The forest has always been a place of magic and wonder. Its dense foliage and towering trees create a sense of mystery and enchantment. As you step into the forest, you are transported to a different realm, where anything seems possible. The air is filled with the sweet fragrance of wildflowers and the chirping of birds, creating a symphony of natural sounds. The dappled sunlight that filters through the canopy creates a mesmerizing display of light and shadows. Within the depths of the forest, there is a sense of tranquility and peace.
A little boy with a kind heart listened to the words of his wise grandmother. She taught him that if he trusted and listenend to the forest, it would reveal great surprises. When he meets a beautiful little bird, he knows the forest has sent him a secret friend. But Chubby (a partridge) is clearly scared and lost. Can the little boy and the animals of the forest help Chubby find his way home? Or, just maybe, they can help him find the courage to keep searching.
Readers will be awed by the nature high-lighted in Jacqueline Crivello's lovely story and be inspired to dream wild in the great outdoors. Jacqueline is an internationally published nature photographer whose artistry combines extreme action with striking detail. Her images draw viewers into the world of the still untamed Wild West. Although she travels extensively in her relentless quest to capture the perfect image, living in Evergreen, Colorado she dwells amongst the scenery and wildlife she most loves to photograph. He unique and intense work features action at its finest and showcases her extraordinary ability to catch wildlife in the moment at the height of their expression.
She makes author appearances at special events which combine a storybook reading with brief instruction on bird feeding another of Crivello s passions-turned-expertise. She was afforded grand opportunities as early as high school, taking up the role of yearbook photographer and developing film in her school s dark room, and winning a national award that earned funding for the school.
Within the depths of the forest, there is a sense of tranquility and peace. Time seems to slow down, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds you. The forest is a haven for animals and plants, each contributing to the delicate balance of this magical ecosystem.
The Magic of ‘Our’ Forest
“The Magic of the Forest,” a very fitting title for Jackie Crivello’s first children’s book, evokes the sense of wonder that exists for us lucky mountain residents. Surrounded by nature, our imaginations have space to wander and marvel in a childlike manner, and it is this shared joy which lives at the heart of Crivello’s second children’s title, “Fireball Fox Saves the Forest.”
“My stories were created to engage parents and grandparents and nature, bringing the outdoors to children,” Crivello explains. “My idea was for parents to think about what I wrote and how children can reflect on it in their own lives.”
A child’s perspective is formative, found in adulthood through the beauty of the world, a special kid in our lives, or happy memories. For Crivello, these children’s stories, their photos—even her entire photography career—has roots in her own childhood.
“I started wildlife photography when I was 8 years old! I was out to dinner in northern Wisconsin with my family and [on our way in] I noticed a black bear in the trash. I had my camera with me, so I excused myself to use the restroom and I photographed the black bear,” recalls Crivello. This, she says, awakened a passion that she was sure was born in her. “It was innate—it was an instinctive thing which I grew to love more every day of my life.”
This special moment launched Crivello into a deep appreciation for nature and a special eye for beauty found in landscapes, wildlife or the human form. She was afforded grand opportunities as early as high school, taking up the role of yearbook photographer and developing film in her school’s dark room, and winning a national award that earned funding for the school. After graduating, she assisted Sports Illustrated as an NFL sidelines photographer while continuing to expand her nature and wildlife portfolio. She has been the recipient of multiple National Geographic photography awards, including being named one of the Photo of the Year awardees. Her nature photography has been published internationally and she was a top-selling artist at John Fielder’s gallery. Now, her work is on display at Grizzly Creek Gallery in Georgetown, where she sells to many local and celebrity clients. It’s a callback to that first spark: the snapshot of the bear.
Her children’s book ideas are tied to a childhood connection as well: a close relationship with her grandmother. “My grandmother lived to be 99 years old and she was housebound in Wisconsin. I would take pictures and I wrote stories to go with the photos—mostly photos of animals and our vistas,” Crivello fondly recalls. “My grandmother loved them, and I thought, why not share them with other people?”
Crivello does not impulsively dive into such projects. Her work, however passion-driven, is successful because it has a foundation of research, planning and intentional execution. “I would sit down and write a page at a time and post them across the wall of my office. If something didn’t work, I would take it down and replace it.” After, she brought in careful, professional eyes. “Initially, I worked with a Colorado publishing coach, then a designer.” Then came the editing. “For that, I went to our fabulous Holly Jorgensen. I wanted the best people in the country working on this, and Holly is one of those, as is the woman who did my book design.” When the concept was ready to be a physical reality, Crivello made purposeful decisions about the look and feeling. “I believe in the art of the book. I purchased imported Italian paper, ordered an old-school binding, and a dust jacket as vivid as the cover.”
The research, hard work and attention to detail has made Crivello a resource to other hopeful authors. She is always willing to share her advice, which hinges on taking one’s self seriously. Crivello started her own publishing company, Happy Hill Press, to oversee the printing and marketing of her book. “The most important thing is, in the writing of my book, I had to have in mind who the consumer would be. I had to know who my customer was before I started to write,” she says. “And I am relentless in marketing my book. It’s an every day process—seven days a week.”
It’s forethought with an obvious payoff: Crivello’s children’s books are sold across the country and internationally, with placement in more than 400 stores, including Barnes & Noble. She garnered the attention of a major publisher and a distributor. “To be with a publisher and a distributor and get them to work together is highly unusual. That was fortunate,” says Crivello. “The book has to be good enough—it has to be viable for these people to want to sell your book.”
“The Magic of the Forest” has sold copies all over the world, with praise from literary institutions like the Mom’s Choice Award, which represents over 60 countries. Despite the mass of sales around the world, Crivello still feels intimately connected to the project. “My goal wasn’t how much money I could make, but how much joy I could bring to the community in terms of connecting people with wildlife.” She personally signs every copy of the book before it goes out to the customer.
The second book in the series, “Fireball Fox Saves the Forest,” was released a year ago to similar acclaim, with special nods to the book’s surprise ending. Fireball Fox lives in the woods of Evergreen with his animal friends who are all concerned about the machines moving through the forest and ripping out trees. The animals decide that Fireball, the bravest of them all, can put a stop to the destruction. “Fireball tries numerous times to get the machines to leave—but the machines are not what you think they are,” Crivello reveals. You have to buy the book to discover the ending, but she promises, “No one dies in my books. You’re going to cry because it’s a happy story, not a sad story.”
Crivello says that she has been inspired, not only by our beautiful surroundings but by the immense community support. “The community has extraordinarily embraced the books. The support comes from the hometown. I think people enjoy being a part of someone’s success— I know I do. If I know someone locally doing something, doing well, I want to support that.” Notable local support has come from Jim Sherwood, HearthFire Books & Treats, Evergreen Crafters, Evergreen Shipping Depot and Keys on the Green, who hosted a photoshoot.
With a hometown foundation, the book project has exploded around the world. International sales continue to increase, and the second book is currently being animated for a forthcoming streaming project. The third story is slated for a spring release. For those who can’t shop locally, signed copies of the book are available online through jcrivello.com, Walmart, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble, but Crivello hopes to connect with readers when she can. She makes author appearances at special events which combine a storybook reading with brief instruction on bird feeding—another of Crivello’s passions-turned-expertise. She has an upcoming event on December 3, from 11-3 at Barnes & Noble in Lakewood on Colfax.
“These books are really successful and I’m so proud of that,” Crivello says. “I feel so connected to every single book I sell.”
To learn more about Crivello’s photography and children’s books, visit jcrivello.com.
Squirrels scurry along tree branches, while deer gracefully graze on the forest floor. The forest is alive with activity, yet it also offers a sense of solitude and solace. There is a palpable energy in the forest, as if it holds ancient secrets waiting to be discovered. It is a place where legends and folklore come to life. Stories of mystical creatures and hidden treasures are woven into the fabric of the forest. As you explore its winding paths, you can't help but feel a sense of adventure and curiosity. Every corner holds the promise of something extraordinary. The forest also provides a sanctuary for those seeking respite from the chaos of the outside world. It is a place where you can disconnect from modern technology and reconnect with nature. The trees silently stand as guardians, offering their wisdom and strength. In the forest, you can let go of your worries and find clarity and peace. The magic of the forest lies not only in its beauty but also in its ability to heal and rejuvenate the spirit. To truly experience the magic of the forest, you must open yourself to its wonders. Let go of expectations and allow yourself to surrender to the unknown. As you navigate its twisting paths, you may stumble upon hidden waterfalls or stumble upon a clearing that offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. The forest has a way of surprising and delighting those who venture into its embrace. In the end, the magic of the forest lies in its ability to ignite the imagination and evoke a sense of wonder. It is a place where fantasies become reality and dreams take flight. The forest is a reminder that there is still magic in the world, waiting to be discovered and cherished. So next time you find yourself in the presence of a forest, take a moment to appreciate its enchantment and let its magic envelop your soul..
Reviews for "The forest's role in environmental conservation"
1. Samantha - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "The Magic of the Forest" because I love fantasy books, but I was highly disappointed. The story was incredibly slow-paced, with little to no action or suspense. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to connect with them. The writing style was also quite bland and uninspiring. Overall, it was a tedious read that did not live up to my expectations.
2. Mike - 1 star - "The Magic of the Forest" was a complete letdown. The plot was predictable and lacked originality. I found myself easily guessing the next twist or turn, which made the story incredibly boring. The dialogue between characters was forced and unnatural, making it hard to be invested in their interactions. I also felt that the world-building was poorly executed and lacked vivid descriptions. It's safe to say that this book did not captivate my attention at all.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I found "The Magic of the Forest" to be quite underwhelming. The pacing was all over the place, making it hard for me to stay engaged in the story. Additionally, the protagonist lacked agency and often relied on others to drive the narrative forward, resulting in a lack of character development. The magic system was poorly explained and left me feeling confused. I was hoping for a magical adventure, but instead, I got a lackluster and disjointed read.