Author Biography

Divya Ma grew up Catholic in Manila, Philippines, and later became a yogic nun. She travelled in Bangkok, India, Jamaica, the United States, Mexico, and Canada, teaching meditation, yoga, and humanitarian services. She has been one of the pioneers in introducing yoga classes in U.S. public schools with preschoolers, elementary, and middle school students and teachers in the 1990s. Starting in 2000, she lived in a solar-powered yurt in the Ozark Mountains in Eureka Springs, Arkansas for about ten years. Presently, she lives with her spiritual partner, Gopala, in Wisconsin and Arkansas. Divya Ma describes the inspiration for her story this way: "One night, I was trying to sleep when I suddenly thought of a leaf that I saw one autumn day as I was walking on a trail surrounded by trees. The leaf brought a big smile to my face and touched my heart. I watched the leaf dance and dance until it landed softly on the ground. As I fell asleep, I imagined I was that leaf. Words, feelings, and images came flowing like a gentle river."

Review

"Happy Leaf is a beautifully illustrated story about the discovery and appreciation of the simple gifts of nature and friendship that nourish and enrich our lives. What makes a leaf happy? Being kissed by sunshine, swayed by gentle breezes and dancing with friends. This book will not just entertain children, but make adults smile and remember to appreciate and reconnect with the natural treasures that are a gift to all those who take the time to appreciate them." --Becky Gillette, freelance writer (Arkansas)
"Happy Leaf is a delightful story that reminds the reader to appreciate the beauty in the world around us. It immerses the reader in the story and brings to life the love of the sun and the wind and the pure joy that nature brings us." --Laura Bechberger, B.Ed, B.Sc. B.Math OCT, High School Math Teacher (Canada)
"The return of Happy Leaf is most welcome. Nothing can be more refreshing than experiencing Happy Leaf dancing with glee, this time with the tender warmth of the sun and gentle coolness of the wind. She awakens our senses to appreciate the ubiquitous, yet taken for granted, gifts of nature. What a nice hug, indeed!" --Dr. William T Chua, Cardiologist/Director of Heart Institute, Painter& Sculptor (Philippines)
"With this new adventure of Happy Leaf, the sun is shining from the pages and the warmth is flowing in your heart. A beautiful dance with the sun and the wind makes children and adults relax, be playful again, and forget all worries." --Annelinde Gerritsen, Naval Architect & Maritime Writer (Netherlands)

Review Quote

"With this new adventure of Happy Leaf, the sun is shining from the pages and the warmth is flowing in your heart. A beautiful dance with the sun and the wind makes children and adults relax, be playful again, and forget all worries." --Annelinde Gerritsen, Naval Architect & Maritime Writer (Netherlands)

Details