Local author Darcee O’Hearn continues to follow her passion for nature and writing, with the launch of her second book, “Cedric The Cedar”.
She introduced her latest book and new character Cedric, last Sunday in Rossland.
O’Hearn, an avid naturist, uses her experience in the forest industry to draw youngsters into her world of animated trees and animals.
“Cedric the Cedar uses science, nature and fire to get kids excited about nature,” explains O’Hearn.
Vivid illustrations in her tale provide engaging visuals for children, particularly from grades one through six.
After losing her job as a forest technician, O’Hearn taught forestry. A natural progression began after talking about her personal experiences in the deep woods, to writing about them in humorous and colourful stories for children.
“Cedric the Cedar”, is a story about the forest and its animals banding together with Cedric, a western red cedar and fire control officer, to fight a lightning induced forest fire.
Information about the western red cedar and photographs are included in the book as well as interactive science experiments and crafts, such as making cone earrings using cedar cones from a park.
Early in her writing, O’Hearn decided to use a student artist to illustrate her book because, “they have the look I am going for,” she said.
The colorful images are a beautiful and telling collaboration between the storyteller and artist.
“When I saw the sketches from Ximena Asbrech, instantly I knew she was the perfect fit!” commented O’Hearn.
Asbrech is currently a student studying biology in Vancouver.
O’Hearn’s Legends of the Forest books may be purchased at Jelly Bean Junction and Café Books West in Rossland and Crockett Books and Artisan in Trail.
Further information is available on O’Hearn’s website www.legendsoftheforest.ca