As the year draws to an end, I am feeling grateful for many things: family, friends, a warm home and a stack of books to read and write.

I adore these sweet little Douglas squirrel babies in their cozy nest, staying warm and dry in the ancient tree of the coastal rainforest. What a lovely place to be! This charming illustration is from our book, West Coast Wild Rainforest, full of gorgeous paintings by Karen Reczuch.

Here on the west coast, we will be having a green holiday — no snow on the horizon as yet. Wherever you are, snow or no snow, I wish you a warm, cozy and happy holiday season.