Gwendolyn Fowlkes Harvey
I imagine that any number of human beings have watched the antics of animals and wondered about their communications. After being amused by the creatures that visited my backyard fruit trees, I was inspired to create a fictional tale of a persistent squirrel and bird who work at sharing the fruit of a backyard plum tree. These animals managed to keep a distance between them while pecking at the plums. However, a gardener provided a twist that ended their games.
I have spent many years watching young children as they marvel over the behavior of animals. With children I have shared countless, delightful hours, wondering about what the animals were saying and pretending to understand why they behaved as they did. It is my hope that this story about the adventures of a squirrel and a bird would evoke the same kind of enjoyment as watching the animals.
As a career educator, Gwen spent many years combining her love of learning, childen, and writing. She enjoyed inspiring children to read and write good stories. Throughout the years she was inspired to create quick tales and concept plays for her students.
Gwen, who has a graduate degree in written communications, has had articles published in newsletters and journals. One of her plays won a state-wide economics award.
For a while Gwen and her husband, Dennis, lived in the same community as the elementary school where she taught. Often, her students visited their home to work and share the harvests of the urban garden. The garden, which has several fruit trees, was a place of real adventures. The creatures that also visited the garden provided entertainment and stories that just had to be shared.
Gwen has always had a desire to write stories for children. The animal adventures provided the tales to be told. She plans to create a series of stories about the animals that visit her backyard.
Through the gate strode Mr. Gardener,
coming out to study his crop.
Blue Jay flew a short distance away, but
Gray Squirrel simply did not stop.
Gray Squirrel picked another plum
and ate it while he sat.
As Mr. gardener gathered the fallen ones
and put them in his hat.
The plums on the tree were golden and sweet
and the squirrel would not leave them alone.
