As Albertan residents we are used to the false Springs we endure with melt and snow, melt and snow. It is a time of winter coats and light jackets, sometimes in the same day!

Over the years I have been living in Alberta, Canada, I have come to know these ‘false’ Springs, however 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 under a white blanket.

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.