As Maya Grows in the Natural World

Nature Opens a Path to a Magical Imagination

Children - Picture Book
34 Pages
Reviewed on 12/05/2023
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Author Biography

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 top leadership positions on boards and councils, offering guidance and enhancing communications to strengthen community engagement on issues such as early childhood education, food security, peace and justice, and global initiatives. 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 playing outdoors that inspired “As Maya Grows in the Natural World.” Patricia loves writing, reading, creating digital art, and simply being outdoors.

“Expressing curiosity through creativity may deepen our understanding of human nature.”
-P.A.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Maya loves the outdoors. She loves to watch the leaves falling and she enjoys dancing to the music made by the swaying trees. She is like the lotus flower, “a strong-willed flower, resilient as a nurtured child.” In Patricia Ambinder’s As Maya Grows in the Natural World, Maya is learning about the natural world around her and, as she learns, she nurtures her own self-confidence and an overwhelming love for nature. Because she loves nature so much, she will continue to grow into a champion for all that is precious and sacred about the natural world.

Patricia Ambinder’s picture book, As Maya Grows in the Natural World, is a simple, yet powerful story that will foster a love for nature in all young readers who share Maya’s story. The plot follows Maya through her exposure to the many wonders of the world, the jumping dolphins, sand between the toes, falling leaves and so much more. Told in rhyming verse, each page includes a quote about nature and its importance in our livelihood and overall well-being. Like the magnitude of the sea that overpowers our small existence, nature in all its greatness demonstrates that we, too, can be great when we demonstrate kindness, caring, and the joy of learning. Throughout the story is the underlying theme of resilience and beauty, symbolized by the lotus flower. Young readers, like Maya and her friends, will learn to respect and admire nature and take care of this delicate, yet important, natural world. Since earth and heart use the same letters, so too should the care, respect, and love we have for nature. Beautiful illustrations, and a profoundly beautiful story.