A winner of the 2025 Gold Nautilus Book Award, The Inside of ME is a lyrical and uplifting picture book that invites young readers to connect with nature—and themselves—through poetic language and enchanting illustrations. Told in gentle rhyme, this story encourages mindfulness, curiosity, and a sense of wonder. Each page draws children closer to the natural world, while also inviting them to explore what lives inside: imagination, courage, and joy. What Makes This Book Special: Poetic Storytelling: A rhythmic, reflective narrative that helps children feel at home in both the world around them and within themselves. - Nature-Based Illustrations: Features real-life outdoor locations in Maine that families can visit—ideal for young adventurers and nature lovers. - Built-In Adventure: Includes suggestions for outdoor exploration, making this book both a keepsake and an interactive guide to mindful play. Praise for The Inside of ME : "A wonderfully whimsical and reflective picture book that will carry readers easily through some adventures in the natural world." — Reader Views Kids "An irresistible and inclusive invitation to skip, roll, or run to the sea, to the pond, to the woods—where magic awaits!" — Sy Montgomery, national bestselling author of How to Be a Good Creature The Inside of ME is more than a story—it’s a gentle call to slow down, step outside, and discover the beauty of both the earth and our inner lives. "A word-and-picture book that takes children and parents on a sun-and-wind-blown joy ride across the place where we live, reawakening our childhood souls in much the same way that Dylan Thomas's 'Fern Hill' does." --Kerry Hardy, researcher, eco-historian, and author of Notes on a Lost Flute: A Field Guide to the Wabanaki "The Inside of ME is a beautiful book that reminds children of all ages of the joy and gratitude we have for our intimate relationship with Mother Earth and all her children. It is a book to have in your personal library." --Dr. Anita Sanchez, Nahua & Toltec, author of The Four Sacred Gifts: Indigenous Wisdom for Modern Times "In a simple, classic style of books like Good Night Moon, The Inside of ME is a heartwarming and charming book that will inspire children and adults to go outside and play. With delightful illustrations and poetic language, readers are reminded of how sparkly and happy we feel when we immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature." --Ellen Dee Davidson, author, forest listener, mother, and grandmother " The Inside of ME is an irresistible and inclusive invitation to skip, roll, or run to the sea, to the pond, or to the woods--where magic awaits! Recommendations for specific spots in Maine to visit, and fun activities to do there, guarantee unforgettable encounters with nature--moments that can change a kid's life. Brava!" --Sy Montgomery, national bestselling author of How to Be a Good Creature Jennifer Comeau treasures walks in Maine's special woodland places. A Certified Forest Therapy Guide, singer-songwriter, and author-speaker, Jen's experiences among "the standing ones" are awe-inspiring and grounding. Her forthcoming debut novel, A Moon in All Things, is a heroine's journey to reclaim the old ways of nature. As a trustee for TreeSisters.org, an international reforestation and women's leadership organization, she lives with her husband, Lt. Col. John Comeau, and a spunky poodle, Bridey, in Kennebunkport, Maine. Suzi Linden is a lifelong artist who translates her joy of nature into her work. She is the author-illustrator of three Princess Bigfoot books-Princess Bigfoot in Alaska, Princess Bigfoot Gives Thanks, and Princess Bigfoot in Maine. She lives in western Maine, where she works and wanders her trails for daily inspiration.