BIG NEWS, friends: A Portrait of Astonishing Nature is available now!
This book (much like this blog!) combines poetry, art, and science to tell natural history stories about the flora and fauna of a section of land – a watershed – located near Hudson Quebec. This book’s goal is to raise awareness of the biodiversity of this region of Quebec, but also to raise support for a Conservancy Land Trust: Creek 53 will be the beneficiary of profits from the sale of this book, preserving the land for future generations.
Professor Rob Dunn, who has written many amazing books including A Natural History of the Future, has the following to say about the book:
What a charming book of joys and everyday observations and pleasures. It is a book that will appeal around the world and that I suspect will bring wonder to readers long into the future too. Astonishing nature is everywhere; more so, Chris reminds us, when we pay attention.
A Portrait of Astonishing Nature will inspire, astonish, and amaze: the poems are simple haiku, accessible yet reflect the complexity of the natural history of the species they describe. The watercolours are whimsical, simple, and beautiful. Eager and curious readers can also devour the back section of the book which includes plain-language summaries of the natural history of the 53 species depicted in the portraits. The book is for all ages and perfect for an armchair biologist, budding natural historian, or as an excellent gift for any nature-enthusiast.
Watercolour artist and author Shari Blaukopf (whose work is beyond incredible!) shares the following:
It’s a joy to discover Creek 53 through Chris’s eyes — both with his detailed sketches and his wonderful haikus. Through his observations, we are able to enter into a world of plant and animal life that we might not be able to see or to find on our own, and that is a gift that I appreciate.
Book Signing! 22 May 2024, 330-5:00 PM at Le James bookstore, McGill University, Montreal (680 Sherbrooke St West)
© Christopher M Buddle 2024
Nature's Reverie 