I got a post-Christmas gift from the mail carrier this morning: an advance copy of my new book “The Chubby Woman’s Walkabout Guide to Cool Stuff on the American River”!

This is the first in a series of books I’m writing on the plant and animal species typically found along the American River in northern California.  It’s a pocket guide (about 4 x 6) that contains photos (all of which I took myself) of almost 200 species of galls, slime molds, fungi, lichen and insects.  Written with the everyday nature lover in mind, it provides basic information about each species, and during what time of the year you’re most likely to find them.  All of the photographs were taken with moderate- to low-end camera equipment that is more easily obtainable by every day folks.

Upcoming volumes will focus of plants and flowers, mammals, reptiles and amphibians and birds.

All of the proceeds from the sale of the books will be donated to nonprofit conservation organizations like the American River Parkway Foundation and Tuleyome.

To order your copy, CLICK HERE, or simply go to Lulu.com and search for “Mary K. Hanson”.