Spring book notes and writing classes, too

Linda Wilson, the director of McGaugh’s Young Adventurers program, shares her passion for nature and books in her spring newsletter.

“Each spring I introduce our kindergartners to the classic children’s novel, Charlotte’s Web,” she writes. “We read a chapter or two a day until all 184 wondrous pages are read. We have a Wilbur the Pig Puppet and a Templeton the Rat to share the experience. The children are involved totally in this book and I see tears in many little eyes as I choke up through the last lines, `It isn’t often one finds a true and loyal friend that is also a good writer.’ ”

More YA pointers: Mrs. Wilson also likes Edible Schoolyard by chef Alice Waters and Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv.

Writer’s workshop: Starting April 14 at the Los Alamitos Community Center, Seal Beach writer Alison Cotter is teaching “Writing Motherhood,” a weekly workshop based on the book by Lisa Garrigues. Alison explains, “this six-week introductory workshop helps beginning writers find their voice and experienced writers develop new material. ” To register call 562-430-1073 or visit www.ci.los-alamitos.ca.us.

Writing nature: Rebel Girl Lisa Alvarez advises: “Beginning Sunday April 5th and running through May 17th, the Irvine Ranch Conservancy will host a weekly writing workshop guided by poet, college writing professor and Irvine Ranch docent Thea Gavin. ” More.