Laureanna Raymond-Duvernell
What is your earliest memory of playing in nature?
I've always been surrounded by books. But to be honest, picture books didn't play a huge part in my consciousness until I began teaching and then having kids of my own. I found picture books a great way to teach writing concepts to kids, have a shared experience around a specific topic, introduce a difficult situation that needed to be unpacked, and most often, a great way to laugh and enjoy time together. I've found that picture books bring us back to places where we read them, places where we had been, people the characters reminded us of, and feelings that are always inside of us. They help us to cultivate the shared human experience that crosses generations.
How do picture books impact the whole child?
Picture books that specifically focus on nature, play and taking the time to be a child of the world help to give children and adults the permission to just BE. There are no responsibilities to be met, no chores to be done. Books about the world and nature play encourage us to use the space and time that we have in front of us to explore our own creativity and imagination.
Do you have any favorite picture books? What is your favorite thing to do outside in nature?
When it comes to picture books, I gravitate towards funny books or books with excellent word play. I'm also a sucker for funny rhymes or books that have an epic twist at the end. Some favorites: "The Widow's Broom" by Chris Van Allsburg, "The Paperbag Princess" by Robert Munsch, "Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type" by Doreen Cronin, "Duck on a Bike" by David Shannon, and so many more. (list on my website too ;)
I love hiking. This is where my mind is the most clear, which then leads it to being the most creative. We enjoy backpacking when we can, and the length of these hikes is what pulls me away from the regular routine-ness of the world.
How do you connect to the 4 P’s philosophy?
We are people OF the world, and the things we do to the world, we do to ourselves. It makes sense that we should form connections to the Earth, learn about her, and do what we can to help others to have opportunities to do the same. We are blessed by so much from the Earth - how can we not give back? By teaching kids to wonder, explore, appreciate, play, we are giving them the creative space needed for them to make their own personal connection to the Earth.
What’s coming up?
Please check out my first picture book Under in the Mud and my other adventures at www.laureannawrites.com
