S2 Ep2286: NATURE for KIDS Author Linda Smock New Book, Events & Little Bennie!

Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser welcomed back retired educator and children's book author Linda Smock to talk about her newest book in her wild flora and fauna series for kids, little Bennie the Bat. She reads some of the book to us and talks about why learning about nature and science through books and exploring the great outdoors (and our backyards) are so important as is co-existing sustainably with all creatures great and small. EVENTSSeptember 12, 10:00-1:00, Land O'Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O'Lakes, FLSeptember 19, 2:15-3:15, The Story Garden, 832 14th St. N., St. Petersburg, FLOctober 17, 10:00-2:00, Pinellas Beekeepers Festival, Harborside Christian Church, 2200 Marshall St., Safety Harbor, FLOctober 24, 10:00-3:00, Florida Bat Festival, Lubee Bat Conservancy, Gainesville, FL OTHER BOOKS Just Call Me Honey, Black-eyed Susan and Friends, GT the Gopher Tortoise, A Letter from White Peacock the Butterfly, Betsy the Brazilian Bat, Annie the Ant, Homespun Devotion, Homespun Prayers, and Homespun GratitudeABOUT BENNY THE BAT   Looking for a fun way to help young readers learn about bats? Meet Benny Bat!  Benny Bat: Betsy the Brazilian Bat’s Baby is a wonderful choice for homeschool lessons, family reading time, and curious children who love animals and nature. Even better, every Amazon purchase made through September 15 will result in a $1 donation to Lubee Bat Conservancy in Gainesville, Florida. Your family can enjoy Benny’s story and support real-life bat conservation at the same time!Order here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H9B1GFFKMORE ABOUT LINDA here.    Linda’s childhood dream was to be a teacher when she grew up; as a teenager, she added writer to her goals. She achieved both at an early age, has authored textbooks and ancillary materials for teachers and students, and has written devotional books for adults. In 2023, she accepted the challenge of turning an essay about honey bees into a children’s book. This sparked a new interest and she has continued to educate with fun and interactive children’s books. Adults often say they learn from her books. As a retired educator, Linda still loves to teach. You may find her leading exercise classes for seniors, speaking about nature and plants at public libraries, or leading groups in Bible study. She uses her leadership abilities to help senior citizens in assisted living facilities have fun with holidays. Linda is a Chipola Junior College graduate with both undergraduate and master’s degrees from Florida State University. She later attended the University of South Florida for certification in Administration/Supervision. Her certification as a Master Gardener is from the University of Florida.#lindasmock #author #educator #speaker #nature #childrensbooks #nanettewiser #radiostpete