A killdeer bird is chasing a turkey vulture for getting too close to the Killdeer's nest, around a local lake near me. This is part of the setting for a picture book I'm working on.

Similar to my developing picture book. Homeowners or park workers imbedded stakes into the ground, so that the lawn mowers would see them. Four eggs securely rest, (if you look carefully) in the center. The parent birds sometimes step aside to cool the eggs from excessive heat.

Milkweed-the only plant Monarch Butterflies and caterpillars need and eat. In my picture book manuscript, Perla talks about this to one of her classmates in Perla And Her Flying Backpack-An Idea Takes Flight. (photo credit, permission by Terry Murphy on Pixabay.)

On December 8th at 4-5:30 Central Time, I'll be sharing and reading a short personal essay/prose poem for Network Virtual Salon. Please see the link here, to register.

Please find my latest interview with children's author, Jannie Ho, for Children's Book Insider's Nov. 2024 issue! Thanks Jannie for a great interview!