I am also driven to encourage more members of our black community to seek out and support organizations providing youth with fun activities and education that pertains to the outdoors.
While reading My Nature Exploration to children, you will journey along with “little Harrison” as he witnesses squirrels frolicking in the trees, feels the thick cushion of green grass under his feet, smells the sweet scent of fresh spring flowers, and hears the singing of indigenous birds nesting nearby. As his imagination grows, it prompts him to adventure beyond the borders of his backyard in search of new discoveries at a campground. With this book I was mindful to encourage children who may not have access to go very far and began this adventure from a practical place. A backyard is something to signify home or in your neighborhood. Some children may not have a backyard, but we all have the outdoors at our fingertips if we take the time to notice what is always around us.
There are many facets that inspired me to create this first volume of My Nature Exploration. My parents influenced me, especially my father. He introduced me to the outdoors and wildlife. People from Indigenous Tribes, John Muir, poet Langston Hughes, and my sister Lisa Harrison-Jackson, who is also a published author. Furthermore, the late Charles Jordan, a leader in our community, helped pave the way for me to have these opportunities as well as other colleagues who have supported my growth. This children’s book is a culmination of my experiences, created to encourage others.
My Nature Exploration is a lyrical tale accompanied by equally captivating illustrations designed by my niece Chandler Jackson, complete with plenty of detail guaranteed to win over the interest of little explorers. Included as a bonus are interactive activities that will pull young people from their smart devices and into the physical world.
