The book will not be released until next year….sorry for the inconvenience but it will be worth the wait.

The newest book in the works at Flowergardengirl is Oliver, The Praying Mantis. Oliver came to live with Flowergardengirl in a fresh flower arrangement. He went undiscovered for more than a week while hiding amongst the monochromatic greens. Anna purchases fresh bouquets from her local grocery store on occasion and they sit on her kitchen table. She’s never seen a living creature suddenly appear.

Being that she is Flowergardengirl, she was delighted to discover that Oliver was actually praying he would find a way to visit her gardens. Anna did not know she could talk mantis language until Oliver started using American Sign Language. Wait till you see his adventure from the flower farm where he was born to his home in the gardens of Flowergardengirl.

Oliver, The Praying Mantis is co-authored by Michael Looper. Michael Looper is Anna’s son and chose ASL as his second language to achieve his degree in Media Studies with a focus on writing from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Michael is a talented writer, award winning actor, and very animated at ASL.

The book is about a little praying mantis who journeyed from a small flower farm, to the grocery store in a bouquet, and then to the gardens of its dreams. The family who tended his birth garden were deaf farmers. Oliver learned to sign by observing their communications.

God cares for every creature both big and small from beast to man. He cares that a praying mantis would pray for a garden so grand. God is full of purpose and set a mantis in the gardens where Oliver could be heard, be seen, and be appreciated. Flowergardengirl gardens organically and Oliver will work his days as an important part of balance in nature.

This book will be out in time for your Christmas gift list. It will be a favorite book that bring together gardeners, grandmothers who wish to delight little ears, people who find a handicap in their life and wish to be heard and seen, mom’s and dad’s who yearn to communicate kindness and love in their children.

The pages are full of high quality digital images showing Oliver in his bouquet and perhaps–most likely–showing his home in the garden. The pages show American Sign Language in its action and beauty.

Please put Oliver, The Praying Mantis on your Christmas wish list. Watch the Flowergardengirl blog—right here—and we’ll announce the minute it hits the market.