Can you imagine growing up with 173 meadow and woodland creatures as your pets? Animals like robins, owls or tarantulas? Now add to this magic mix a mother who is a Newbury Award-winning author for two of the best-loved books of all time: My Side of the Mountain and Julie and the Wolves. That's just how Twig George, daughter of Jean Craighead George, was raised.
As a kid, I loved the book My Side of the Mountain and fantasized of escaping to the woods or family farm to raise my own wild animal like 12 year-old Sam did. He had Frightful, the peregrine falcon, while I yearned for my very own raccoon. Sam's survival skills and ingenuity were to be admired. My brother and I even built a lean-to out of tree branches in the woods just like Sam — we didn't live in ours, but it sure made for a fun afternoon of play.
On Sunday, February 26, at 4 pm, join Ms. George at the Howard County Conservancy as she shares fascinating tales about her childhood, her famous mother, and her own adventures as an author and conservationist. You may be interested to know that she is a local celebrity. That's right — she hails from Maryland. In addition, her husband is the Director of Baltimore's National Aquarium.
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Tickets are required: $10/family if purchased by February 23 or $12/family if purchased after February 23.
We hope to see you there.
Find out what's happening in Ellicott Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Consider creating your own wild animal adventure at home by pulling out some sheets or blankets, creating a lean-to, and camping out under the imaginary stars. Fill your tent with stuffed animals (you may even have 173 around your house). Rent the movie version of My Side of the Mountain or read any of Ms. George's or Mrs. George's books (check their web sites for complete lists and head over to the Miller Branch of the Howard County Library).
For more ideas on family activities, visit www.weeAdventure.com.
