We have a new illustrator for Wendy. Fisher Thalhauser, age 10, made a lovely mixed media creation with watercolor and marker. I am excited to share this with you when the book goes to publication.

Our third book features the Poplar Family. Here we learn more about 4-year-old Levi. Levi is Mama Dawn’s nephew. He comes for a visit which unfolds to something more. Our first story, “Stone Play”, describes Levi’s first full morning staying with the Poplar’s and how he finds a sense of belonging. “It’s Not Fair!”, is about sibling patterns, surprise, and how a good listening friend can help us find a new perspective around an old assumption. Our third story, “Bird Song”, opens with surprise and confusion that transform to a spacious welcoming toward one of Levi’s unique skills. 

Throughout all three stories, the initial surprise, fear and confusion that we often feel entering a new relationship or community, are transformed by our inherent abilities to sense what is needed here and to create more space until all feels safe to be the way it is. The Poplars mess up plenty. With the help of their Inner Companions, they catch themselves and find a better way forward.

 In this illustration from the first story, Hummah and Sleuthin work together to help Wendy learn something new as she plays with Levi in the stones outside her yard.