Magical Adventures
Inspired by Real Foods
The Science Behind the Magic
Where Imagination Meets the Wonderful World of Plants
Every fairy has a story. Every plant has a secret.
Welcome to the science side of Harvest Grove Children's Books, where magical adventures are inspired by fascinating compounds found in the natural world.
In Harvest Grove, children meet fairies, follow mysteries, discover friendships, and explore a world filled with wonder.
But behind many of our fairy characters lies something real: a naturally occurring plant compound with a story of its own.
Meet the Science Behind Our Fairies
Did you know that the bright colors of berries, the golden hue of turmeric, and the familiar fragrance of cloves are connected to natural chemical compounds?
These compounds help give plants some of their distinctive colors, aromas, and characteristics.
They also inspire the names and identities of our Harvest Grove fairies!
A Few Examples from Our Fairy Gardens
Ally Allicin - Inspired by allicin, a compound formed when garlic is crushed or chopped.
Alpha and Beta-Inspired by alpha-carotene and beta-carotene, colorful carotenoids found in pumpkins, carrots and other plants.
Lulu Lutein and Zea Zeaxanthin - Inspired by carotenoid pigments found in plants, including leafy greens.
Anya Anthocyanin - Inspired by anthocyanins, the pigments responsible for many red, purple, and blue colors in plants.
Lyla Lycopene - Inspired by lycopene, a red pigment found in tomatoes and certain other fruits.
Curry Curcumin - Inspired by curcumin, a yellow pigment found in turmeric.
And those are only some of the fascinating connections waiting to be discovered!
Stories First. discovery Naturally Follows
Harvest Grove books are designed to delight children ages 5–8 with magical adventures, mysteries, friendship, and imagination.
They are not science textbooks, and children don't need to understand chemistry to enjoy them.
Instead, the stories provide an inviting introduction to a much larger world.
A child who falls in love with a fairy named Anya might someday become curious about why blueberries are blue.
A child who enjoys Curry's adventures might begin wondering what makes turmeric golden.
Sometimes, a little curiosity is where a lifelong interest in science begins.
A World of Learning Opportunities
The connections between our fairy characters and real plants can open the door to conversations about:
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Botany and the natural world
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Plant pigments, colors, and fragrances
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Basic plant chemistry
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Gardening and seasonal changes
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Observation, exploration, and scientific curiosity
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The relationships between plants, animals, and their environments
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Healthy eating and the importance of a varied, colorful diet
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The naturally occurring compounds found in fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices
Parents, educators, homeschool families, librarians, and nature organizations can use these connections as starting points for age-appropriate exploration.
Inspired by Decades of Experience
Harvest Grove Children's Books was created by Frances Blewitt, Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CL.N.), who writes under the pen name Aubrie Shannon.
With approximately 40 years of experience in clinical nutrition and 13 years of herbal studies and practice, she brings a wealth of knowledge about plants, nutrition, and naturally occurring plant compounds to the imaginative world of Harvest Grove.
Her longstanding interest in the natural world helped inspire a fairy garden where science and storytelling meet.
The goal is simple: capture children's imaginations first, then leave the door open for curiosity and discovery.
For Educators, Libraries and Science Organizations
Are you involved with a botanical garden, nature center, science museum, library, homeschool organization, or educational program?
We welcome opportunities to introduce families to the connections between imaginative storytelling and the natural world.
Harvest Grove may offer a creative complement to programs exploring plants, gardening, nature, colors, and introductory botanical science.
Interested in learning more or exploring a collaboration?