Our project, Biophilia, is an anthology of ornithological and nature-related original stories expressed in the tradition of children’s fiction, with an overarching theme of land stewardship and nature conservation. We are using the format of children’s fiction to rediscover that childlike wonder that we experienced in nature during our youth. Our storybook is a collaborative effort where we come together to develop our individual stories about different parts of nature that personally matters to each of us.

We explore a breadth of ecological happenstance, using personification as a tool to incite understanding of natural occurrences and embrace empathy. For example, a bird detective tracking down his family’s murderer, or a grumpy stump coming to terms with his symbiotic relationship to the bugs that benefit him. When writing the children's book we primarily found inspiration through reading “What if We Got it Right” by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. The excerpts spoke of child-like wonder made manifest in change and this inspired our children's book medium. Additionally, we made decisions through group effort and planning where everyone has a say in each story.

Through writing our fictitious tales we found real friendships. Working together meant seeing everyone as creative individuals with their own unique strengths. As a completed anthology, our work expresses a care for the natural world and what we can do to shift people’s perspectives on our connection to nature. We want the viewer to feel immersed in humanity’s intrinsic relationship with the environment.