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Children's Books: Inspiring Educational Stories for Young Minds
Behind the Book: Whispers in the Wetlands
Inspiration from Nature
Choosing the Main Character
Inspiration from Nature
In September 2024, I joined a California Naturalist class with a friend, and it was here that my journey with the wetlands began. Learning about this fragile habitat during field trips inspired me to create a children's book as part of a stewardship project. Through this book, I aim to share conservation stories and provide educational resources that highlight the beauty and importance of the wetlands.
A Story with Purpose
Choosing the Main Character
Inspiration from Nature
During a coastal cleanup with volunteers in blue shirts (you’ll spot them in the children's book!), we found an abandoned scooter half-buried in the mud. This experience made me reflect on how the smallest actions can impact nature and how conservation stories like this could serve as powerful educational resources for young readers.
Choosing the Main Character
Choosing the Main Character
Choosing the Main Character
The snowy egret caught my eye on that same trip. Learning that this beautiful creature is a year-round resident of the wetlands felt symbolic, making it the perfect main character to guide readers through the story in this children's book, which serves as an engaging piece of conservation stories and educational resources.
Bringing Wildlife to Life
Bringing Wildlife to Life
Choosing the Main Character
Throughout my field trips with the naturalist class, I observed so many unique species that eventually found their way into the pages of this children's book. Each illustration aims to capture the wetlands’ beauty and diversity, from initial sketches to the final, colorful scenes, while also serving as an engaging educational resource that highlights important conservation stories.
A Message of Stewardship
Bringing Wildlife to Life
A Message of Stewardship
My goal was to subtly weave the message of conservation and care into the story of this children's book. Through the characters and their journey, I hope readers come away with a deeper understanding of why our wetlands are worth protecting, just as many conservation stories emphasize the importance of preserving our natural resources. This aims to serve as one of the educational resources that inspire a love for nature.
Sharing the Story
Bringing Wildlife to Life
A Message of Stewardship
This children's book is now part of my stewardship project, available for free to inspire families and young readers to connect with and care for nature. My hope is that it serves as one of many conservation stories that encourage a love for the wetlands and a commitment to keeping them thriving, while also acting as valuable educational resources.
Meet the Maker
The Art & Stories of Ren
Hi, I’m Ren—a Filipino American author, children’s book illustrator, nature lover, and mom who’s always chasing new ways to tell stories (and sometimes chasing my son).
Through my picture books, I aim to create worlds that celebrate community, kindness, and cultural connection. My work draws deeply from my Filipino heritage and a love for the natural world, blending personal experiences with themes that inspire empathy and openness.
I love weaving in cultural elements like Baybayin characters and traditional textures, hoping to connect young readers with Filipino language and heritage. As a former teacher and creative director, I’m passionate about crafting educational resources and conservation stories that encourage kids to look a little closer, think a little deeper, and see the world with fresh eyes.
When I’m not working on a new story, you’ll often find me hiking, baking something that may or may not rise, observing wildlife (including my family), or lost in a good book. Life keeps me inspired—and a bit on my toes!
Whether you’re here to explore my work, dive into a story, or just say hello, welcome. I’m excited to share this journey with you!