The new book, Ruby the Red Worm, is finally here! Perhaps no one is more surprised by how beautiful it is than me, especially the cover! I puzzled for months about what to do, including a meeting with the art teacher to discuss if her best students would want to illustrate and/or color the cover, and whether to have the school vote on a winner. Those ideas were good; however, they weren’t feasible. So after one too many sleepless nights, I arose in the wee hours and in one inspired flurry, drew this picture. It’s quite different than anything else I’ve done, and so I like to think I’ve learned to listen to my muses. I also splurged several hundred dollars that I don’t have on a drawing tablet for my computer, which I used to color my pen and ink drawing.
Synopsis: Ruby the Red Worm is a humorous and educational introduction to composting and the essential role worms serve in the ecosystem. More importantly, it is a story about living a life of passion despite life’s bullies — even if it means eating dirt. Note: This is an inspirational introduction to composting with some life lessons. It is not a how-to book. Also, though good for any age, the reading level is between a children’s picture book and a children’s chapter book.
