Cumberland Critters
by Ann Milligan

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In one small pond in Cumberland, B.C., otter pups play in the woods, herons fall in love, and tiny frogs sing in a joyful chorus. Cumberland Critters invites readers to take a peek into the lives of all the special critters found in, on, and around this vibrant pond. Through lush, descriptive stories, children can imagine becoming each of the nine animals featured in the book. All the creatures on our planet are connected in a circle of life that binds us all. This imaginative insight into a world of animals, plants and bugs reminds us that we all have our own life experiences and our own stories to tell.

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Ann Milligan is a teacher who has worked in schools, childcare facilities, and recreation settings for several years. Through her work as a farmer, she became passionate about our connection to the natural world and the importance of highlighting that for children. She grew up in mostly urban neighbourhoods, but always held onto her love of the outdoors. She enjoys spending lots of time in Nature. Her husband, Chris, was a writer who would often sit in a comfy chair in front of their pond and write mystery stories. Sitting beside him, Ann decided to create stories about the pond for her grandchildren, and the Cumberland Critters were born. Ann lives in a tiny house next to that same thriving pond on a farm on Vancouver Island, B.C. She shares her home with four feral cats, three raccoons, one mother bear, a few cougars, lots of birds, deer, and wild rabbits. Oh, and a few kind neighbours. Josephine Olivier grew up in the Comox Valley and enjoyed her childhood among these creatures. She is a graphic designer and photographer and has recently begun working with watercolor. This is her first foray into the world of illustration. https://www.instagram.com/josephineolivier/

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Contributors

Author

Ann Milligan

Illustrator

Josephine Olivier