Leaf, Cloud, Crow is an illustrated journal to guide observations of nature in gardens and yards, city parks and vacant lots, or even the sky, enhanced by inspiring prompts from the author. What do the bare branches of winter allow you to see? How does summer’s abundance provide for different wild animals, and can you find abundance in your own life?
Respect space of wildlife (don’t use flash photography nor use magnifying glasses, which can harm creatures in sunlight). Don’t play birdsong (this can confuse and attract predators). Nor encourage backyard birds, if you live with cats (keep feline friends indoors at dawn and dusk, when birds are likely feeding).
For art, use vegan watercolour brushes and paints and recycled art paper. For drawing, use recycled pencils.
What changes have you noticed in natural habitats near you – not just from month to month, but from year to year? Grow more attuned to all the ‘radiant things bursting forth in the darkest places, in the smallest nooks and deepest cracks of the hidden world’.
The beautiful illustrations and collages by Margaret’s brother Billy compliment her writing beautifully and will be published alongside samples of Margaret’s wisdom. This is a book that reaches right into my heart about how important it is to slow down and truly see the natural world. Colorado Sun
A howling love letter to the world, the story of what we’ve lost and what we can save and the abundance of wonder in our own backyard. Margaret Renkl is a singular, spectacular writer, and this book, like life itself, is a cause for celebration. Ann Patchett
About the Author
Margaret Renkl is a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times, where her essays appear weekly. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee (USA).
