Flora age 10 lives in North Suffolk in the beautiful Waveney Valley… just round the corner from me and my family. Her brother is a good friend of my son, and Helen, her mum is a good friend of mine. I introduced her family in my previous blog ‘Meet the Whiting’s’.
I have never met someone of her age with so much compassion and empathy for wildlife. She loves playing in her garden, which is in the river valley. It is full of lots of wildlife, including slow worms, birds, glow worms and bats. I asked her how being in nature makes her feel? Is there a sensation that she loves?
“Listening to birds and dancing in the rain!”
Her favourite season is winter, as she has fun memories of playing in the snow. Also being in the marshes on a dog walk, when the water was frozen over, and pretending it was an ice rink!
In her own words…
“I love where we live because we have lots of access to wildlife and lovely places, and we do lots of sports outside.”
Read my story below which is inspired by Flora. I am so happy she is part of my project – ‘Drawing Nature In’.
Flora & the Frog – a little story
“ Flora – so aptly named as she lives so happily alongside the fauna – sat quietly by the pond, patiently waiting – observing. Understanding and caring for wildlife is second nature to her. The unintentional prize is the thrilling joy she feels when…
‘I see a frog!’ She excitedly whispered. The grasses started moving.
Slowly a little creature made it’s way up the slight bank. Very carefully Flora cupped her hands loosely around the slimy body, dipping them in the cool water of the pond, before holding up the fascinating little soul – ready for closer inspection.
Flora had been taught how to care safely for this handsome fellow. The fact that his body was all covered in slime and that it had an important role to play, amazed her. It helped him to keep his skin moist because he used his skin to breathe! How exciting that he chose her pond to make his home. She felt content that her garden was providing a home for these creatures.
A joyous smile spread across her face as she bent down, opening her hands up for ‘Freddie’ to jump freely away with a splash!”
I feel so inspired and hopeful that children like Flora care so strongly for our wilderness. Hopeful that going forward, our natural world will flourish under their care.
I would love to hear your thoughts – what you feel about this story, my illustrations and project. Please feel free to leave a comment below or you can get in touch.
This story accompanies my illustration art print ‘Flora & the Frog’. A printed copy is sent with each purchase of the print.
Click here to go straight to the shop page.
Warm wishes
Juliana x