Join us for a delightful conversation with author and music teacher Janna Matthies as she shares the inspiration behind her new picture book, Over in the Garden.

Discover how Janna's musical background, love of nature, and teaching experience beautifully converge in this counting book that celebrates community gardening. From adapting the folk song "Over in the Meadow" to creating rhythmic, engaging text for young readers, Janna reveals her creative process and even treats us to a musical performance! Learn about her journey as an author, her passion for finding beauty in the world, and how she hopes her books will inspire children to explore the outdoors. This episode is perfect for parents, educators, and anyone who appreciates the magic that happens when music, literature, and nature come together.

Discussion Topics:

• How exercise is critical for creativity and mental health.
• Being a reader is essential to becoming a writer.

• Gardening and its numerous benefits for children.
• Music and its influences on Janna's approach to writing picture books.
• How rhyming books can be powerful tools for engagement.
• Community gardening and how it fosters teamwork and connection.
• Encouraging outdoor exploration.

Transcription: You can read the transcription on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠⁠

Order Copies of Over in the Garden on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more information about Janna Matthies, visit https://www.jannamatthies.com/

Keywords: gardening, children's books, writing, nature, rhyming books, community, creativity