Over the years living in Alberta, Canada, I have come to know the 'false' Spring we experience every year. After months of snow, ice and freezing temperatures, quite suddenly we note a warmth to the sun's rays, that the air doesn't hurt your face and the snow and ice begin to melt.

I remember being shocked at seeing people in T-shirts as soon the temperature was a plus! Now, I understand the benefits and discard a coat, or jacket as soon as possible. This spring-like weather will allude to better weather, but alas it never continues for long. Winter will come back for one more go and the slush, brown and drab earth will disappear again.

Having said that, everyone takes advantage of the glorious warmth and gets outside as much as possible. We may not have greenery, or spring flowers of warmer climes, but there is a promise of those treasures to come.

One of the many reasons I wrote my children's chapter book, Ockleberries to the Rescue was to immerse myself and my young readers in a lush forest, full of magic, wildlife and verdant greenery. It is real escapism, for sure. Hence the green book cover and the detailed veggie garden outside the sprites oak tree home. It is also a learning tool as each chapter tells the story of a different animal. This is my parents legacy as they taught my siblings and I, and our children in turn, of the marvels of the natural world.

For fun, I compiled a word search of the characters in the book and you are most welcome to download it for your children to play it after reading the book, or just for fun. https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/ockleberries-to-the-rescue

https://thewordsearch.com/puzzle/2266613/characters-in-ockleberries-to-the-rescue/downloadable/

So no matter where you live, get out and absorb the beauty of nature. It does the soul good.