There has been a downward trend in high level reading efficiency for many years in the United States, according to PIAAC (Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies) data for 2023. At one time, the United States was the most literate country in the world. Today, more than half (54%) of the adult population reads at a 6th grade level or less. This number includes 28% of adults who have major reading limitations. This is worrisome. Those who do not read well are less likely to understand complex social problems or even be able to fact check the information they receive through such sources as TV, radio and social media.

An uniformed person is easier to mislead and deceive – leading to greater income inequality, higher mortality rates, lower environmental sustainability, a more unjust society and overall lower social trust/happiness compared to other developed nations. Less face it, the rich make sure their children can read, but seem hell bent on making sure non one else can.

Taking my concerns into the world of art I created this library art-type poster…

Here a sexy pregnant woman is reading a children’s book to her belly. The caption reads: “It’s never too early, to start reading to your child.” The art is AI generated using openai, and was created by Carl Scott Harker, inspired by the artwork of Arthur Rackham.

=> Would you like a photo print of this poster art for your personal library or for your local library or for a pregnant woman in your life? You can get a photo print of this image through eBay: Click here!

Straight from the Land of Oz come this brief video of Professor Woggle-bug singing and dancing. Unfortunately, while the the images and music comes across just fine, the words in the video below seem undecipherable – I suspect this is due to the digital file having to pass through the Magic Barrier that surrounds Oz. Basically, this Thoroughly Educated Woggle-bug is singing about and celebrating his latest book on Amazon: “H. M. Woggle-Bug, T.E. (Highly Magnified Woggle-bug, Thoroughly Educated) Presents Botanical Surprises in the Land of Oz”. You can find it here: Click to go to Oz!

The book is a delightful collection of art and poetry describing a variety of unusual plants in the beautiful and mysterious Land of Oz.

To help new arrivals and tourists to be more at ease when traveling and exploring this marvelous country, Princess Ozma, ruler of Oz, asked Professor H. M. Woggle-Bug, T. E. to put together this small book of representative plants as an introductory tool.

The plants picked to be presented in “Botanical Surprises in the Land of Oz” exemplify the kind of flora one might discover both within the Emerald City and in the vast wild terrain that stretches to the horizoning boundaries of Oz.

Some floral species were spelled into creation by magicians, wizards and witches, but most have evolved under the influence of the magic that is woven into the fabric of this special place. Find out about Elephant Plants, Soursuckles, Lunch Box Trees and much more.

Here is an enjoyable read for children, adults, botanists and anyone who gardens. Along with entertaining descriptions, this book contains full color illustrations for easier identification.

About the Author: Carl Scott Harker is the author of many works including “Frankenstein’s Monster in Oz”, “The Mad Artist” – a Sherlock Holmes story, “The Happy Cat and other Illustrated Poems”, “Classic Art of Absinthe”, “Classic Fine Art of Cats”, “The Adventures of Oilock Combs: Two Sherlock Holmes Pastiches” and “Fine Art Witches and Pinup Witches: in the style of…”