How do you choose to spend your precious days?

In "Hey Nature Lady," Jane Howard, aka Island Jane, shares thirteen vivid, deeply meaningful life stories to inspire kids of all ages to overcome obstacles, live a creative life, and connect with the natural world. With humor, grit, and an artist’s eye for detail, Howard shares stories of navigating uncharted waters—sometimes literally—as she finds herself stuck on a stranded train, lost in the Arctic, teaching students through a pandemic, and facing down an aggressive Alaskan brown bear. Whether it’s tracking alligator nests in the Okefenokee Swamp, uncovering unexpected lessons in a graffiti-scarred forest, or witnessing the raw power of a Hawaiian lava flow, each experience is a lesson in resilience, curiosity, and the enduring magic of our planet.

Spanning decades, these essays weave together reflections on adventure, creativity, and the importance of environmental education. "Hey Nature Lady" invites readers to see the world with fresh eyes, embrace life’s unpredictable detours, and, above all, stay open to the wonder that surrounds us—whether in the wilderness or the spaces we create.