Local author Susan Schadler and artist illustrators Lynne and John M. T. Seitzer of Joy to the Wind Gallery have been awarded the Next Generation Indie Book Award for picture books for children.

In the book, “Come Walk in the Fynbos With Me,”  a child and adult set off on a walk through South Africa’s famous fynbos (fayn◦bos), an extraordinarily diverse biome along the southern tip of Africa. Along the way the twosome discovers the bizarre shapes, flashes of brilliance, and peculiar habits of the flowers nestled in the scrubland. They cross the paths of birds, bugs, snakes, animals that inhabit and help sustain the fynbos. The book was published in 2018 at Beavers Pond Press.

The artists researched, hiked and photographed in the Fynbos Floral Kingdom of South Africa and returned to Maine to paint 34  original 18” x 24” oil paintings for the book. They  concepted the book design working hand in hand with the author, Susan Schadler and the publishers.

The judge’s review of the book has been published on the organization’s website: “A total delight! The book explains that the Fynbos (Afrikaans for Fine Bush) is a small section of unique scrubland located at the bottom of the African continent. Lynne and John M. T. Seitzer's lush artwork accentuates the depth of age appropriate information provided by author Susan Schadler. Both the front and back endpapers are loaded with fascinating descriptions and images of the creatures and plants mentioned throughout the book. This book is sure to delight the inquisitive youngster.”

The book also received recognition as a finalist in the Eric Hoffer Book Award for Children’s picture books.

To acquire a copy or more information contact Lynne or John at  Joy To The Wind Gallery, 34 Atlantic Ave. Boothbay Harbor, ME  207-633-7025 or Susan at on her website www.susanschadler.com.  Also available at Sherman’s Books & Stationery and through Amazon.