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 | The Children's Book Review Book Cover As Maya Grows in the Natural World](https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/As-Maya-Grows-in-the-Natural-World-1024x1024.jpeg)
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 | The Children's Book Review Book Cover As Maya Grows in the Natural World](https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/As-Maya-Grows-in-the-Natural-World-1024x1024.jpeg)
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.
![K_Soderberg_bio_pic | The Children's Book Review Kim Soderberg: Illustrator Headshot](https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/K_Soderberg_bio_pic.jpg)
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
“Nature is not a place to visit, it is home.” –Gary Snyder.
Thank you, Anne, for sharing. I thought about the quotation’s meaning for me. Nature is a nurturing and soothing space to rest, grow and rejuvenate. I hope that home offers the same environment for children to feel safe, grow and thrive. I love how the same words have so many interpretations.
A fun way to introduce young readers to the importance of being good stewards of our world.
Thank you, Anne, for sharing. I thought about the quotation’s meaning for me. Nature is a nurturing and soothing space to rest, grow and rejuvenate. I hope that home offers the same environment for children to feel safe, grow and thrive. I love how the same words have so many interpretations.
Thank you so much, Linda. I really appreciate your kind thoughts about having fun while learning to love and care for the environment.
If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them and what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys. Quote from Chief Dan George.
I appreciate your sharing this quotation. In the book, I quote Qwatsinas, Hereditary Chief, Edward Moody of the Nuxalk Nation and Black Elk of the Oglala Lakota Nation. I wanted to convey that Indigenous peoples view themselves as part of nature and Indigenous environmental stewardship predates modern environmentalism by centuries. Thank you.
What wonderful reading for kids! Thank you for the chance to win!
Thank you very much for participating!!
“ Don’t mind rain as it’s just liquid sunshine.”
Nadine, it is raining outside my window as I write this thank you for your quotation. It conveys appreciation for rain as cheerful, not gloomy, life-giving like sunshine, and not inconvenient. I will share this with Maya, who loves playing in liquid sunshine.
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May I use this space to convey what I told Bianca Schulze when we discussed this giveaway? I knew that every quotation shared would be inspiring. I am grateful for each and every one.
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” –John Muir.
Thank you so much, Amy. John Muir truly stood as a towering figure in championing the profound significance and impact of the natural world on well-being.
Perseverance wins success!
Heather, thank you. I could not help but relate this to a lotus flower that perseveres through muddy waters to bloom with beauty above the surface.
A walk in nature walks the soul back home.— Mary Davis.
Sherry, thank you for sharing this quotation from Mary Davis. I looked at her author page and read she”…lives a contemplative life in harmony with nature.” This added a deeper layer of understanding to her words.
Oh my! This sounds precious!
Thank you very much for your lovely sentiment, Christina.
Christina, thank you very much for your lovely sentiment.
Nature is the source of all true knowledge
Nature is certainly a profound teacher, offering wisdom and insights into the many complexities of life. I love its ability to inspire endless curiosity and a lifelong joy in the pursuit of knowledge. The quotation you chose elicits so many perspectives. Thank you.
What a lovely book to read to my grandchildren.
Catherine, I wish you many special story time moments with your grandchildren.
Only leave footsteps behind.
I found your quotation to be a very powerful reminder to leave nature undisturbed and live responsibly with minimal impact on the world. Thank you.
Sounds like a great book for kids.
Thank you, David. Little ones can enjoy the seek-and-find red lotus flower and pointing to other objects they are familiar with. I hope the book grows with the child as a listener, an early reader and as an evolving thinker.
The quotations are for adult reflection to share in their own words. Fun experiences enhance the joy of discovering the wonder 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
Thank you, Anne. The Children’s Book Review and Bianca Schulze have been wonderful to work with.
Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Jonathan, your quotation made me think about the challenge of adopting patience in our fast-moving technological world. This pace contrasts with the slow gradual processes of nature. I feel the more I engage with the rhythms of nature, its calming presence instills patience. Thank you.
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.
Barbara, there are few places better than a forest for self-reflection and soul-searching. Thank you so much for sharing.
“There is no Wi-Fi in the forest, but I promise you will find a better connection.” –Ralph Smart
Lynda, thank you so much for this quotation. I hope there will never be Wi-Fi in a forest to disturb its tranquility. (Written with a smile), disconnecting while in nature can help boost our inner bandwidth and deepen our connections.
What an original book!
Sara, thank you for your very kind words.
Wonderful book, thank you!!!
It is wonderful of you to say the book is wonderful. Thank you.
John Lubbock
“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.”
my nieces would love this book
Thank you so much, Brittany. I’m so happy to hear this.
John, your words resonate deeply and serenely. Thank you so much for sharing.
This looks like a sweet book, with a sweet message about the importance of nature. Would love to read it to my son.
Rebecca, your interest is heartwarming. Thank you very much.
2 of my favorite things: Being out in nature and reading with my grandkids 📚
Shelley, a vivid image comes to mind of your favorite things that together multiply feelings of joy, inspiration, and connection. Thank you.
One of the most refreshing books!
David, thank you for your very thoughtful and encouraging words!
What fabulous books. I would LOVE to win these for my granddaughter thank you .
Margo, thank you so much. I wish I could give one away to everyone participating.
Sounds like a wonderful book
Dot,
As a writer, there’s no greater feeling than hearing such affirming words. Thank you.
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” –John Muir.
Thank you, Anne. I find this fascinating: “In September 1867, at age 29, John Muir undertook a walk of 1,000 miles from Indiana to Florida to experience and study the natural world, which he recounted in his book A Thousand Mile Walk to the Gulf. He had no specific route chosen except to go by the “wildest, leafiest, and least trodden way I could find.’ “
My kids have autism (multiple ages and severities). I collect ASD books for them.
Dear Sara,
I am deeply moved that you collect ASD-sensitive books for your children. Your commitment to nurturing their love for reading with books they are comfortable with is very heartening.
I love the inclusivity in this book, would love to read it to my son.
Rebecca, thank you. The diverse splendor of nature mirrors the diverse beauty of humanity. Maya’s friends in the book are based on real people in her life and people I envision will be in her life as she grows.
looks and sounds like a fun book
Thank you, Gloria. Maya and her friends have a great deal of fun playing outside, which is the first element of what I would call The Green Smile Equation: Fun + curiosity + imagination + learning = love for nature and care for the environment.
“You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep spring from coming”.
Jamie, thank you very much for sharing this quotation about the resilience of nature and the unstoppable progression of life.
THIS SOUNDS LIKE A REALLY SWEET BOOK THAT WILL FOSTER CARING FOR NATURE
Darci, thank you. My hope is the book will inspire joy in outdoor play that will grow into caring for nature.
In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. John Muir
Precious book and perfect for my grandchildren!
Thank you, Cathy. I appreciate your kind words and sharing your love of reading.
I love the theme of this book! I’d love to give this to my niece. She loves to be outside and loves animals so she would definitely love this story! The girl on the cover even looks like her! Thanks for the chance to win. And I love the donation to a children’s charity prize!
I can’t remember who said it or where I saw or heard this quote but I love it.
“The sound of a waterfall is nature’s lullaby”
Jewelz, the metaphors reflecting nature’s connection to children are all around us. Thank you very much for sharing this one. Thank you times three for your enthusiasm, interest and appreciation of the charitable donation!!!
Jewelz, thank you times five for your enthusiasm, interest and appreciation of the winner’s choice of a charity to receive a donation in their name!!!!!
Thank you, Rhonda, for your thought-inspiring share.
With appreciation for your comments,
Please excuse duplications and awkward placement of my replies. Like nature has its own unique patterns, my replies seem to find their own unexpected arrangement. Thank you for understanding, Patti
I really appreciate your dedication to spreading autism awareness. It’s especially important for neurotypical kids to understand and accept, thanks again.
With respect, Sara, I shared your message with Kim Soderberg. She will reply.
Hi Sara, I could not agree more, and appreciate your kind words! It gives me hope to see so many people who care. Have a wonderful day.
What a cute story with a powerful message, would love to read it to my son.
Thank you for your lovely acknowledgment, Rebecca. Play and laughter make learning fun!
great niece would enjoy this book a lot
Thank you very much, Gloria. Wishing your grand niece many magical reading adventures!
Listen to nature’s voice – it contains treasures for you. Native American Proverb (Huron)
Proverbs share such timeless wisdom in a few words. Thank you for sharing.
Love this quote!!“ Don’t mind rain as it’s just liquid sunshine.”
Cheryl, me too. Two words, liquid and sunshine, when used together, create a poetic phrase with such a beautiful image.
My grandchildren would love this. thank you for the chance to win.
Lori, thank you very much for participating. Wishing you many magical reading experiences with your grandchildren.
This sounds like a adventure that zay would learn from
Yes, Gloria, thank you. Nature offers endless opportunities for adventure, waiting to excite a child’s curiosity.
“Even if I knew that I would die tomorrow, I would still plant an apple tree today.” Rabbi Hillel
Daniel, thank you for sharing Rabbi Hillel’s message of perseverance, hope and optimism for the future. Guidance that is timeless and very timely.
When you meet one person with Autism, you’ve met one person with Autism.
Sara, thank you. With each share, you teach.
Red sunset at night, sailors delight.
Red sunrise in morning, sailors take warning.
Thank you very much for sharing this proverb that is factual as well as metaphorical.
“If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” Van Gogh
Thank you for sharing. “Sunflowers,” “Irises,” and “The Starry Night” came to mind immediately.
This book is ready to come live with us. Whenever you’re ready…
Sara, I am very moved by the connection to TCBR supporters like you who have left comments like yours about the book or shared a quotation. Thank you.
our kids today need to learn to take care of world and this would be a good start in learning
Thank you, Gloria. In the book, I wanted to communicate that outdoor play nurtures curiosity, awakens imagination, and nature educates so love and care for the environment can grow.
One touch of nature makes the entire world kin. William Shakespeare
Thank you for sharing. Your quotation illustrates, like so many others, that brevity and eloquence can coexist to convey profound insights.