Local author Susan Schadler and 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 six years and above.

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.

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.

Susan, Lynne and John are eager to visit schools, libraries, summer camps, and civic organizations to read and discuss the creation of and discoveries in the book.

Contact Susan at 301-704-8050 or on the website www.susanschadler.com. Available for purchase in Boothbay Harbor at Joy to the Wind Gallery, Sherman’s Books & Stationery; and Amazon.