Orange Moon gazes up at the moon and wonders at the brilliance of it’s light.

Gazing up at a night sky filled with stars will bring out the wonder and awe in your child.
As the silvery moon casts its light amongst the countless twinkling stars, their imagination will dance along side them as it expands into the infinite possibilities that the cosmos invites us to explore.

New Study Finds that Children’s Books Increasingly Fail to Incorporate Nature

(original artcilce by Millar- McCune)

Not surprising, considering that children’s picture books are very expensive to produce, most larger publishers are unwilling to deviate from popular trends leaving nature as a theme, an endangered species.

Hard to believe when you consider we are facing an epidemic of childhood obesity, nature deficit disorder and other stress related illnesses in children. Why? One of the main reasons being a disconnection with the natural world.

Picture books often play an important role in childhood socialization.

Personally, I see this as one of the most important issues we face in our lives and one I am working to address in my work as a children’s author, natural teacher and presenter. Many smaller publishers and nature loving authors believe in the importance of our connection to the natural world and are producing some wonderful books and programs.

“Sitting amongst the wilflowers”  from “Orange Moon – Grandmother Tree” Book one

This is just one of the reasons I write and illustrate nature based books for children, especially given the research showing that one of the best ways to raise eco-minded children is to expose them to nature.The very thought that children are not spending time outdoors breaks my heart. As I look back at my own childhood, the books I read and TV programs I watched were centred around the outdoors - The Famous Five, Black Beauty, White Horses, Bell & Sebastian, Lassie, Little House on the Prairie, The Waltons and the fabulous and inspiring nature documentaries by David Attenborough and Jack Cousteau. I can see how these types of shows and books inspired me to explore the outdoors and I know they have the same effect on children today.

According to the researchers – “Natural environments have all but disappeared” in books. They suggest that “Today’s generation of children are not being socialized, at least through this source, toward an understanding and appreciation of the natural world and the place of humans within it.”

BRINGING THE MAGIC OF CHILDREN AND NATURE TOGETHER

My latest picture book series - ”Orange Moon” eloquently expresses the healing potential of seeking out nature and noticing how infinitely connected we all are to each other and everything in our world. – Sherry Robinson – Notice Quiet Nature

Launching my latest Children’s picture book as an E-book wasn’t an easy decision for me. Having been anti-tech when it comes to young children for so many years I realized it was time to embrace this new age and go with the flow. It’s all about a balance. Technology can be a great tool in the right hands, yet in the wrong hands it can be catastrophic.
As a parent with three teenagers I know only too well how big a part technology plays in their lives. As Richard Louv points out in his latest book “Nature Principal” -” the more high-tech our lives become, the more nature we need to achieve natural balance.”  He also highlights the fact that nature is a family bonder.  In chapter 3 of the “Nature Principal” Richard talks about the “Garden” reminiscing about his own childhood. “Such moments became part of the family lore, because our time in the garden and on the water and in the woods held our family together.” So too can a book bond child and parent. I have incorporated  several nature based crafts for parent and child to enjoy together.

Memories are seeds. What seeds are you planting?

You can purchase my latest book  - Orange Moon – Grandmother Tree here for just $4.99

This is what I believe my books do to the adults reading the book; they recall their own magical childhood times in nature – thus inspiring them to share the same experiences with their own children. Many of the reviews from my latest book “Orange moon – Grandmother Tree” have evoked those very memories.

What’s most important here, is that children are given the opportunity to be excited about nature whether it is an e-book, a paperback book or a TV show. If these can help children to understand the awe and wonder of our beautiful and magical world, and inspire the children and parents to head outdoors, then surely, it truly doesn’t matter which format it comes in.

Here is the link to the research.

Orange Moon is available now as an ebook : ORANGEMOONTRIBE.COM May Orange Moon warm your heart…Happy Reading!

Read Reviews here: ORANGE MOON BOOK REVIEWS

Recommended reading – Nature Principal – Richard Louv

Love is everywhere, if our hearts are open. Wishing you all a beautiful week in nature. Love and peace, Marghanita xx

Nature classes with Marghanita video

Let’s Go Outside Revolution video – changing the way children spend their time.

Excited to share with you my new E book  – Orange Moon – Grandmother Tree

BRINGING THE MAGIC OF CHILDREN AND NATURE TOGETHER

BUY E-BOOK NOW ONLY $4.99 Full colour illustrated childrens book with nature crafts (37 pages)

Reviews:

“Marghanita Hughes has given us a small treasure trove of wisdom, magic and practicality within the colourful pages of “Orange Moon ~ Grandmother Tree”. Whether a child, parent, or simply forever young-at-heart, you cannot help but be captivated by the delightful “Orange Moon” as she steps barefoot into another day of adventure in nature. Within the words and behind Marghanita’s glorious drawings and photographs, there lies tender heart-filled messages for the children whose hands will be holding this book. As well, there is also a delicious array of nature activities that not only teach, but will absolutely inspire all those who try them ~ young and old. Marghanita’s passion to bring the magic of nature and children together has more then succeeded with this charming and motivating little book.” -Wendalynn Jones

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Rich hues of orange-red with a hint of umber contrast with brilliant wildflowers of summer, to set the stage for a vibrant story that warmed my heart and imagination!
Gently Orange Moon models how to open our hearts warmly with love to discover more about nature, our relationships and our selves.

I noticed myself pausing to gaze at the beautiful pictures. As I reflected, they reminded me of my own childhood innocence spent in natural spaces relaxing and playing during timeless days.

I realized the power of these beautiful pictures can invite a young child also to pause and gaze at the nature surrounding Orange Moon. The pictures can invite the readers to talk and warmly open our own hearts to share just like Orange Moon.

This story eloquently expresses the healing potential of seeking out nature and noticing how infinitely connected we all are to each other and everything on our world.

This book is a treasure, a keeper, and one that will enrich a very young child as a picture book and last right through the school age years!

The story can enrich our adult lives too, as Orange Moon encourages all of us to open our hearts, to notice the beauty and healing potential within nature! There is a lifetime of wisdom to discover within this story, to grow with your child and within us adults too.

Read full review from Sherry Robinson @ NOTICE QUIET NATURE

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Within the pages of the newest book by Marghanita Hughes, “Orange Moon and The Grandmother Tree,” you will find a wonderful and touching story, accompanied by gorgeous illustrations and artistry. The words in the book almost dance off the page, creating beautiful images in the minds of the reader. The book also comes with an important lesson from a child to an adult, as Ellouise warms the heart of a stranger she meets.  As a Kindergarten teacher I am constantly reminded by my students that they have many amazing lessons to teach me, and this book demonstrates that point.  Our youngest members of society are often the most overlooked, however they are the ones with the greatest lessons of all. This book stirred up childhood memories of my own, of how I, like Orange Moon, loved nothing more than to be free in the outdoors without a care in the world. This story would be perfect for any parent, educator, or nature lover and is complete with wonderful ideas to help incorporate a love and passion for nature into your world through art, craft, and nature ideas. As a teacher who fills her students’ days with opportunities to explore and love nature and the outdoors, I would love to share the journey and magic of Orange Moon with my students. Thank you for another great book and for continuing to share your love for nature and the outdoors with children and adults around the world!  -Lindsay Seto, Kindergarten Teacher, Aspenwood Elementary

LOVE CONQUERS ALL

I cannot express the excitement I feel inside when I think of all the beautiful people in the world sharing their love and compassion. Love makes the world a beautiful place. Orange Moon has been and continues to be a powerful and joy-filled journey in the making. My hope is that Orange Moon will warm your heart and inspire you to head outdoors and dance amongst the flowers.

Teaching our children about compassion is one of the most important things we can do for them and the future of humanity - Dalai Lama

GET YOUR COPY HERE ONLY $4.99

CLICK HERE to purchase an ORANGE MOON illustration.     www.orangemoontribe.com

8.5″ x 11″ Illustrated Prints $9.99 Beautiful illustration by Marghanita Hughes from the heart-warming picture book ” Orange Moon – Grandmother Tree” (Postage $2.99) Please allow 10 days for delivery, thank you.

THANK YOU to all who are sharing this beautiful journey and a special thank you to my wonderful editor, Michel Martin.

Each and every one of you makes heart sing and my spirit dance. We are one. Wishing you a magical week full of awe and wonder. All my love, Marghanita x

BOOK LAUNCH

I am super excited to announce the launch of my new children’s book “Orange Moon and the Grandmother Tree”.

I am looking for 5 reviewers to review my picture book which launches on 27th January 2012.

Just answer the question below:

“What was your favourite OUTDOOR activity as a child?”

Book Summary:

Say hello to Orange Moon who, with a full heart and the magic of nature at her fingertips, is always on the lookout for her next great outdoor adventure.

Summer has finally arrived and the meadow flowers are calling. Orange Moon hurries out for a day of play when a mysterious woman and an enchanted pendant lead her to an old man filled with heartache. Through the magic of love and her special connection with the Grandmother Tree, Orange Moon sets out on an adventure to heal the spirit of her new-found friend.

“WONDER” – Wonder is the source of all spiritual growth.

Sunbeams kissed her face as she danced her way through the wildflowers, leaving pathways of swaying rainbows that seemed to flow from her long brown hair. As she continued to dance through the meadow, Ellouise thanked the flowers for their beautiful colours, for their lovely fragrances and for filling her heart with so much happiness. After some time, Orange Moon settled down amongst the Echinacea flowers, and gazed in wonderment at their beauty.

Connecting Children With Nature

I have incorporated several nature based crafts relating to the story. This is a wonderful way to actively engage children with nature and nurture their creative intelligence.

WE ARE ALL NATURE- NATURE IS THE FUTURE!

My hope is that my books warm the hearts of the readers and encourage children and adults to explore the wonder and awe of our magical and enchanting natural world.

Watch the book trailer:

A book series based upon a child’s wonder of the Natural World. A magical reminder of the power of love and innocence. Ellouise, known to her family and animal friends as Orange Moon, gifts her love everywhere she goes. A book series inspiring play, love and friendship.

Wishing you all magical moments in nature, love and peace, Marghanita x

Last month, whilst back home in Scotland, I heard about a primary teacher from Peebles who was running forest school classes. I was intrigued how she was able to incorporate such classes into the school curriculum and wanted to learn more. Here is my short interview I had with the wonderful and inspiring Annie Edgar. (Later in the week, I was fortunate to visit the forest where Annie holds the classes. I took my niece and nephews with me. We had the most magical time and didn’t want to leave).

Our spirits soared as we wandered through the beautiful forest, each pathway gifting wonder and awe. We were graced with the presence of a deer. The sheer joy of seeing a deer in the wild is one of those magical moments you never forget as a child or an adult.

Interview with Annie Edgar  – LEARNING OUTDOORS

1. Why did you start up the “forest school”?
To introduce more outdoor learning, to provide a more balanced curriculum: social, emotional and physical development of a child.
My love for the outdoors and nature also played a big part in it, the importance in knowing, understanding and respecting the world that you live in, to encourage a responsible attitude towards the environment and sustainability for the future.

Once I started my training I started taking my class out. This was arranged through agreement with the head teacher and the course itself was well supported by the council that I work for.
No problems arranging with school or class, some difficulty in getting parent support to ensure adult:child ratio was met. Mainly due to FS (Forest School) sessions being through school time when most parents are at work. But managed to get help most weeks.
Intensity of course – over 20 essays, compiling health and safety handbook, observation reports and extensive reading on child development and emotional intelligence along with several full weekends of outdoor and first aid training made the course very demanding. On top of day to day school work and preparation I found this quite stressful at times. However, I have learned a huge amount from this course and the benefits are now paying off.

We tasted the most delicious wild Blackberries in the forest.

Also provides the children with a bank of experiences that they can use when back in school to help with their literacy and numeracy e.g. in writing they can describe a forest setting by thinking about what they have seen, heard, tasted, felt in FS. And in maths they have a greater awareness of size for estimating length, height etc.

“When Children and Nature Mix, Something Magical Happens” .

I have been running nature classes for the last three years here in Kelowna, BC and I must say I love teaching outdoors. I am really excited about the possibilities of outdoor learning. It is so encouraging to hear about inspiring individuals like Annie. Please do get in touch if you would like to share your ideas and plans for nature in and out of the classroom. I’d love to hear from you. Over the past few months I have visited many schools and spoken with both the teachers and the students. It is very clear the children LOVE to learn and play outdoors and listening to the teachers, they too, are interested in learning  about ways they can connect children with nature as part of their teaching. Here are a couple of my school visits in British Columbia : Bringing Nature Into the Classroom and Connecting School Children With Nature.

Join the “Let’s Go Outside” Revolution – Changing the way children spend their time.

More great reading and Scottish resources : Outdoor Learning Practical Guidance for Scottish Teachers provided by one of my #playoutdoors buddies on Twitter Juliet Robertson.

Here in North America we have a  fabulous resource called: Children and Nature Network. Check out the Natural Teachers Network.

Wishing you all a beautiful week learning from nature, love and peace, Marghanita.

Felt Hearts & Driftwood Snakes

Our winter evenings of late have been spent creating gifts for loved ones. Homemade Christmas gifts are my favourite kind of gift and I get so much pleasure from making them.

I am an avid driftwood collector. In-fact, I may be classed as a compulsive collector of driftwood, leaves, cones and willow branches not to mention pebbles, gems and acorns.

Driftwood fascinates me; Worn and smoothed by the wind, sand and sun, and whitened by the wash of the salty sea. Each piece is so individual, gifting unique beauty and hidden stories of their past lives and enchanting journey. There is something wonderfully organic about driftwood.

Driftwood reminds me of family walks along the beautiful Okanagan Lake. Or walking alone barefoot along the wild seashore back home in Scotland, at one with nature, gifting me the freedom to imagine times gone by.

Driftwood is an ideal wood for children to use. It is light, smooth and easy to paint and comes in a variety of wonderful shapes and forms. Part of the fun is foraging for the driftwood and deciding what to make from each piece.

A few snakes from my nature classes.

All the crafts from my nature classes are easy to make and you can find out how to make them in our new book ” How to Develop a Child’s Creative Intelligence“. Available in February 2012.

Felt Hearts

We used felt made from recycled plastic bottles, fair-trade hand made felt beads from Nepal and wool to hang the heart from a small piece of driftwood.

Wishing you oodles of fun collecting and creating this winter. Love and peace, Marghanita x

It is the small things in life that gift me the most pleasure…

I woke to the most glorious soft, warm, rose-pink sky this morning. A gift of a new day…inviting me to dance barefoot on the frosted ground. Oh how bitterly cold it was but deliciously invigorating. That deep connection with Mother Earth makes me feel so ALIVE and fuels my creativity. I am in awe of her beauty and her love fills my heart with such joy. My heart is full and overflowing with love.  This love inside runs deep, passionately. It flows through me like a whimsical river on an never-ending  journey, evolving into the very ink in which I write and draw.

Gifting me the creativity to finally finish the front cover of my latest children’s book “Orange Moon and the Grandmother Tree”.

Book One – Orange Moon and the Grandmother Tree (Launches 16th Dec)

I am so grateful for all the LOVE in my life. Love is everywhere. I feel truly blessed to have such a beautiful family and the best friends-kindred spirits I could ever imagine. Their very smile lights up my day and makes my heart sing.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you for your unconditional love and belief in me.

What a beautiful way to start the day and a new month too…HAPPY DECEMBER EVERYONE!! May your weeks ahead be filled with deliciously-happy, magical, loving, joyous, enchanting, mystical, peaceful and creative moments…they are waiting for you! JUST STEP OUTSIDE!

The best & the most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart. – Helen Keller

“Creativity,” says Ken Robinson, “is as important in education as literacy, and we should treat it with the same status.”

Creativity involves putting your imagination to work.

Being Creative In  Nature – Trees and Leaves

The class collect foliage and fallen leaves to create paintings and collages.

Creativity flourishes in a natural environment.

During the nature class, we will ask the children to choose a tree.

By allowing them to choose their own tree, they feel an instant connection. They can feel the texture of the tree, listen to it’s leaves rustle in the wind and if they wrap their arms around the tree, they can even feel it’s energy.

They can explore what birds, insects and other creatures are present in and around the tree.

We were fortunate to have a very friendly squirrel visit every day of class, delighting all with his chatter and acrobatics.

These simple activities are great for all ages, in groups or working individually. It never ceases to amaze me how much I learn from the children when out in nature.

CREATIVITY is so important not just in a child’s life but as adults, we need to be feeding our creativity too. I am a huge fan of Ken Robinson and would recommend you read his fascinating books ” Out Of Our Minds” learning to be creative (New Edition) and “The Element“. Both books address the importance of creativity and offer an approach to understanding creativity in education and in business.

In an interview with Vancouver Sun, Ken was asked:

What three tips he would give teachers striving to adapt personalized learning? Robinson said they first need to realize they have more freedom in the classroom than they think. A curriculum sets a framework, but how they teach is up to them.

Secondly, they must be certain they are doing a job they love and should treat their art form seriously. “Take time to study techniques of teaching, look at other teachers, be prepared to have people come and look at you, and do what people in other fields do: be open to criticism and be open to learning and growing,” he stated.

His third tip was be prepared to learn from students. “Kids are often full of ideas that they’re willing to offer if you create the right culture in the room or the school to provide them. The history of education is peppered with wonderful, groundbreaking inspirational teachers who did all of those things. If they can do it, you can do it.” -  jsteffenhagen@vancouversun.com (You can read the complete article here).

Sir Ken Robinson: Bring on the learning revolution! Watch the video.

“The Element” Ken Robinson Watch the video.

Like Ken and many others, I believe we are all creatives, we are all born with ability to be great creatives if we are given the right encouragement, environment and opportunities.

Let’s Get Creative!!!!

Our children are only gifted to us for such a short time.

We had collected driftwood the day before. Sam decided he would make a snake and I made a walking stick.

Jasmine made a fish card for her friend’s birthday

and kept “Prince” our mischievous Flatcoat Retriever away from the paints.

Although Autumn is undoubtedly my most favourite time of year, I secretly wish summer and all it’s glorious FREEDOM could last, just a little bit longer!

Wishing you all…

The Let’s Go Outside Revolution

Peace in the heart, vitality, awe…some of the things I want my kids to feel…things that nature nurtured in me…a cool breeze on a warm day, the sparkle of fresh dewdrops on early morning grass, the quiet reflection of the setting sun…and a powerful emotion evoked with the smell of dry earth after soft rainfall…  My kids loved The Lets Go Outside Nature Camps – thank you so much Marghanita to you and Christine, Jasmine and ‘cool dude’ Sam (as my son would say) for awakening this in my kids and setting their imagination free. The wonderment on their little faces after each new critter found under a rock in our garden..testimony of their happiness. We look forward to the ‘Lets Go Outside’ Revolution! Sue Robinson

It was a truly rewarding experience teaching your spirited children Sue, thank you for sharing your children with us.

I am constantly learning from the children in the nature classes and feel privileged to be able to work and play with them in nature. It is thanks to you and your spirited children, and other families, individuals and organizations supporting the REVOLUTION and believing in the importance of connecting children with nature, that are creating a better future for our children. YOU ARE THE REVOLUTION!

Let’s Go Outside Revolution in your neighborhood…

The Revolution nature classes and workshops take to the road in November. En route we will be making a documentary to share all the fabulous work individuals, parents, schools and organizations are doing to connect children with nature.  We hope to provide solutions to the problems we are all facing in this fast paced, electronic obsessed society in which we live.

Workshops In Your Neighborhood
Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre’s Annual Conference, Vancouver:  Sat 19th November 2011
Workshop: Connecting Children With Nature presented by Marghnaita Hughes:  scheduled for 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and continuing from 1:45 to 3:45 p.m.

Join us  – We would love to meet you : Let’s Go Outside Revolution

• Would you like to hold a Nature Event in your neighborhood, local park or school?
• Would you like to feature in the documentary?
• Would you like to volunteer?
• Would you like to sponsor the Revolution?
• Contact Marghanita : info@marghanita.com  or info@letsgooutsiderevolution.com

Let’s Go Outside…Together we can make BIG change!

My heart is full of love and hope, knowing so many care. I cannot express the joy it gifts me, meeting all these wonderful children who will one day become the stewards for our beautiful planet, thank you with all of my heart….Marghanita xx

We are all connected in the circle of life…

My new book series is based upon a child’s wonder of the Natural World. A magical reminder of the power of love and innocence.

Ellouise, known to her family and animal friends as Orange Moon, gifts her love everywhere she roams. From adventures in her backyard with her little brother, Cody (Little Wolf) to visiting her gadget (tech)-obsessed cousin in New York City, Ellouise shares her love and finds beauty everywhere she goes, even in the unlikeliest places.

Watch the book trailer…

Orange Moon, evolved through my love affair with nature, my passion to connect children with the natural world and my deep love and respect for life.

Exert from Book One:

Summer had finally arrived. Ellouise couldn’t wait to head outdoors. She thanked her mother for her breakfast, kicked off her slippers and ran barefoot across the warm dry grass, her feet casting the last of the seeded dandelion heads into the early morning breeze, gifting fairy wishes for those lucky enough to catch a floating seed.

Ellouise loved summer. No school, no schedule, she was free to roam wild. She ran to the meadow. It was her favourite place at this time of year. The colour of the wildflowers made her heart sing. She loved colour. Her father told her this was because she was born on the night of an orange moon. Orange Moon was her native birth name.

Sunbeams kissed her face as she danced her way through the meadow of wildflowers, creating pathways of swaying rainbows. Ellouise thanked the flowers for making her feel so happy.

Life is a gift

Life is a gift, a gift I am grateful for, each and every day. The book series is a reminder of how precious the simple things in life are and that love and beauty can be found everywhere, if our eyes and hearts are open.

At the end of the book, I have incorporated nature based crafts and activities relating to elements of the story. (Big thanks to Jackie-Essence of Wild – for delightful inspiration).

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Book Review:

Thank you for sharing Marghanita.  I love your drawings.  They have a unique presence and style to them where each feature expressed is one of internal beauty. Bernie-Natural Moments

All I need now is to find a publisher…Would you like to help? If you feel this is a book you would like to share with your children or grandchildren and friends, please share the video with friends and family and leave a message below or email me: info@marghanita.com

Your support is very much appreciated, thank you for sharing the love. Wishing you all a beautiful weekend, Love and peace, Marghanita x

The love that burns inside of me melts into liquid and becomes the ink in which I write and draw with….I want to share this love with everyone…what is loved, will survive.