Hello, My Name is Gaia is a picture book with a powerful message and appeal for the whole family. Author E. Wonders brings an amazing story for kids that will help them start thinking about the Earth and connect with ecological ideas on an age-appropriate level through the character of Gaia.
Hello, My Name is Gaia is targeted at five-year-old children but can be read by younger or older readers as well. With charming illustrations, it is a story for all ages. The picture book is the story of Gaia, the spirit of the Earth, who takes the form of a little girl and tells the readers about who she is and how she feels about them. It’s a message of love for the readers, which reminds them that the planet is their home. The book explores the ideas that belonged to the ancestors and offers a whimsical and spiritual view of what Gaia is and how it connects with humanity. It is certain to interest young readers.
This is a delightful story with a poetic feel, a love letter to the Earth and to the readers, which shows kids that the Earth is everything: the oceans and the land, the animals and the birds. It is the story of how Gaia provides us with everything that we need to thrive right here on this planet. While the message might not be as new, it is still very important, and here it is presented in a unique way that young readers will surely connect with.
E. Wonders is an author based in Laguna Beach, California. She loves the ocean, nature, and animals, and this is something that provides plenty of inspiration for her work. She has a goldendoodle named Leo, a maltipoo named Roo, and a tabby cat named Lilah, and all three are amazing in their own ways. Wonders is profoundly curious about the history of humanity and everything unseen, magical, and supernatural. For this picture book, she draws from her passions and builds a whimsical, beautiful world. Hello, My Name is Gaia is her debut.
This book is perfect for young readers and is sure to be enjoyed by the whole family. It is a celebration of nature and everything it is, from the sun to the animals, and provides a way to construct a deep spiritual and emotional connection to nature. It reminds readers of the beauty of Gaia and the care the planet takes for all people. The book features gorgeous illustrations and a heartwarming story that puts readers in the unique position of hearing Gaia’s heartfelt message that can reach them from an early age. It is a celebration of nature and spirituality.
You can learn more about the picture book and the author at the website.
We had the pleasure of interviewing E. Wonders. Here are some excerpts from the interview.
Hi, Great to have you with us today! Please share with our readers about yourself.
Hi, since I can remember, I’ve always had a close relationship with nature. The ocean, forest, birds, my dogs, and all animals, really. I feel alive, at peace, and at home when in nature.
Over the last decade, my own spiritual journey has created an even deeper bond that I never thought was possible at a cellular level, and this little passion project came to me in one fell swoop; ten minutes of scribbling and Gaia was born! When I’m not sinking my toes in the sand, spending time with my beautiful daughter Bella or taking my dogs on a hike, I am a Director in Technology. Becoming a children’s book author was quite unexpected, but being blessed with such a loving and important message, I felt the need to heed the call to be a vessel and share something that I think is truly magical.
Please tell us more about your book, Hello, My Name is Gaia.
Hello, My Name is Gaia is a picture book for all ages, but the message specifically targets the first 5 years. The story is about Gaia (the spirit of Earth) in the form of a little girl – telling other little ones who she is and the message of how she loves them. It is not a message that says, “I’m the Earth, don’t spoil me.” It instead says, “I’m the Earth, remember me, I’m here for you and I was created for you to live and thrive.”
I believe new souls born in this generation and all future generations will be more prepared in their hearts and minds to be imbued with seeds of love for our planet and all that she offers us every day in every way.
Please share with our readers about your journey.
I often spend time at the ocean near home, reading, meditating, and writing, and on one of those occasions, I just received an idea about this story. I began scribbling the words and concepts for the illustrations. My notes sat for about a year during the shutdown, and I finally decided to turn my notes into a manuscript. It felt like such an accomplishment, and of course, I took my manuscript back to the ocean where it was written, almost like showing a parent your artwork as a little kid. “Here it is, look what I did.” Looking for affirmation or a blessing to be sure. But mostly to share with her – to keep her spirit in words, in the project.
That very day, I was shown or felt that I would find the artist. I felt that whoever was going to bring these words to life would be brought to me by Gaia herself to participate in the journey. I left the beach that day with such confidence, joy, and hope for what would begin. I put the ad out for an artist and found a great ghost illustrator – not meaning to, but she is the one who created the perfect illustration. I never gave her the manuscript – I only told her word for word what I wanted her to create for the character, the cover, and each page spread.
My next moment of elation was seeing Gaia for the first time. It felt like such joy and pride and so mysterious that this artist created EXACTLY what I had in mind. So, many mystical things happened during our development; I could go on and on. Another key moment in the journey was receiving my copyright in record time! I applied in late August, thinking it would take about six months, and in 30 days, exactly the copyright for this name, character, and concept of Gaia for children’s literature was mine and hers. Small wins but as a first-time creator and publisher, absolutely thrilling.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
The core strategy that brought Gaia to life was to be present, open, and listen. It has been one of the easiest and free-flowing creative things I’ve ever done. I believe that I can attribute this to keeping the project sacred and keeping it “hers.” I believe, like us, Gaia as a spirit or planet is only part of the grand design of all of the cosmos, and we are One.
The overall success of this book in the short and long term will be keeping the meaning, voice, and purpose in the space of love. The love I have for nature and all that she does for me emotionally, physically, and spiritually as well as the love she has for us and for each child who will experience these words. It is a love letter from her to readers (young and old alike) and from me to her. For all she has done and does for me every day, I’ve simply said, “here is my heart, my mind, and my hands, use them.”
Any message for our readers?
I believe that each parent, teacher, and child alike will pick up on the spirit of this book and character by just looking at her. The words will be seeds planted in hearts and minds even if you don’t know exactly what to do in your life, space, or community right now – what you can do is share a vibration of love and keep sharing it until the message is far and wide.
We don’t have all of the answers on how to solve what is happening to our planet today, but we are making strides, and the more people that hold the thought of love toward Gaia can only help things get better. If we are going to hold a vibration, let’s hold a good one and create a space for the next generation as well. Imagine babies being born and feeling the touch of the sun on their faces for the first time. Feeling and hearing the ocean waves and rumble in the ground. It’s all connection, and fostering that connection in the first five years will only be a positive way forward. I appreciate you for sharing this beautiful and loving story with all of the little ones in your life.
Fantastic! So tell us, how can people find out more about you?
You can find posts about the book now on my Instagram @ewonders8.
Thank you so much for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!