Stories to Encourage
Meet Livvy, the curious little girl that wonders, explores, and has fun learning about the detailed beauty of a snail. A snail that teaches her the most important life lesson of all!
Livvy wants to go on an adventure!
She grabs her magnifying glass and heads out to the garden to see what she can find. After following a trail of shiny slime, she discovers a shy little snail named Gary. Gary warms up to Livvy quickly and the two become best friends. They go on lots of adventures together and Livvy even makes Gary a safe place to eat and sleep using a flowerpot. Follow Livvy and Gary as they discover the garden and meet a new friend.
My studies and research show that older adults’ lives improve when they feel safe and secure and have meaningful social interaction.
I believe all people need this. Everyone needs to be loved and cared about.
This book was written to inspire everyone who reads or listens to it, encouraging them to be curious, have fun learning, and seek exciting things to do every day, especially young children.
Enjoy this book of love, friendship, and nature.
Debuting author Marian Heemskerk’s book, Adventures of Livvy and the Snail invites parents and kids alike to discover the joy of adventure and friendship.
The illustrations by Jennifer Doyon are amazing, expressing through pictures beautifully of what the author has written.
Marian Heemskerk is a life long learner and an avid writer who is honored to have five poems in the Canadian Institute of Poetry in Ottawa, Canada. She has been a Registered Nurse Assistant and is a Licensed Practical Nurse specializing in gerontology for over 40 years. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Leadership in Health Specialties and a Certified Health Executive designation. She currently works as a Director of Community Life in an older adult community. When Marian is not working, she enjoys research, being creative crafting, cooking, appreciates nature, outdoors, and spending time with family and friends, especially the grandchildren. She lives in Surrey, BC, with her husband, John.
Jennifer is a Canadian-based artist and a graduate of Algonquin College’s Animation program. She works primarily in the animation industry as a layout artist with studios in Ottawa, Toronto, and Halifax, with clients like Netflix, Warner Bros, and Nickelodeon. She also has experience with graphic design and illustration with an emphasis on location design. Jennifer grew up in rural Ontario and has always had an impulse to draw and recreate moments from nature to tell visual stories through her art. She lives in Ontario with her family and two dogs.