Written by
Charlotte Guillain
Illustrated by Sam Usher

As the might oak tree tells her life story in lyrical prose, we experience her joys and losses as the landscape changes around her over the centuries. The timeline at the end describes the historical milestones over the tree’s lifetime.

Happy Earth Day!

22 Wednesday Apr 2015

Posted by Elizabeth Fais in Animals, Animation

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Earth Day, Elephants, environment, nature

Nothing says “Happy” like a baby elephant…

Baby elephants pretty much rock my world any day. But flaunting this little guy’s awesomeness is especially appropriate on Earth Day.

His Singing in the Rain soft-shoe has the entire jungle in awe. So it’s not just me. I’m sure Gene Kelly would be feeling the envy. And with that trunk, he’d probably put Sinatra’s crooning to shame too.



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