Walking Distance: An Ohio Odyssey

Allen ( The Fire in the Birdbath and Other Disturbances ) came late to an awareness of nature; as a youth, his primary scientific interest was astronomy. When his friend Eddie brought his family for a lengthy visit, Allen and nine-year-old Laura explored country lanes, creeks and a nature preserve in north-central Ohio (Delaware County). Allen even learned to cope with a half-tamed hedgehog in his own backyard. Laura's curiosity was contagious, spurring Allen to learn the names of trees and wildflowers and to recognize birds. They observed crows raising a family and looked for fossils. If these walks were a source of discovery for Laura, they brought a sense of renewal to Allen. And they bring satisfaction to the reader. (July)