by Charles E. Bruckerhoff (Author)
In the second book of Adelyn's Adventures, a little girl chooses to explore the garden her grandparents plant every year. She meets different creatures, each doing its duties for Mother Nature. Ruby, a perky hummingbird, flies in and out of the garden, while fighting off other hummers. A garden spider mends her web after an overnight storm, while describing her duties for the next generation of garden spiders. The garden is where they start life, follow instinct to do their work, and die. Real life is hard. Creatures constantly search for food and build shelters. They must keep watch for enemies and defend their territory. The garden is also a symbol. This is the Garden of Earth, after the Garden of Eden. It reminds humans they do not follow instinct. They must make decisions about the problems they face. They must work for things they need. They have a duty to take care of the plants, animals, soil, water and air. They must have self-respect and respect others. Adelyn learns that work in the Garden of Earth helps humans discover the path to a good life.