In many parts of the country, people are dealing with the cold winter paired with shorter days. The result, an increase in vitamin deficiency, a loss of motivation, and just over \”blue moods.\” This affects adults and kids alike.

Children’s reading and play advocates Valarie Budayr from Jump Into a Book and Marilyn Scott-Waters from The Toymaker have teamed up to create an innovative (and much needed) option for parents who are concerned about Vitamin D deficiency in their children.

Despite data that shows that 80% of natural vitamin D comes from the rays of the sun, many children, roughly only 23% are spending enough time outside and welcoming the sun’s rays. Most children do not get enough vitamin D from food alone and are at risk of deficiency if they are spending prolonged periods of time indoors.

Budayr and Scott-Waters have combined their respective talents to not only create a clever solution, but also an amazing guidebook to help parents help their children regain their interest and love of nature.

“We wanted A Year in the Secret Garden to be the catalyst in introducing the beloved children’s classic, The Secret Garden to a new generation of families,\” Budayr shared. “ This guide uses over two hundred full-color illustrations and photos to bring the magical story to life, with fascinating historical information, monthly gardening activities, easy-to-make recipes, and step-by-step crafts, designed to enchant readers of all ages. Each month your family will unlock the mysteries of a Secret Garden character, as well as have fun together creating the original crafts and activities based on the book. Our goal is to not only raise awareness for the necessity of families spending more quality “unplugged” time together but to also share monthly activities that incorporate nature and the outdoors as well.”

With over 120 pages, with 150 original color illustrations and 48 activities for families to enjoy, learn, discover and play together, A Year In the Secret Garden is an opportunity to introduce a new generations of families to the magic of this classic tale in a modern and innovative way that creates special learning and play times outside in nature. This book encourages families to step away from technology and into the kitchen, garden, reading nook and craft room.

Budayr, a best-selling children’s author of The Fox Diaries: The Year the Foxes Came to our Garden and The Ultimate Guide to Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, is passionate about making kid’s books come alive and is proud to be a play and reading advocate. Her mission is to inspire children and families to embrace their world through reading, play, and creativity.

Scott-Waters is an award-winning author of notable books such as The Toymaker’s Christmas: Paper Toys You Can Make Yourself (Sterling), The Toymaker’s Workshop: Paper Toys You Can Make Yourself (Sterling co-creator with J. H. Everett of the middle-grade nonfiction series, Haunted Histories, (Christy Ottaviano Books / Henry Holt Books for Young Readers). Her popular website The Toymaker, receives 2,000 to 7,000 visitors each day, who have downloaded more than six million of her easy-to-make paper toys. Her goal is to help parents and children spend time together making things.

A Year in the Secret Garden is a delightful children’s book with over 120 pages, with 150 original color illustrations and 48 activities for your family and friends to enjoy, learn, discover and play with together. Grab your copy on AudreyPress.com here. {Only $14.98-use SAVEABUCK coupon code and get the book for $13.98}