Book + Beverage - Summer 2022
THE BOOK
OVER AND UNDER THE CANYON
BY KATE MESSNER
Summer is settling in Western Colorado, and the warm sun is beckoning adventurers to discover nature’s wonders. Kate Messner’s Over and Under the Canyon, for ages 5 through 8 (although enjoyed by people of all ages), takes readers on a thrilling adventure around one of nature’s most magical stages — a desert canyon.
The story depicts majestic, winged creatures that soar above the canyon, such as hawks, eagles and kestrels. It also introduces the diverse animals that roam the canyon floor including banded geckos, desert kit foxes and coyotes. The book concludes with biographies on each of the featured animals making it an excellent educational tool for curious minds.
Messner created the book to encourage families to explore nature. “When you explore together, you create a shared experience and a shared appreciation of the natural world, and there’s a wonderful closeness in that,” she explains.
The book leads readers on a morning walk through the desert, dancing through wildflowers at dusk, and wraps up with a fireside supper under the stars. Messner proclaims, “I always hope that a child reading Over and Under the Canyon … feels like they’ve been along on the hike.” Her poetic language, accompanied by Christopher Silas Neal’s vivid illustrations, accomplishes exactly that.
Over and Under the Canyon will inspire you to get outside, so you’ll need to balance your sunny, summer adventure with a refreshing beverage. Pool Party from Wave Drinks pairs perfectly. Although this drink is featured on the “Kid’s Favorites” menu, it’s approved by people of all ages.
Pool Party is made with Sprite and blue raspberry flavoring, creating a bright, cobalt blue color and pungent, sweet flavor. To make it extra exciting, the drink contains Sour Patch Kids candies, resulting in an ideal intermingling of sweet and sour flavors. This drink is adventurous and vibrant, fulfilling all your summer beverage wishes.
Wave Drinks is a Colorado family-owned business that makes unique drink mixes, cookies and pretzels. You can find their drive-throughs in Fruita and Grand Junction, where customers can always expect exciting, unique flavor combinations. Wave Drinks is known for adding flavor shots, creamers and fruit purees to sodas and sparkling waters.
“First and foremost, we want our customers to have a happy experience,” says owner Celeste Quarnberg. Wave Drinks is always trying new drink recipes, according to Quarnberg — especially combinations suggested by customers. Many of the drinks are named after local places (such as bike trails) and events going on in the area.
This summer, enjoy Western Colorado’s most gorgeous, natural wonders with a delightful beverage from Wave Drinks.
THE BEVERAGE
POOL PARTY
FROM WAVE DRINKS
Originally published in the Summer 2022 issue of Spoke+Blossom.