The Runaway Dandelion: Advenuters in SustainAbility - Tapa blanda

A once idyllic meadow, home to animals, birds, insects, wildflowers and ancient apple trees is clear cut by a bulldozer to make way for new construction. Miraculously, there is one survivor...a lonely little dandelion. When her golden petals turn to white fluff, she takes flight in search of a new home. We get a bird's eye view of her journey over many big houses and manicured green lawns. When she spots a lush green meadow, surrounded by wetlands, we follow her down to earth, and cheer as she puts down new roots. We meet all the inhabitants of this small Family Farm and observe their daily life. What's special about this farm is that each of their activities contribute to a sustainable lifestyle, and consequently lead to a brighter and more promising future. A contemporary fable that is as informative as it is timely. Young readers, as well as parents and teachers, can explore many earth friendly techniques including organic gardening, solar and wind power, water harvesting, alternative heating, growing medicinal herbs, and cultivating gourmet mushrooms on logs. There is a Glossary, and suggestions for family friendly cooking-with-dandelion recipes. A comprehensive resource list of follow up links encourages readers to further explore these Permaculture techniques.

As a Certified Permaculture Designer, the author's focus is on creating sustainable, organic indoor and outdoor spaces for living and growing food. She has designed, and for many years lived on a homestead in Vermont such as described in the story. As a Natural Foods Personal Chef and Teacher, Jill is passionate about preparing and eating organic, local, seasonal food and embracing an earth friendly lifestyle. As a mother and grandmother, she believes that inspiring young students to embrace ecologically sound practices, is the key to saving Planet Earth. The author's practice of Permaculture (permanent-culture) takes it's cues from, and imitates nature. The tenacity of her little dandelion "guru" inspired this contemporary fable. Who knew that something as common, unassuming and often despised as a dandelion would have so many lessons to teach, as well as being a role model for strudents of all ages.