Book giveaway of As Maya Grows in the Natural World presented* by Patricia Ambinder in partnership with The Children’s Book Review.
Inspired by John Muir’s timeless wisdom, the essence of the book As Maya Grows in the Natural World lies in his profound words:
Nature is the greatest teacher of all. It teaches us to love, to care, and to appreciate the beauty of the world around us.
This book is a celebration of the joy found in outdoor play and the invaluable lessons nature imparts in building self-confidence and resilience, all while fostering a deep love for the environment. Author Patricia Ambinder hopes that through these pages, young readers will forge a lasting connection with the natural world, recognizing that ‘the world is our home, and we belong to each other.’
In addition to receiving a copy of the book, three lucky winners will have the opportunity to direct a $100 donation to a children’s or nature-related charity of their choice.
To enter this giveaway, participants are invited to share a favorite nature quotation—be it an original composition or one from a known or unknown source. Let us unite in spreading the wisdom and beauty of the natural world.
As Maya Grows in the Natural World is a lovely introduction to sustainability and the environment for young readers.
—Dr. Jen Harrison, The Children’s Book Review
Book Giveaway
As Maya Grows in the Natural World: Book GiveawayAbout the Book
As Maya Grows in the Natural World
Written by Patricia Ambinder
Illustrated by Kim Soderberg
Ages: 2-6 | 34 Pages
Publisher: Patricia Ambinder (2023) | ISBN-13: 9798988238553
Publisher’s Book Summary: Maya and her friends delight in catching falling leaves, dancing to the music of swaying trees, and discovering other enchanting adventures that grow self-confidence and foster a love of nature.
The sounds of rippling streams seem to flow from the pages, and your fingertips can almost feel the texture of sticks, stones, and cones from the beautiful illustrations with stunning detail.
Imaginative rhymes-Paint a pumpkin with colors that splish-splash and swish-paired with insightful quotations for adults by known and unknown sources -The sea has a way of reminding us of our smallness, yet at the same time, our potential for greatness- teach nature’s nurturing lessons of kindness, empathy, compassion, and the joy of curiosity.
Among the book’s surprises is a red lotus flower, a symbol of resilience, hidden brightly, its bloom waiting to be found.
Through Maya’s journey, children grow to understand that nature’s gifts belong to everyone and that protecting them is our shared responsibility—Earth and Heart are spelled with the same letters.
Celebrate the wonder of the natural world brimming with flowers, apples, turtles, deer, ducks, birds, soil, streams, leaves, and other open-air treasures!
Enjoy the great fun Maya has on every page. She hopes you love reading her book under a tree, beneath the sky, or wherever you feel the happiest!
Buy the Book
About the Author
A writer of poetry and prose, Patricia Ambinder is a passionate social justice advocate with an avid curiosity to understand the complexities of the human experience. She appreciates the concise eloquence of quotations to nurture imagination and challenge thinking.
For decades, Patricia held leadership positions on boards and councils, offering guidance and enhancing communications to strengthen community engagement on issues such as early childhood education, food security and peace and justice. She is an Honorary Life Member of the Board of Directors of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
Patricia and her husband cherish time with their four children and extended family. It was her adored granddaughter Maya’s fascination with leaves and delight in morning nature walks that inspired “As Maya Grows in the Natural World.” Patricia loves watching birds and hearing the rustle of sea grapes.
For more information, visit AsMayaGrows.com.
About the Illustrator
Kim Soderberg is a Children’s Book Illustrator with a personal and professional passion for helping children grow in kindness through visual storytelling. After her son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the importance of advocating for acceptance became a focal point in her work. Through portraying characters of all differences and abilities, she supports a culture where we all belong as we are in this world.
Kim currently lives in Cleveland, Ohio, with her graphic designer husband, Josh, and their three energetic children. She has a BFA in illustration from the Columbus College of Art Design and is an active member of SCBWI. When she is not illustrating, you can find her creating with Sculpey, exploring Lake Erie, or searching for a new succulent to add to her collection.
For more information, visit kimsoderbergillustration.com.
Thank you for entering the As Maya Grows in the Natural World book giveaway. Check out our book giveaways page to see what other free children’s books may be up for grabs!
353 Comments
This book would make a great addition to my grandson’s personal library.
Thank you, Donna, As the giveaway comes to an end, I am grateful for the heartwarming comments and inspiring quotes.
Rain is grace; rain is the sky descending to the earth; without rain, there would be no life. – John Updike
Tracy, thank you, what a lovely quote.
Nature always wears the color of the spirit. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Thank you, Sunnymay, for these words that remind us of the deep connection between our inner selves and nature.
Nature can do more than physicians.
Oliver Cromwell
Thank you, Sue. Nature’s healing certainly encompasses physical, mental and emotional health.
“In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Alice Walker
The book sounds like a good learning tool for young people about taking care of our environment so that other generations can also enjoy it.
Thank you, Philip. Maya(the book’s inspiration) is only a bit over two years old and loves outdoor play. I hope, borrowing your words, that Maya(representing children of all ages) will grow to “[take]care of our environment so that other generations can also enjoy it.”
“Nature is not a place to visit, it is home.” –Gary Snyder
Thank you, Ashley. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone felt this way?
Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience. Ralph Waldo Emerson
Thank you very much, Lisa. Nature’s wisdom is so profound.
Thank you for the opportunity to win this prize for my grandson.
Thank you so much for your support and interest, Donna.
No one regrets spending an afternoon in the woods
Michelle, thank you for sharing. An afternoon in the woods provides a unique solace, fostering mindfulness and offering a refuge from life’s complexities. !t sounds so inviting.
“I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.” –Anne Frank
Thank you, Wanda. Anne Frank’s quote is a reflection of her extraordinary spirit and resilience.
Storms make trees take
deeper roots.
Dolly Parton
Thank you, Sue. This resonates deeply, symbolizing the strength and fortitude that come from facing challenges both in nature and within us.
With 7 hours left…Thank you for participating in TCBR’s giveaway of my book, ‘As Maya Grows in the Natural World.’ Each day, I looked forward to reading your comments and the inspiring quotes about the wonders of nature. Your kind words and enthusiasm for Maya’s journey were heartwarming. I hope that together, we can nurture a love for nature and environmental stewardship in little ones, one story at a time.
All the best,
Patti
“Look deep into nature, then you will understand everything better.” Albert Einstein
Mother Earth is not a resource, she is an heirloom. – David Ipina Yurok Tribe