The Meadow
The Meadow is a book about confidence, morality, self-acceptance, and perseverance. Readers are introduced to a magical, beautiful, and safe world, where the main character, Annie, learns several life lessons from the many wonderful meadow creatures she meets. As Annie drifts off to sleep and is swept up into the delicate tendrils of Whimsical Wind's hair, she is greeted by friends, old and new, who offer wonderful pearls of wisdom to help her to grow, nurture her confidence, appreciate her surroundings, but most importantly, learn to love, respect, and appreciate herself while recognizing her own potential. This story utilizes inspirational quotes and phrases, compelling adventure, and imagination, with adolescent Annie at the center of this imaginative book.
Steph Giuffre-Donald
As an early childhood major, Steph Giuffre-Donald graduated with a bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Alberta, Canada. Blessed with a veracious imagination and creative spirit, she taught children reading and story writing, helping them make their dreams come alive on paper. As a witness to many young children who struggle, trying to find where they fit in the classroom, on the playground, and in this world in general, Steph is determined to show that we are all constantly evolving, and that change is never bad. Young adolescents face these same challenges, fighting to find themselves in a world inundated with flawless Instagram photo filters, and the pressures of fitting in and maintaining likes and streaks. As a child, Steph was often afraid of the world; she didn't want to draw attention to herself and feared being compared to others. Steph knows first hand that more than many are haunted by childhood secrets that frequently whisper in their ears, telling them that they are not capable, that they are not worth it. For years, Steph has written only for herself, but as she continues to watch her four daughters grow, change, and discover themselves, she wishes for them, and all of us, to see that each of us have strengths and gifts. Steph wants to be an example of finding your voice, taking risks, and sharing your passions with the world. That journey has led both Annie, the main character, and the author, Steph Giuffre-Donald, to this very moment, where she hopes that each reader will soar along with Annie, having connected to at least one pearl of wisdom that will make their lives, or that single moment, much better. There is no greater gift than being who you truly are.
