Heartwarming experiences that taught about nature and life.
John Stanard’s delightful story of his long life in nature illuminates the challenges facing a natural environment that is so essential to our welfare. Stanard’s a great writer. Just buy the damned book and enjoy it!
Leigh Fredrickson, Ph.D., Wetland Ecologist
NOTE: Digital editions are immediately available on Amazon and Bookbaby. Order print copies from Bookbaby now, or pre-order from Amazon. You can find them available immediately after August 26, 2026 at Amazon and other bookstores.
About
The Stanards
Author John Stanard toyed with the idea of writing about his childhood "Lake House" for years. His late wife, Vida, encouraged him to do it. His current wife, Rose Anne, said he owed it to his family to share the memories he cherished. She offered to illustrate whatever he came up with. The result was a compelling account of his heartwarming boyhood experiences with grandparents who gave him a lifelong conservation ethic.
Rose Anne's amazing cover design and charming graphite illustrations were the proverbial frosting on the toadstool. (Even at 86, that little boy whose Lake House toys were bugs and lizards, still enjoys picking up toads just to see if they're going to pee on him.)
Photo by Tim Edington
Books by John Stanard
COMING EVENTS
Book Signings
Location
Poplar Bluff Municipal Library
318 N. Main Street, Poplar Bluff, MO
Date & Time
7/25/26
1-5 PM
Location
Artfully Framed/Archer Gift Shop
416 Vine Street, Poplar Bluff, MO
Date & Time
7/28/26
Location
Blue Heron Restaurant @ The Landing
110 Front Street, Van Buren, MO
Date & Time
8/8/26
Location
Crabb & Co Seafood Restaurant
8815 State Highway T, Wappapello, MO
Date & Time
8/22/26
4-7 PM
4:30-9 PM
Dr. Gus T. Ridgel Library Branch
3398 Kanell Blvd, Poplar Bluff, MO
9/22/26
4-7 PM
4:30-9 PM
Location
Date & Time
Our Inspiration
Preserve and Protect
Insects, mammals, lizards, snakes, maple trees, creeks and the lake were our playthings and playground.
Photography by John R. Stanard