Looper is a fearless little girl who loves to try new things and explore what life has to offer. To her, possibilities are limitless, and in this short adventure, she expands her sense of wonderment about the world.
Six-year-old Looper and her parents head to a neighborhood fair after her team wins its softball game. There are many fascinating sights, including potters and weavers demonstrating their skills, clowns blowing balloons, and farmers selling tomatoes and basil.
But Looper's passion is flowers, and she is drawn to a display of Stargazer lilies. Her courage kicks in, and after introducing herself to the flower seller, she immediately thrusts her face into the bouquet. Although the pollen covers her in gold dust, this experience is actually a happy accident, as it ends up revealing creative abilities she didn't know she had.
This cheerful tale, intended for children ages four and up, teaches that mistakes sometimes turn out to be for the best. As Looper's father explains to her, we should all remember to have a sense of wonderment. When we maintain the feelings of respect and awe at the amazing world around us, anything can happen.
Belcher, Mary: - Mary is a long-time resident of Washington, D.C., who paints streetscapes and maps. Her watercolors are known for their strong colors and rich detail. She sells her work each weekend at Eastern Market on Capitol Hill. Mary's work has been commissioned by the U.S. Forest Service Visitors Center, The Nature Conservancy, Blair House Restoration Fund, Reading Is Fundamental, D.C. Convention Center Authority, DAR Museum, Stephen Decatur House Museum, the White House Historical Association, National Building Museum, and many others. "Lilies for Looper" is the only children's book she has illustrated. Mary studied photography at the Corcoran School of Art and later received a journalism degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder. As a newspaper reporter, she covered the White House, Capitol Hill and Justice Department. Before becoming a full-time artist in 1996, she was the spokesperson for Iran-Contra Independent Counsel Lawrence Walsh and was chief editor of his final report on the criminal investigations and trials. You can see more of her work at marybelcher.com.
Stuart, Rachel Foster: - Rachel Foster Stuart, PhD, LISW, ACSW, is a practicing clinical social worker who was born and raised in Michigan. She is also a lieutenant colonel serving on active duty in the Air Force. She holds a master's degree from Case Western Reserve University and a doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She lives in Washington, DC, with her husband. Stuart was inspired to write Lilies for Looper after working with many clients who would have benefitted from more support as a child. Looper's parents and community are supportive and encouraging, which Stuart has learned is crucial to promote positive childhood experiences. You can learn more about her work at www.iammylife.com.
