About this item
In the patchwork lands known as Farmer's Fields, we find a little ladybug named Lucy. She lives and works in Farmer's garden, where all types of food and flowers grow. Lucy the Ladybug's tasks take her high and low among the vegetables and flowers. Throughout her day, she meets a community of other garden workers whose mutual efforts help the garden grow. One day, while chatting with her friend, Rudolph the Garden Gnome, Lucy meets a dazzling visitor from nearby Lazy Lake. Could Lucy be headed for another adventure? This children's book offers a glimpse into the world of gardening from the tiny perspective of a bug. Woven into the story are themes of community, personal accomplishment, and fun. The book also fosters themes of land stewardship and conservation.
About the Author
I am an Indianapolis native, retired to a small town in Michigan. While I have degrees in Environmental Design and Sculpture, drawing has been my constant passion.
Artwork was always happening in my childhood. My father was an Art Director for a publisher and did illustrations for children's books. His drawing table was always full of characters coming to life on the page. One of my favorite games was to have drawing "contests"-- making pictures out of letters of the alphabet.
My mom grew up in Michigan and went on to study Fashion Design in Chicago. From her, I gained the love of Nature. We planted flowers, kept vegetables, and, yes, pulled weeds! Mom provided whimsy; she made wonderful costumes, and even Barbie clothes. She let me play in the woods and the creek and showed me the minute beauties of the land. She taught me how to see the details, which I carry into my drawing today. (She is also ultimately responsible for influencing my move north!)
I worked in what I call "fringe" jobs - picture framer, sign artist ... I was near art, it was slightly creative, but it was not mine. What I did for myself was draw and paint. I come back to my beginnings with this book.
I was inspired by my own ever-expanding vegetable garden, where I am committed to growing chemical-free food. This book is to introduce children to the delights of gardening, to the ideals of caring for our planet, to the notion that it is not work to do what you love, while showing them that all creatures--the tiniest ladybug, or a tiny human - can have a big impact in its world.
