An award-winning Maple Ridge author is launching her new children's book.
'Mother Aspen', by Annette LeBox, is a book aimed at readers from kindergarten to Grace 3, and is a story about a 100-year-old Mother Tree that, from her spring awakening and throughout the seasons, takes care of the forest, above and below the surface.
Above ground the tree is a shelter for animals. She sends up sprouts from her roots, which are the Mother Tree's children, and makes sugar from the sun's rays. And below, the Mother Tree protects the fungi that wrap their threads around the tree's roots to feed on that sugar and then deliver messages warning of drought, disease, and infestations, to other trees.
But when a violent storm hits the forest, the death of Mother Tree means nature has to adapt.
A review by John Scott with the School Library Journal, praised the book's lyrical language and LeBox's insight into Aspen groves.
"Lyrical language that informs and evokes connection with the forest community, along with detailed and saturated
illustrations that capture readers’ emotions, make this year-in-the-life of an aspen grove a stellar selection," wrote Scott.
"LeBox provides readers with a glimpse into these groves, which are of extreme importance due to their resilience and the biodiversity they
support," Scott noted, adding the book is a perfect combination of information, artwork, and emotional impact.
LeBox is a poet and an environmental activist who divides her time between Maple Ridge, British Columbia, and a remote cabin in the Cariboo grasslands. She has won the BC Book Prize for illustrated children’s literature twice: once for 'Salmon Creek', illustrated by Karen Reczuch, and another time for 'Peace Is An Offering', illustrated by Stephanie Graegin. 'Peace Is An Offering' was selected for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. LeBox is also the author of the young adult novel 'Circle of Cranes'.
'Mother Aspen' is illustrated by Crystal Smith, a Victoria native and the daughter of a lighthouse keeper, who discovered her passion for wildlife when she was young. Smith hopes to spark curiosity and wonder about the natural world, kindle concern, and illuminate issues through her illustrations.
LeBox will be launching 'Mother Aspen' from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, at A Celebration of Forests at Haney Presbyterian Church Hall, 11858 216 St., Maple Ridge.
The free event will have special guests performing including: Maple Ridge Dance Circle; Bergthorson Academy of Musical Arts; musicians Peter Tam – who was inspired to write an original piece by the book – and Holly Arntzen, and Garibaldi artists.
All profits from the book sales will be donated to the Friends In Need Food Bank.
