Leah Cohen Longtime educator and author Leah Cohen of Oak Park has published a new children’s book, “The Magic Pond: How a small flock of birds brought life and cheer to a lonely pond.” The book is a nature story for early readers.

In this tale, a group of migrating birds lament that their resting place is a dazzling but lonely pond. Wishing to bring new life to the desolate waters, the birds come up with a plan to grow plants and attract new animals to the pond. The birds succeed, but are surprised when the magic pond amazes them with a colorful turn of events.

Young readers will be introduced to cyclical concepts in nature, such as bird migration and planting.

“Stories develop children’s imagination and expose them to new ideas and understandings,” Cohen says.

Cohen has lived in Oak Park for 25 years and as a mother of three and grandmother to one.

“Stories were integral part of our family life,” she says. “I used to read and tell stories to my children constantly.”

Cohen is an award-winning educator who has taught students from the elementary to university level. She has also trained teachers in weaving storytelling and art into classroom instruction.

A native Israeli, Cohen moved to Oak Park with her husband in 1986 and has since founded an adult learning academy and lectured extensively in a university setting.

“The Magic Pond” is Cohen’s first children’s publication. Two more books—“Lenny the Pink Turtle” and “Sophie”—will be released later this year.

Cohen will be the guest at Thousand Oaks Barnes & Noble Storytime at 10:30 a.m. Sat., Aug. 14. For more information, visit www.leahsbooks.com.