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Traci reading to children at a day camp
Traci’s Book Recs: Children’s Literature
Written By: Traci Willis
Date Published: January 23, 2025
Traci Willis
Part 3 of our “Staff Picks” series for National Book Blitz Month
Monarch and Milkweed, by Helen Frost and Leonid Gore
Helen Frost’s Monarch and Milkweed is a captivating book that explores the extraordinary connection between monarch butterflies and the milkweed plant. Frost’s lyrical prose pairs perfectly with Leonid Gore’s vibrant illustrations, creating a stunning and engaging book for readers.
The story unfolds across the seasons, detailing the life cycle of monarchs and their reliance on milkweed for survival. From the hatching of tiny caterpillars to the migration of adult butterflies, Frost captures the delicate balance of this relationship in a way that’s both educational and poetic. It’s a celebration of resilience, interdependence, and the beauty of nature.
Helen Frost is an acclaimed author of children’s and young adult books, known for her ability to weave poetic language with meaningful themes. Her works often explore the connections between people and the natural world, inspiring readers to see the beauty and importance of even the smallest creatures. She lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana where her garden is a registered Monarch Waystation.
Perfect for classrooms, families and nature lovers, Monarch and Milkweed is a gentle reminder of how interconnected our ecosystems are—and how vital it is to protect them. It’s a book that invites reflection, appreciation and action to preserve the wonders of nature.
The Mighty Pollinators, by Helen Frost and Rick Lieder
Helen Frost’s The Mighty Pollinators is a beautifully crafted tribute to the vital role pollinators play in sustaining life on Earth. Through poetic language and stunning photography by Rick Lieder, the book takes readers on a journey into the world of bees, butterflies, birds, and other essential pollinators.
Frost’s lyrical prose describes the intricate relationship between pollinators and the plants they help to thrive.
Paired with Lieder’s breathtaking close-up images, the book invites readers to witness the tiny miracles that happen daily in gardens, fields, and forests. This captivating combination makes The Mighty Pollinators a perfect choice for nature lovers, educators, and families looking to spark curiosity about the natural world. It’s both a celebration of the delicate balance of ecosystems and a call to action to protect the creatures that help our world bloom.
A Heartwarming Tale: Grandma Lisa’s Humming, Buzzing, Chirping Garden
Lisa Doseff offers a story that celebrates family, nature, and the joy of gardening. This book invites readers into Grandma Lisa’s world, where she shares her love for cultivating plants and nurturing relationships with her grandchildren.
Through vibrant illustrations and engaging storytelling, Doseff captures the beauty of gardening as a metaphor for life’s lessons—patience, care and the rewards of hard work. The book also emphasizes the importance of spending quality time with loved ones, making it a perfect read for families looking to connect across generations.
Lisa Doseff is a passionate writer and educator who brings her love of gardening and family traditions to life in her work. Her stories are inspired by her own experiences, blending warmth, humor and meaningful life lessons that resonate with readers of all ages.
Grandma Lisa’s Garden is not just a story; it’s an invitation to get your hands dirty, plant seeds of kindness, and grow meaningful connections. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning, this book will inspire you to cherish the beauty of nature and the relationships that flourish alongside it. A delightful addition to any family library.
My Happy Year by E. Bluebird
Paul Meisel’s My Happy Year by E. Bluebird is a delightful and imaginative story told through the eyes of E. Bluebird, a charming narrator who takes readers on a year-long adventure. Written as a diary, the book chronicles the life of a bluebird, from learning to fly and exploring the world to making new friends and overcoming challenges.
Through engaging illustrations and accessible language, Meisel combines humor and heart to create a story that’s both educational and entertaining. The book offers young readers a glimpse into the life cycle and habits of bluebirds, sparking curiosity about the natural world while celebrating the joys of discovery and growth.
Paul Meisel is an award-winning author and illustrator known for his ability to bring nature to life for young readers. With a background in art and a passion for wildlife, Meisel has created numerous books that inspire children to explore and appreciate the world around them.
Perfect for families, classrooms, and nature lovers, My Happy Year by E. Bluebird is a heartwarming reminder of the beauty and wonder of everyday life. This story is sure to leave readers smiling and eager to learn more about their feathered friends.
Ben Valentine
Guest Blogger
Ben Valentine is a founding member of the Friends of Marott Woods Nature Preserve and is active in several other conservation organizations. He leads a series of NUVO interviews with Indiana's environmental leaders, and he cherishes showing his son all the wonders of nature he grew up loving.
DJ Connors
Guest Blogger
DJ Connors, a Central Indiana native and late-to-life hunter, combines a lifelong appreciation for wildlife and the outdoors with a deep passion for exploring the natural beauty of the area he has called home for most of his life. As a husband and father of three, he is committed to ensuring his children have the same opportunities to connect with nature and appreciate the outdoors in their community. DJ’s unique journey into hunting emphasizes sustainability, responsible stewardship, and the importance of preserving these experiences for future generations.
Bridget Walls
Guest Blogger
Bridget is our first ever Communications and Outreach Intern. She is a graduate of Marian University, where she combined English, studio art, and environmental sciences in her degree studies. As treasurer for Just Earth, the university's environmental club, she helped plan events encouraging a responsible relationship between people, nature, and animals.
Jordan England
Guest Blogger
Jordan England is a lifelong Shelby County resident who graduated from Waldron Jr. Sr. High School (just a few miles from Meltzer Woods!). After earning her B.S. degree in Retail Management from Purdue University, she returned to Waldron to start a family with her husband, Brian. Together they have 3 young children and enjoy sharing with them their love of the community. Jordan is the Grants and Nonprofit Relations Director at Blue River Community Foundation, managing BRCF’s grant program, providing support to local nonprofits, and promoting catalytic philanthropy in Shelby County.
Cliff Chapman
President and CEO
As CILTI’s President and CEO, Cliff keeps CILTI’s focus on good science and stewardship. He’s mindful that the natural places you love took thousands of years to evolve and could be destroyed in a single day, and that knowledge drives his dedication to their protection.
Stacy Cachules
Chief Operating Officer
Among her many key duties as Assistant Director, Stacy has the critical task of tracking our budget, making sure we channel donations for maximum efficiency. When her workday’s done, Stacy loves to spend time with her two young boys—and when not traveling, she’s likely planning the next travel adventure.
Ryan Fuhrmann
Vice Chair
Ryan C. Fuhrmann, CFA, is President and founder of Fuhrmann Capital LLC, an Indiana-based investment management firm focused on portfolio management. Ryan’s interest in land conservation centers around a desire to help preserve natural habitats for wildlife and the subsequent benefits it brings to people and the environment.
Joanna Nixon
Board Member
Joanna Nixon is the owner of Nixon Consulting, an Indianapolis-based strategy and project management firm focused on the nonprofit sector. She currently serves as the Philanthropic Advisor for the Efroymson Family Fund. Prior to opening her consulting practice in 2000, Joanna was vice-president for grantmaking at Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF). Joanna has more than 25 years of experience in the nonprofit and arts and culture sector. She is passionate about the environment and loves bringing big ideas to life and creating high-quality arts and culture programs and experiences. Joanna enjoys outdoor adventures, including competing in fitness obstacle course races and hiking with her high energy Australian Cattle Dog, Jackson.
Karen Wade
Board Member
Before retiring, CILTI board member Karen Wade worked for Eli Lilly & Co. In retirement she volunteers for a number of organizations, including the Indiana Master Naturalist program, Johnson County Native Plant Partnership CISMA, Meadowstone Therapeutic Riding Center, and Leadership Johnson County.
David Barickman
Development Systems Manager
Born and raised in Central Illinois, David spent many days as a child wandering around the river, forest and lakes there. He works behind the scenes as a key member of our fundraising team. When not working, David loves to be outdoors hiking, fly fishing, kayaking or woodworking.
Jamison Hutchins
Stewardship Director
Jamison leads our stewardship team in caring for the land that is so important to you. He comes to our team after eight years as Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator for the city of Indianapolis, where his work had a positive impact from both health and environmental perspectives.
Jen Schmits Thomas
Media Relations
An award-winning communicator and recognized leader in Central Indiana’s public relations community, Jen helps us tell our story in the media. She is the founder of JTPR, which she and her husband John Thomas own together. She is accredited in public relations (APR) from the Public Relations Society of America, and loves to camp and hike in perfect weather conditions.
Shawndra Miller
Communications Director
Shawndra’s earliest writing projects centered around the natural world, starting when a bird inspired her to write her first “book” in elementary school. Now she is in charge of sharing our story and connecting you to our work. Through our print and online materials, she hopes to inspire your participation in protecting special places for future generations.
Phillip Weldy
Stewardship Specialist
Phillip enjoys nature’s wonders from an up-close-and-personal perspective as he works to restore the natural places you love. As an AmeriCorps member in Asheville, NC, he had his first full immersion in relatively undisturbed land while reconstructing wilderness trails in National Parks and National Forests.
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