Annie Bowler – illustratör

Sirena spends part of every summer in a rambling lakehouse filled with cousins, aunts and uncles, and her beloved Poppo (her grandfather). But despite how inviting the water looks, Sirena hates swimming. Until Poppo's gentle words and example tempt Sirena into the water to discover the joys of swimming--until she's a veritable mermaid. As their lakeside vacation ends, Sirena discovers that her present is tied more closely to Poppo's past that she imagined. This is a tender story about the power of intergenerational relationships and overcoming your fears.

A tiny fig tree needs time to grow. But how much time? All four seasons go by . . . and there are no figs. The seasons pass again. Still no figs! Is the fig tree good for nothing?Inspired by the parable of the Barren Fig Tree, The Good for Nothing Tree reminds us that the sweetest figs, like many other things, are worth waiting for. Not every tree—and not every child—grows at the same pace. Yet patience, care, and love can change everything, making what may appear "good for nothing" very good.A note about the parable's New Testament origins and a recipe are included.