Tiny Worlds of the Appalachian Mountains: An Artist's Journey

by Rosalie Haizlett

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature

240 pages, Hardcover

Published August 25, 2024

Reviews

[Rosalie Haizlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this book 😉 Excited for you all to read it!

[Alison Zak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a nature lover with deep family attachments to West Virginia, so I was very excited for this book. It is even more beautiful than I expected! Rosalie’s illustrations are lovely, but I am equally a fan of the endearing little vignettes she writes about her explorations. Use for inspiration if you nature journal, or just keep on your coffee table to come back to and enjoy again and again!

[Tricia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s here! The much anticipated new book by the author you know and love from Watercolor in Nature, Rosalie Haizlett! Let me introduce you to Tiny Worlds of the Appalachian Mountains by Mountaineer Books - a beautifully illustrated nature journaling trek across and through the Appalachian Trail. No stone is left unturned, literally, in the attention and observation of detail in the flora and fauna that captured her interest along the way. The meandering reflections are woven into the subjects in such a delightful way - her noticing, her wondering, her connections. There are nature journaling prompts and tips, interesting facts, insights into her creative process, and springboards galore into ideas of adventuring and exploring and recording such for the reader! My favorite books are the ones that extend Robert Frost’s invitation, ‘You come, too’ and this is no exception! Highly recommend! - Tricia, owner nature+nurture

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's an absolutely beautiful book! I loved the paintings and trail thoughts. I also found a new vacation bucket list destination, Gros Morne National Park, NL!

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

So lovely! Made me nostalgic for Appalachia with all the beautiful illustrations and musings on nature. Makes me want to watercolor and go sit outside. Loved it!!

[Kelsey Staggers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always loved Rosalie Haizlett’s art—she has a unique talent for capturing the beauty of special Appalachian places and bringing them to life. I was so excited to pick up Tiny Worlds, and it did not disappoint. Flipping through its pages evokes a deep sense of nostalgia, transporting you back to childhood memories of roaming the woods and marveling at the tiny wonders of nature. It’s a delightful reminder of the magic in the small details around us and in Appalachia ☺️🩷

[Crystal Poe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a mixture of extraordinary artwork mixed with personal stories and vignettes of observations made exploring the Appalachian mountain range, even extending to the Canadian region. I love going on hikes and taking pictures of moss and mushrooms, and this book shows the wonders of those tiny worlds.

[Sara Parrucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiny Worlds of the Appalachian Mountains by Rosalie Haizlett is as informative as it is beautiful. This book is an ode to Appalachia and its unique (and tiny) flora and fauna that are often overlooked—much like the region itself. As someone who is proud to call Appalachia home, I’m thankful for the positive light this book shines on such a beautiful place.

If you’ve never see the Appalachian mountains in person, this book will encourage you to visit. If you’re blessed enough to call this home, Rosalie’s words and illustrations will encourage you to slow down on your next nature walk and appreciate your surroundings.

[Meg Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this book. We enjoyed the stunning visuals, immersive storytelling, and my daughter's favorite subject: nature. What I love about what Rosalie does best in this book is to draw us into the world around us and give us a reason for slowing down and simply getting to know the tiny worlds that surround us and how we need these ecosystems--big and small--and how we must ensure they continue to thrive.

I recommend this as a read-aloud for your family--let your little ones listen to you tell Rosalie's adventure piece by piece while also seeing the images she saw in crisp, creative detail throughout the book.

[Betsy Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I pre-ordered this book as I had her earlier book. I discovered her artwork while visiting Davis WV. I looked her up and was delighted to find the depth and expanse of her writing and visual art.
This book is stunning and feels like taking a walk in the woods with a friend. The art is inspiring as I attempt to use as a model for some of my own drawings and compositions.
I would highly recommend for writers, artists, outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

[katya · Rating 5 out of 5]

a beautifully illustrated and lyrically narrated account of traveling the international appalachian trail from a naturalist's gaze. haizlett invites readers to take their time -- not only in nature, as observers and explorers, but with her art and prose as well -- to share in the joy of discovery and the delight of both purposeful and chance encounters with the plants and animals with whom we share the land.

[📚Linda Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautifully and narrated nature book. I enjoyed seeing familiar plants and animals as well a learning about others. I am taking seriously the admonition to look closer at the tiny worlds around me here at home in Appalachia. I also appreciate Rosalie’s opening up in a deeply personal way about joy, coping, and home.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations, fascinating insights into the natural world, and tender storytelling. As I read it, I thought of so many friends and family members who would love it as well (perfect for gifting)! My family read a few pages at a time at the dinner table, and we all appreciated different things about it.

[Priscilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! So beautifully illustrated with thoughtful natural history essays. Even though I do not live in the Appalachians, I found that this was an engaging book that has inspired my desire to visit soon.

[Bekky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I especially loved how meandering this felt.

[Sage Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful drawings that take us on a journey north from Georgia to the coasts of Maine… Appalachia the beautiful on a scale we don’t think about. Amazing for visual learners and filled with fabulous facts.

[Julianna Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous, whimsical, and charming book from cover to cover. Full of beautiful artwork and engaging anecdotes, this book has inspired me to slow down in nature and to appreciate even more my beloved Appalachian region. Every walk in the woods has the potential to be a treasure hunt!

[Alexa Sarussi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosalie's thoughtful and whimsical style makes this book an absolute joy to read. Her illustrations are beautifully detailed, showing places and creatures in eye-opening ways, and the concept of the journey with its attention to slow exploration is unique and grounding.

[Kaitlyn Kinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book from my local bookstore! Amazing illustrations and maps of Appalachia! Planning to buy more copies as gifts for all the nature lovers in my life!

[Julia R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book. I bought it to gift to my newborn nephew. His parents live in NC and I know they’ll love watching him grow with the world around them.

Illustrations are lovely, it’s thoroughly written and thoughtfully told. WRP✨

[anneof221b · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book for all ages, full of both whimsy and wisdom, and I know my copy is going to end up dog-eared and faded from being re-read and displayed where I can see it in my home forever.

I loved this one for deeply personal reasons. Rosalie's journey along the Appalachian Trail was happening at the same time I started my first biology job in WV post-graduation while wondering if I made the right choice. (In fact, she designed the signage for the place I worked. It was my first introduction to Rosalie's art.) The same flora and fauna that inspired this book inspired me to devote my career to caring for these mountains that raised me. The way this book is laid out in chronological journal form lets me cross reference with my own journals from that time-- I can see the observations we were making about the natural world at the same time.

From one West Virginia girl to another: thank you, Rosalie, for pointing out all the lovely things about our home, a region that is put down so often.

[Austyn Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a longtime fan of Rosalie Haizelett, since I first saw her work for sale in our local art spaces in Huntington, West Virginia. I've read her first book, Watercolor in Nature, and loved it, so when I saw she had a second one coming, I pre-ordered it as soon as I could.

And though I'm only about a quarter of the way through, I am in love! In her second book, Haizeltt gives a bigger taste of her own nature writing and reflection, and her voice is such a gift. The art in the book is gorgeous, as always, and her talent for noticing small details brings each addition to life, but I am especially thankful for her writing in this one. She is vulnerable, the stories are intimate, as she writes not only with empathy for every living thing she encounters, but for herself, as the journey allows for plenty of self discovery too.

I'm excited to keep reading, but wanted to share already because I've been brought to tears. Thank you Rosalie Haizlett <3

Final notes:
Rosalie Haizelett has long been a favorite of mine, but this book especially is a beautiful look into her life and her voice. Vulnerable, compassionate, and attentive, she captures the tiny worlds in a way that sheds light on being human too.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book! I did a slow read of this one, a few pages a night. Haizlett’s writing is informative and vulnerable and beautifully captures the feeling of awe at encountering the natural world.

[Peter Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It’s like a walk in the woods. The world is a place of incredible beauty and unfathomable mystery. This book is proof of that, as is a walk in the woods.

I don’t draw or paint but I’ve always been fascinated by the natural world and love the idea of sketching. I ordered a copy of “The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling” based on the ‘Further Reading’ section in the back of this book.

[Becca McCracken · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love nature and gorgeous art, you will fall in love with this book! I'm absolutely captivated by the artistry. I adore Appalachia, and this peek into the vast array of tiny creatures that call the mountains and streams home just puts me in a happy place. I'd happily give this as a Christmas or birthday gift to young people or adults.

[Nancy Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book was excellently written. The illustrations are engrossing and done with both creativity and talent, I was left wanting more, but also overwhelmed with how much effort and thought went into this magical creation. Thank you Rosalie for bravely putting this masterpiece into the world!

[Genia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only did the author fill this book with exquisite paintings of flora and fauna, she put her heart and soul into the prose. It is filled with her passions for nature and painting and is one I will reach back for many, many times.

[Sandra Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a unique book. It was part art, part science and part adventure. It was nice that some of our Eastern provinces were featured and I learned some new things. The artwork is great and inspired me to keep painting!

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hosts breathtaking paintings on every page, accompanied by an inspirational narration of the painter’s journey. A true delight for the heart and soul.

[Yakfur · Rating 5 out of 5]

The paintings alone make this book fantastic but the journal entries add so much more. Definitely inspired to go outside and notice nature.