Meet an Owlkids Author + Book Giveaway!

Hey, readers,

Elin Kelsey is the author of the new Owlkids book, Wild Ideas. This book is all about how animals solve problems in nature and what they can teach us!

Read on to see what Elin had to say about this book and her answers to some other fun questions!

Elin relaxes with her pup, Cookie Dough!

chickaDEE: What sparked the idea for this book?
Elin: When I watch a bird wrestling high winds at the beach or a squirrel tightrope walking along a power line, I marvel at the ability of animals to solve problems. I admire the way they survive using their bodies and each other. I spoke with scientists about how animals solve problems and discovered that many of the strategies they use, we use. I’m very interested in the connections that exist between our lives and other species that live on Earth. Problems are just a normal part of life whether you’re a cricket, Chihuahua or kid. That’s what sparked the idea for Wild Ideas.

chickaDEE: What is the coolest thing you’ve seen in nature?
Elin: A few years ago, I found myself with thousands of Adélie penguins in Antarctica. There were penguins as far as my eyes could see. That experience was cool beyond belief.

chickaDEE: What’s your favourite thing to do outdoors?
Elin: Everyday, I put my tiny dog, Cookie Dough, safely into a dog carrier in my bicycle basket. We ride a few kilometers to a beach. As soon as we get there, I take my pup out and we race down the boardwalk through sand dunes. Brown pelicans fly low over the waves. Sandpipers thrust their beaks deep into the sand along the tideline to catch food in the water. We go when it’s sunny or foggy or chilly or hot. We go because nothing feels as good as finding yourself on the edge of the sea.

chickaDEE: How many siblings do you have?
Elin: I have three wonderful sisters.

chickaDEE: What did you want to be when you were a kid?
Elin: I wanted to be an artist, a writer, a veterinarian and an explorer. It turned out that I spend most of my time working with artists, writing books about animals and travelling around the world helping with conservation projects. I feel very lucky indeed.

chickaDEE: If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Elin: I would like to take my family to live in a remote cabin in the wilderness without any amenities.

chickaDEE: What makes you happy?
Elin: Kindness. Being outside. Creative ideas. Surprises. Adventures. The love of my family and friends. This great big gorgeous world.

Thanks, Elin!

How would you like a copy of Wild Ideas? Just tell us your favourite thing to look at in nature for a chance to WIN!

Include your name, age and answer in the comments section below!

Contest deadline: April 23rd, 2015, 11:59 pm.

One winner will be chosen by random draw and announced on the blog on April 24th, 2015. Full contest rules and regulations can be seen here. Prize courtesy of Owlkids.

Good luck!
Melissa, chickadeeblog@owlkids.com