Reviewers’ Perspectives and
Readers’ Reflections:
Reviewers’ Perspectives:
As Maya Grows in the Natural World shows readers that nature is all around them, all the time, ready to be learned from… Simple text is paired with beautifully detailed and realistic artwork …a lovely introduction to sustainability and the environment...” — The Children’s Book Review, November 14, 2023
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.” 5 Stars — Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite Book Review, November 9, 2023
“Ambinder’s charming picture book for young children introduces readers to the joys of the natural world…This book succeeds in demonstrating the tremendous mental and emotional benefits nature holds for people of all ages…Soderberg’s crisp, colorful illustrations show brown-haired, blue-eyed Maya mostly looking calm and serene as she walks, sprawls, and digs in idyllic locations. Each scene is rich with texture and detail…” — BookLife Reviews, October 26, 2023
“Ambinder provides some great examples of how caregivers can create opportunities to slow down and practice mindfulness as they share new experiences with their little ones, whether they are participating in organized craft activities or simply taking a walk outdoors… it invites readers, young and old, to pause and truly reflect on their surroundings. Using rich vocabulary, unconventional prose, and a great deal of poetic license, Ambinder helps expand perspectives on how everything we do, great or small, deserves our undivided attention.
“…Kim Soderberg’s beautiful illustrations, the rich yet two-dimensional detail in every leaf and blade of grass, evoke the finesse of Mughal miniatures. She is not stingy with her palette, as even her portrayals of urban spaces are bursting with color. She has also added a diverse range of characters for readers to relate to among her beautiful scenery, interacting with the life-like flora and fauna. Many children will be able to see themselves in these pictures, and that’s just one of the reasons AS MAYA GROWS IN THE NATURAL WORLD is so powerful.
“…a rich exploration of the wonders of being outdoors that invites young readers to engage with the world using all of their senses and teaches children the value of being grounded in the present as they go about their day.⭐⭐⭐⭐— IndieReader, October 25, 2023
“Loved it…spotlights the value of playing outside while marveling at nature's beauty. It teaches kids to cherish everything around them… It highlights the fun to be had in nature using a diverse cast of characters and spectacular illustrations…an absolute joy to read….” 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — by Super Kam Brook, Reedsy Discovery, October 3, 2023
Readers’ Reflections:
“As Maya Grows in the Natural World’ was captivating for my two-year-old son, Dallas. He loved seeing and hearing about Maya’s adventures. Like Maya, Dallas loves the outdoors, and he relates to Maya’s love for exploration. The quotes for adults were beautifully written and flowed with the story as well. Dallas enjoyed finding the red lotus on each page and showed excitement with each turn of the page.” - Maddie K.
I think it’s wonderful. The artwork is terrific- so open and joyful. And I love the language, which is so visual and rich. And I enjoyed the meaningful quotes at the bottom of each page. - Joan H.
Getting lost in a book is one of my favorite things to do. Doing so alongside one of my children or grandchildren is among my most priceless memories, safely tucked away in the treasure chest of my heart. And that is precisely what happened to me as I leafed through the pages of As Maya Grows in the Natural World. What a delightful journey, one I know I will take again and again, holding one of my precious peeps in my lap while doing so. I look forward to the crisp pages becoming dogeared and showing signs of tiny little fingerprints as we embark on this glorious adventure together, time and time again. There is no doubt in my mind this precious book will become the oft-requested favorite of my little ones, joining the ranks of other much-beloved stories they could recite by heart from countless reads. Let the memories begin! — Betty Martinez Lowery
AMAZON REVIEWS:
MarcandMichael
5.0 out of 5 stars A different kind of children’s book
Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2023
I loved the simplicity of the message of this book - a child in nature. Also, the lotus “gamification” is fun and interesting; very useful since it can be re-read with that focus the 2nd time around. Lastly, the quotes are great! Very layered but also very pure. I highly recommend this book.
eba
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book!
Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2023
My daughter makes me read this to her every night before bed. She loves seeing the characters in action interacting with nature. I love the inspired quotes. Highly recommend it for all children!
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book to encourage little ones to play outside!
Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2023
It's so important to encourage a sense of play and discovery in the outdoors, and this book is full of fun ideas and inspirational quotes that help foster this sense of wonder. The writing is full of helpful explorations and reflective thoughts for children of all ages, and the illustrations show off all the beauty that lies beyond our walls. This is genuinely one of the best children's books I've ever read.
Carole P. Roman
5.0 out of 5 stars Charming book for both children and the adults reading it to them
Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2023
Charming and clever book about the interconnectivity of nature and the people sharing in its beauty. Whether it is a trip to the beach, a walk in the park, planting seeds in the garden, or simply using imagination, Ambinder's story weaves a gentle exploration of appreciation of all aspects of nature around us. Each page has a statement for the reader to identify themselves with and is followed by a delightful quote to validate both the activity and the prose. Maya wears colorful clothing to attract butterflies, but the statement below emphasizes that a butterfly's beauty is not just its wings but the determination and effort of the journey that produces these wings. Each page is a doorway to open discussions, and in the end, isn't that what reading is all about?
I received a copy of the book from the author; my review is my opinion.
5.0 out of 5 stars Maya Mostly for Kids but for All Ages
Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2023
As Maya Grows in the Natural World teaches the ABCs of Nature: Apples, Birds, and Chipmunks; Acorns, Butterflies, and Castles! Each page features an active girl named Maya and lots of things in Nature for both adults and kids to explore, each in their own way. I loved this book!
5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! A Whole New Level!
Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2023
As the father of four and the grandfather of four, I have read many children’s books over the years. Some of them were just silly. Others were clever. Still others were educational. However, this is the first book written for children I have read that appears to be written for and effective at raising each child’s awareness and expanding the child’s horizons.
In this world of iPads, YouTube, Streaming, and other entertainment technology, it is so refreshing to read a children’s book aimed precisely at encouraging and inspiring children to discover the natural world around them—and so effective at doing so.
This book is captivating at three levels. First, the lyrical prose to be read to the children describes the sheer joy that awaits them as they pursue these discoveries. It evokes the sensations that will be experienced as the child explores his or her own natural world.
Second, the paragraphs for the adults doing the reading help and prompt them to expand upon the reading and give it a broader context for the young mind. Elegantly written, the book's poetic narrative and insightful quotes are woven together with simplicity and depth, resonating with both young readers and adults.
Finally, the illustrations are not only beautiful and motivating but also
reinforcing the message of the excitement that awaits children exploring and experiencing the natural world, just outside their doors, and free for the asking.
5.0 out of 5 stars Forever cherished! Life lessons taught by exploring nature.
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2023
" Kindness to animals streams into a river of respect for all living things." Patricia Ambinder's meaningful book perfectly illustrated by Kim Soderberg, " As Maya Grows in the Natural World "contributes something precious to children's literature. The book is written through Maya's eyes, an adorable young girl as she explores the landscape. The text often cleverly rhymes, and the words precisely communicate Maya's curiosity and interactive experiences. Initially she encounters the sandy beach at sunrise, then the ocean, city life, a rainbow, various animals, flowers and leaves etc. As Maya explores city life, she is pictured holding the hand of a girl in a wheelchair. This naturally opens the conversation about diversity and sensitivity . The author takes these experiences and frames them in the greater context of teaching valuable life lessons. This book is a bridge and invitation to important conversations about kindness, respect towards people and our sacred environment. "Grow to love nature, be kind to others, for the world is our home nand we belong to each other." Wholeheartedly, I highly recommend this delightful and valuable children's book, it will be forever cherished.
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book for children
Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2023
Reading this book to children will develop a sense of appreciation while they grow to help preserve and protect nature. They’ll enjoy the hunt for the water lily that has a very special meaning. Lovely children’s book!
KSBF
5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous and relevant book.
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2024
The illustrations draw us in. The words open our eyes. Somehow our experience with the book comes with us when we’re outdoors. This type of story is so needed these days - as many children suffer “nature deficits.” Highly recommended.
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful children's book
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2024
This book is such a delight! The illustrations are beautiful, and the lyrical story includes a positive, meaningful message about exploring the natural world. Although it's meant for children, the themes included can be an important reminder for adults as well--especially given our technology-driven world and growing disconnect from nature. The thoughtful quotes included, as well as the hunt for the lotus flowers, add a special touch. I would highly recommend this book!
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic children's book!
Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2024
We recently got this book and we are so excited to share it with our nieces. We love the focus on being in nature and finding joy in the little things! The illustrations were great as well!
5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating book that inspires kids to cherish our Natural World.
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2024
As Maya Grows in the Natural World is a fantastic book that embraces the curiosity of kids for nature and promotes a culture of respect for the Natural World that surrounds us. Making books like this accessible to kids will help them become adults who value and respect nature in the future. I also loved all the insightful quotes that accompany the story. The illustrations of this book are wonderful and work very well, walking the reader through Maya's discoveries in nature.
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book about exploring nature
Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2024
This is a great book for kids. It encourages playfully discovering the beauty and wonder of nature through its words and illustrations. There are also powerful quotes to reinforce this message. And my son (age 4) loves finding the little lotus flower on each page!
5.0 out of 5 stars "Earth and Heart are spelled with the same letters."
Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2024
Our kids love this book, which is simultaneously a love letter to childhood innocence, environmental conservation, and early education. An important call to love nature and spend more time outdoors!
Maya is usually shown engaging with the world independently or with friends, rarely guided or constrained by adults. It's a great reminder that kids should have space to explore the world on their own terms.
"As Maya Grows" pushes beyond obvious nature-story tropes and treats both children and the reader with maturity and respect. The rhymes are complex and inventive, and the quotations are thought-provoking. The art style is inviting, brilliant, and colorful. We love the book, and I'm sure you will too.