Read an interview with an inspiring author that we think is really COOL! Interview with Lee Welles

For the past few weeks, we have been talking about Lee Welles' Gaia Girl books. After reading the reviews I felt inspired and wanted to talk directly to Ms. Welles. Her two books have hidden codes in the illustration and there are also puzzles and games in the back. Welles has truly created books for children that encourage creativity and explorations, inspire change, teach our children about the world - what each of us choose to do daily with our kids.

Interview With Lee Welles

What inspired you to write your Gaia Girl series?

I had been reading about Gaia Theory and had a classic writer's moment, "What if..." I wondered what would happen if the Earth were a living creature AND could talk. I decided kids would hear it because they are much more open seeing and hearing things. I wondered how the Earth would present itself and the whole scene unfolded before my eyes. For those that have, or will read book one, [Gaia Girls Enter the Earth][], this is where a young girl meets Gaia, in the form of a talking otter!

Can you tell us a little more about the Gaia Theory?

Just as we have many living creatures making up our living bodies (think about the good bacteria, the pro-biotics, so necessary to digestion), we are one small living thing that makes up a part of a larger living thing. It is symbiosis as seen from space. The Earth meets a lot of the criteria of a living thing. Consider the way it maintains a relatively constant oxygen level - a bit less, no aerobic creatures, a bit more and you have explosions! It is a delicate balance of life maintaining the conditions for life.

What is your favorite childhood memory?

I'm happy to say it is hard to chose just one! I had many favorite reading places - in trees, in our barn, along the creek - anywhere I could tuck away and get lost in a good story. However, when my cousins would come visit the farm in the summer, we were outdoors more than in - catching fireflies, having salamander races, catching pollywogs and crayfish, swinging on the rope in the barn, building forts and swimming in the pond. I treasure all those memories because they are the foundation of my love for nature.

How do you hope your writing will inspire our children for change?

I hope my writing will remind kids of all the magic that is just outside the door. Nature is never boring and doesn't require an outlet. The natural world also reflects back to us things we need to know about ourselves, it is a wonderful teacher. My greatest hope is that, in the long run, the next generation will see the value in wild places and our deep-seeded need to touch and experience those wild places.

If there's one thing you could say to children about saving the world, what would it be?

Saving the world is the same as saving yourself. The world is very old and has been without people before. We are the animals that figured out how to "get around the rules." What will we do with that knowledge? The grown-ups have, for the most part, gotten it wrong. The kids can get it right!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Think before you shop. Every time you spend a dollar you say, "Yes" to something. It is like throwing a rock in a pond, there are ripple effects when we spend money. As you get older, pay attention to your ripples. See how nature gave me that nice analogy!

Send us your child's favorite and most creative outdoor activity and we will send you one of Lee Welles' famous books!

michelle@coolpeoplecare.org

In The Series

Book Review: "Gaia Girls Enter The Earth," part I
Book Review: "Gaia Girls Way Of Water," part II

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