Mary Ann Hake, a Lebanon native now residing in Central Oregon, recently published “The Smell of Spring,” the first book in her Smells of the Seasons series. The picture book’s main character, April, is blind but doesn’t let that stop her from enjoying nature along with her menagerie of pets. April explores her world using her sense of smell.
The book, available in hardcover, softcover and e-book from any book retailer, launched as the #1 new release in both children’s books about the sense of smell and in children’s poetry on Amazon. Her second picture book in the series, “The Smell of Summer,” is scheduled to release mid-May.
“The Smell of Spring” received positive response from parents, grandparents and teachers.
Hake, a freelance writer and editor, has published hundreds of pieces in periodicals for both children and adults, plus has material in a dozen books. A former feature writer and reporter for two small Oregon newspapers with a degree in journalism and mass communication from Linn-Benton Community College, she enjoyed serving as a librarian in Falls City, Ore., especially conducting the story times and summer reading programs. In addition, Hake taught writing enrichment in after-school programs and private schools, as well as at writers’ conferences.
“The Smell of Spring” includes activities using the sense of smell, and more activities are available through the author’s website, www.maryannhake.com, where readers can sign up for monthly activities and updates.