Local author Marsha Carpenter and illustrator Bonnie Nance are hosting a book reading and signing for their new children’s book, The Garden of Wonder, from 1 to 3 p.m. today at the Daviess County Public Library.
The event will take place in the library’s children’s department, and all proceeds will benefit the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden.
The Garden of Wonder tells the story of Cora, a young caterpillar who transforms into a butterfly as she explores the beauty of a garden. Written in limerick form, Carpenter said the story is both entertaining and educational, aiming to teach children about the significance of pollinators, such as butterflies and bees, in the ecosystem.
“It’s a way to engage young readers with the concept of pollination and the need to preserve habitats for pollinators,” Carpenter said. “In recent years, species like the monarch butterfly have been in decline, and I wanted to inspire children to take an interest in their environment and understand the importance of these creatures.”
Carpenter is a board member at the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden and was inspired to write the book after leading a discussion on butterflies with 2nd graders. Her own granddaughter, Cora, shares the name of the book’s central character.
Nance drew inspiration for the book’s illustrations from her own butterfly garden. She said she enjoyed bringing Cora’s journey to life with flowers and plants found in both her garden and the botanical garden.
“It was a creative joy, especially knowing the plants I illustrated are ones that pollinators love,” she said.
The community is invited to attend the event, where Carpenter and Nance will be available to sign copies of The Garden of Wonder.
