Sharon Clark – an update on two new books for children

Sharon Clark was previously featured on Reading Recommendations in May, 2014. She is back now to tell us about the publication of two new children’s books!

A Strange Guest in An Ant’s Nest
written by Sharon Clark
illustrated by Roberto Gonzalez
Genre: Children’s picture book

This picture book will delight children between the ages of 5 to 9. It is told in a unique story format from the perspective of Amber, a meadow ant. Children will learn some fascinating facts and behaviours of this type of ant, as the story unfolds.

Amber has recently emerged from her cocoon and is amazed at her surroundings. She quickly learns how to help with various duties. She carries eggs to warm and dry locations within the nest and helps to feed growing larvae.

One day she needs to leave her nest to bring back food – the consequence of an ant battle. Most of her trips to and from the nest are uneventful. But one of them is different. She encounters a large and different creature that frightens her. Amber fills the air with alarm scents to call for help from other workers. But when they arrive, they don’t attack. Instead, they do something strange – they transport this odd creature into their nest.

This picture book illustrates how insects that are very different from one another can live together in harmony. Their peaceful co-existence benefits both species. Kids can draw on their example. This story will encourage children to embrace the differences of others. It will help kids to understand that people of other cultures, religions and races enrich our lives in many ways. Without them, we would never have the opportunity to experience their delicious foods, unique music and art, or their interesting ideas.

The Caterpillar That Learned to Fly
written by Sharon Clark
illustrated by Roberto Gonzalez
Genre: Children’s picture book

This picture book will delight children between the ages of 5 to 9. It is told in a unique story format from the perspective of Cutter a caterpillar. Children will learn fascinating facts about this caterpillar as the story unfolds. They will also discover the amazing transformation of one caterpillar into a butterfly.

Cutter is a caterpillar that eats, grows and sheds his outer skin a number of times. Although he lives a simple life on milkweed leaves, it often is filled with danger.

A few weeks later he feels different, and he senses that he needs a very long rest. This time, as he hangs upside-down on the stalk of a milkweed leaf, great changes occur to his body. Cutter transforms into Flutter, a beautiful Monarch butterfly.

He wastes no time in exploring a vast new world that he never knew existed. This book will let kids see how wondrous the natural world can be. It will also encourage them to follow Flutter’s example and discover what is beyond the world they are familiar with.

Where to buy Sharon’s books:
Amazon – A Strange Guest in an Ant’s Nest
Amazon – The Caterpillar That Learned to Fly