Jonathan’s Legacy 

an audio book, written and narrated by Sarah Thorne
© 2024


Author’s Note:  Jonathan’s Legacy is a mostly true story, written by candlelight in the little cottage during the summer of 1987 for my nephew Jonathan, when he was one year old. In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of our family on Otter Lake, I thought it would be a good time to make this story into an audiobook. It is essentially a story for children, but really, it is for anyone who carries a lake in their heart. It is about the magic of our special lakes and our responsibility for their stewardship, from generation to generation.

With the help of Dave Trafford, the brilliant Executive Producer of the Engineering With Nature Podcast, which I host and co-produce for the US Army Corps of Engineers, and Mike Treutler, a talented producer at Story Studio Network, my little book was transformed into an audiobook. Dave and Mike added the magic!

Through his conversation with the mysterious old man on the roof of the cottage, Jonathan learns about the history of the lake and his responsibility to care for it and protect it always. And through the stories of the loons, chipmunks, and mergansers, the identity of the old man is revealed!

This 2024 audio version is dedicated to Jonathan and his wife Erzsi and their children Harper and Isabel, and my niece Laura and her husband James and their children Quinn and Adelaide. I also dedicate it to other Otter Lakers, and to anyone who holds the spirit of a lake in their hearts. We are all custodians of the future of our beloved lakes.

I hope you enjoy this story, and share it with the children in your life, and anyone who loves a lake.  And of course I’d love to hear what you think of Jonathan’s Legacy.

Happy listening, Sarah