The Animal Adventure's Guide by Susie Spikol (Children's Nonfiction Book Review)

 We received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

The Animal Adventurer's Guide:
How to Prowl for an Owl, Make Snail Slime, and Catch a Frog Bare-handed -- 50 Activities to Get Wild With Animals
by Susan Spikol
Illustrations by Becca Hall
Published by Roost Books
on September 13, 2022
Genre: Children's, Nonfiction
Length: 144 pages
Ages: 5 - 9 years

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Synopsis:
Calling all animal lovers! 50 hands-on activities and adventures that bring you closer to wild animals than you've ever been. 

With 50 interactive activities that include talking like a chickadee, learning to sniff like a snake, and making your own fossils--this is your guide to having fun-filled adventures that will bring you up close and personal with the wild creatures right outside your door. 


Our Thoughts:

A fantastic guide for connecting with nature and wildlife! 

This fantastic guide for kids reminds us to pay attention, practice kindness, stay safe, and to leave nature better than you found it.
It's filled with facts, diy activities, prompts for field journaling, and more, and has chapters specific to birds, mammals, herps, arthropods, and other invertebrates so your child can find and observe their favorite critters! 

The activities range in age group so this would be perfect for multiple age children or kids with differing skill sets. Some are as easy as making toilet paper roll binoculars while others have lengthy instructions and multiple steps. 

This adventure guide is perfect for children and families that love being outdoors or want to get closer to nature, armed with the safest ways to get out, observe, and interact with the wildlife around us. It will definitely prompt you to get out there and to have fun learning! 

"The small things in nature--the things we can hold, touch, or lie down next to and watch closely--these are the things that open our hearts as children. These are what remind us of our connection to one another."

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Expedition Backyard by Rosemary Mosco & Binglin Hu (Children's Graphic Novel Review)

 We received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Expedition Backyard
by Rosemary Mosco
Illustrated by Binglin Hu
Published by Random House Graphic
on June 21, 2022
Genre: Children's, Graphic Novels
Length: 128 pages
Ages: 4 - 8

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Synopsis:
Join two best friends--a mole and a vole--on their everyday expeditions to find beautiful plants, meet new animals, and learn more about the world around them in this nonfiction graphic novel. 

Each day, Mole and Vole venture out into the world--never forgetting their nature journal!--to see what they can find in their own backyard. From pigeons and jumping spiders to swamp milkweed and maple trees, these two explorers get to know every part of their local environment. But after an accidental move from the country to the city, Mole and Vole worry that everything will be different. As they explore, they discover plants to look at and animals to meet in their new home as well. 

The story of these two best friends brings to life a nonfiction adventure of finding wonder in nature everywhere--no matter where you live. This book concludes with fun activities for kids to do at home. 

Our  Thoughts:

Two best friends, Mole and Vole, live their best lives going on adventures and expeditions every day. No matter what happens, whether it's a scary predator or even a complete change of scenery, these two friends keep a positive outlook and face the big world head-on.  From the backyard to the city, Mole and Vole make every day a fun and educational adventure! 

Expedition Backyard is a children's nonfiction graphic novel that is perfect for nature and animal lovers! 


This is adorable!
We loved Vole's enthusiasm for adventure and Mole's tendency to nature journal all of their fun expeditions. 
The illustrations are super cute and there is some scientific labeling of flora and fauna thrown in to make it even more educational. 

There's a lot of great content at the end of the book as well, including step-by-step instructions to draw the characters and tips on how to keep a nature journal, join a community garden, learning to compost, and more! 

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A Park Connects Us by Sarah Nelson & Ellen Rooney (Children's Picture Book Review)

 We received a temporary digital copy of this picture book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

A Park Connects Us
Words by Sarah Nelson
Illustrations by Ellen Rooney
Published by OwlKids Books
on March 15, 2022
Genre: Children's, Picture Books
Length: 32 pages
Ages: 3 - 8 years

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Synopsis:
A celebration of urban parks and the many ways they connect us to community and nature. 

This love letter to public parks depicts an inclusive and accessible space where community flourishes. Without a screen in sight, it gently hints at the adventures to be had offline and encourages readers to venture into nature and connect with their neighborhoods. 



Our Thoughts:

A Park Connects Us is a beautifully inclusive look at public parks and all that they afford us, from a place to play or ride bikes or fly kites to a place to have a family picnic or a wedding.

This picture book has a wide array of verbs included and seems to be focused entirely on what a park can do or be for all of us!

The illustrations show us many of the fun or relaxing things we can do at a park and all the beauty it holds as well. Each page is filled with active and friendly park-goers of all ages, races, cultures, and more, sharing a community space that is welcome to all. 

There's also a beautiful reminder that parks are something that we, as a community, make possible and a bit of information about popular parks around the world and what they mean to those communities. 


Do you have a favorite park that you visit regularly?

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Maker Comics: How to Survive in the Outdoors by Mark Lawrence (MG Graphic Novel Review)

Maker Comics:
Survive in the Outdoors!
Written & illustrated by: Mike Lawrence 
Published by First Second Books
on June 15, 2021
Genre: Middle Grade, Graphic Novel, Environmental
Length: 128 pages
Ages: 9 - 13 years

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Synopsis:
In this volume of Maker Comics, First Second's DIY graphic novel series, you'll find step-by-step instructions for seven projects that will help you survive in the wild! 

Prepare yourself before you set off on your next adventure! Whether you're hiking in the wilderness or camping in your own backyard, Survive in the Outdoors! will equip you with the know-how you need. 


My Thoughts:

This is a fantastic graphic novel that is both a sequential story and a how-to guide to being in the outdoors! 

Sophia and Alonso are whisked off to their grandfather's for a fishing trip they'd rather not be on, but their abuelito makes it a fun and educational trip by giving them a fun little DIY to do beforehand and preparing them for what may come. Along the way, a few things happen that could have potentially been dangerous or life-threatening, but Sophia and Alonso have a wonderful living guide to the outdoors that helps them through each step of the way, including an impromptu overnight stay in the wilderness!

If you like a mixture of story and useful information, or just enjoy survival stories and how-to's, this is the graphic novel for you!

Survive in the Outdoors! includes step-by-step instructions for several outdoor activities that could help you learn to stay alive in desperate wilderness situations. Learn how to build a campfire, catch and clean fish, build a shelter, and more!

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Fatima's Great Outdoors by Ambreen Tariq & Stevie Lewis (Children's Picture Book Review)

Fatima's Great Outdoors
Written by Abreen Tariq
Illustrated by Stevie Lewis
Published by Kokila
on March 31, 2021
Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Nature
Length: 40 pages
Ages: 4 - 8 years

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Synopsis:
An immigrant family embarks on their first camping trip in the Midwest in this lively picture book by Ambreen Tariq, outdoor activist and founder of @BrownPeopleCamping

Ambreen Tariq's picture book debut, with cheerful illustrations by Stevie Lewis, is a rollicking family adventure, a love letter to the outdoors, and a reminder that public land belongs to all of us. 


My Thoughts:

Fatima's Great Outdoors is a beautiful story of one family's newest overnight outdoor adventure. 
After a long road trip filled with yummy snacks, Fatima and her family pitch a tent, learn to start a fire, cook their favorite foods, and fall asleep to the sounds of the forest around them. Even thought it is all a new experience, they come to love it so much that they are sad to leave! 

This beautifully illustrated story is about a Hindu-American family partaking in a 'great American pastime' for the very first time! They experience a lot of new firsts and we really enjoyed seeing how much fun they had! 

Camping is a fun outdoor activity that all families should be able to enjoy so I love that the author is the founder of @brownpeoplecamping and recommend checking out their instagram! 

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The Wild World Handbook: Habitats by Andrea Debbink & Asia Orlando (Middle Grade Nonfiction Book Review)

 We received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

The Wild World Handbook:
Habitats
Written by Andrea Debbink
Illustrated by Asia Orlando
Published by Quirk Books
on April 20, 2021
Genre: Middle Grade, Nonfiction 
Length: 231 pages
Ages: 8 - 12 years

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Synopsis:
Packed with real-life tales of adventure, breathtaking illustrations, and practical tools, this handbook is an inspiring guide for the next generation of climate activists, conservationists, and nature lovers. 

My Thoughts:

The Wild World Handbook: Habitats is a fantastic exploration of all the different major habitats in our world, with a focus on conservation that is perfect for nature-loving children.

This middle-grade nonfiction is split into 9 chapters that cover the mountains, forests, rainforests, deserts, grasslands, polar lands, the ocean, freshwater, and cities. Each chapter includes two biographies, a natural wonder, a field trip idea, a story of environmental success, a DIY project, and ideas for good stewardship in that particular environment. 

The field trip ideas are very interactive, prompting the reader to research or visit (or both!) a mountain or forest or ocean in the area and gives many questions to find answers to as well as how to wander, explore, and record their findings. The DIY pages are especially fun and the Stewardship pages give lots of great ways to care for or repair nature. 

There is lots to learn and do in this fun look at our world's habitats! 

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The Nature Adventure Book by DK Books (Children's Nonfiction Book Review)

 We received an ecopy of this fun book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

The Nature Adventure Book
Written by Katie Taylor
Illustrated by Lianne Harrison
Published by DK Books
on July 20, 2021
Genre: Children's, Nonfiction, Nature, Activities
Length: 48 pages
Ages: 5 - 7 years

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Synopsis:
Encourage your little nature lover to explore the great outdoors and get their hands dirty! 

With over 40 crafts and games to discover, this activity book for kids offers a fun, hands-on approach to getting kids outdoors and exploring the great outdoors all year round.


My Thoughts:

The Nature Adventure Book is a fantastic resource full of great outdoor activities for little ones! Whether you're at home in the yard, at the park, or in the wild, these activities will keep you busy having fun while also teaching mindfulness and a love of nature.

There's something for every child and includes 'Adventure Skills,' 'Nature Detective' activities, sensory games, and ways to make fun wild art!
Go on nature hunts, make art from flowers and leaves, make bug hotels or secret shelters, learn to make and read a homemade compass. Learn to tune in to the world around you, including the weather, the seasons, and more, all while having fun. 

Bright photographs paired with colorful illustrations and fun prompts and bits of information mixed throughout make this visually appealing. It's sure to draw littles in and have them wanting to try out all the great ideas! 

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Beneath the Waves by Stephanie Warren Drimmer (Children's Nonfiction Book Review)

 We received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Beneath the Waves:
Celebrating the Ocean through Pictures, Poems, and Stories
by Stephanie Warren Drimmer
Published by National Geographic Kids
on March 16, 2021
Genre: Children's Nonfiction
Length: 192 pages
Ages: 8 - 12 years

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Synopsis:
Open this charming read-aloud book and you'll find amazing animal profiles, whimsical poetry, stunning photography, plus fascinating information about the wondrous creatures that call the ocean home.

This keepsake treasure is sure to wow readers while also serving as an important reminder to protect this precious and wonderful resource. 


My Thoughts:

Beneath the Waves is a celebration of the ocean not only through photos and facts but with art and style! The gorgeous title text is used throughout as scrolling headers, there is watercolor-esque artwork mixed in, and even the photographs have an artistic texture to them that makes every page a beauty to behold. 

Starting on the shore, we explore the edge of the ocean with its creatures and critters, wade in to explore the colorful reef and its inhabitants, dive into the open ocean, sink into its inky depths, and everything in between. 

This is one of my favorite Nat Geo books so far! I'm so used to these nonfiction books being strictly photography paired with text and in some cases, comics or cartoons, but this is something new and different altogether. Every single page is visually appealing in the best of ways and will keep kids and adults busy for hours.

 Animal and ocean lovers alike will adore this gorgeous book full of fascinating facts. Gift it, put it on the coffee table, or add it to your homeschool or library shelves! Your family will thank you!

Many thanks to the publisher for providing us with a review copy of this fantastic book! 

More NatGeoKids books about the ocean:

Extreme Ocean by Sylvia A. Earle
&
Captain Aquatica's Awesome Ocean by Jessica Cramp

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Let's Go For A Walk by Ranger Hamza (Children's Interactive Nature-Based Picture Book Review)

 We received an ecopy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Let's Go For A Walk
by Ranger Hamza
Published by Ivy Kids
on July 13, 2021
Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Nature
Length: 36 pages
Ages: 3 - 6 years

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Synopsis:
Walking in the country, by the sea, or in the town, so many wonderful things to see if you stop and look around! Go on your very own walk guided by Ranger Hamza with this book that can be used again and again!


My Thoughts:

Let's Go For A Walk is a fantastic interactive picture book that you can take with you on walks or hikes and read aloud to Littles to prompt them to use all of their senses to experience the world around them. 

Each page poses questions that urge children to look for specific colors, shapes, and sizes, to touch and feel the textures of the natural world, to smell the scents of foods and flowers, to listen to the sounds of nature, and more. 

If you're looking for a fun book with lots of simple nature-based activities and facts for the young years, this may be perfect for you!
Not only does it focus on nature and immersing yourself in it, but it also includes educational suggestions to do on the go, such as finding the alphabet or numbers in your everyday surroundings, from street signs to billboards, and encourages learning in all its many forms.

The more time we spend with this wonderful picture book, the more we love it and the more we hope it gets into the hands of children around the world. 
Many thanks to the author and publisher for the chance to read (and USE!) this fantastic book!

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Keeping A Nature Journal, 3rd Edition by Clare Walker Leslie (Nonfiction Book Review)

 I received a free ecopy of this book from the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Keeping A Nature Journal
3rd Edition
by Clare Walker Leslie
Published by Storey Publishing
on April 27, 2021
Genre: Adult, Nonfiction, Art, Nature
Length: 224 pages

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Synopsis:
Originally published in 2000 with endorsements from E.O. Wilson and Jane Goodall, Clare Walker Leslie's Keeping a Nature Journal was at the forefront of the nature observation and journaling movement. Leslie's approach has long been acclaimed for its accessible style of teaching people to see, witness, and appreciate the wonders of nature. This third edition features more of Leslie's step-by-step drawing techniques, a new selection of pages from her own journals, and an expanded range of prompts for observing particular aspects of the natural world in any location. With an emphasis on learning to see and observe, Leslie shows how drawing nature doesn't require special skills, artistic ability, or even nature knowledge, and it is a tool everyone can use to record observations and experience the benefits of a stronger connection to the natural world. 


My Thoughts:

Journaling is something I've done for most of my life and I adore art as well as being outside in nature so with all the time I spend outdoors with my child it has just come naturally to 'nature journal'. Of course, I always wonder if there are ways I can improve or include or share with my Little.

This fantastic guide introduces nature journaling, contemplates reasons to do so, and includes a plethora of fantastic ideas and examples of ways you can get out into the world and notice more or do more worth journaling about. 

Keeping A Nature Journal is absolutely packed with illustrations and doodles and sketches with notes and footnotes to help you both know what to look for but how to record it. There are tons of tips and tricks for drawing flowers, trees, birds, and more! I've already had so many new ideas for my own journal and feel a little more confident about how to go forward with my journaling.

Whether you're new to nature journaling or just looking for ideas, this helpful guide is sure to inspire!

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If You Were Night by Muon Thi Van & Kelly Pousette (Children's Picture Book Review)

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If You Were Night
Written by Muon Thi Van
Illustrated by Kelly Pousette
Published by Kids Can Press
on September 1, 2020
Genre: Children's, Picture Books
Length: 32 pages
Ages: 3 - 7 years

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Synopsis:
A poetic and evocative exploration of the natural world at night illustrated in illuminating paper-cut dioramas. 


Our Thoughts:

This wonderful picture book features a night-time romp through uniquely illustrated scenes made up of layers and layers of intricately cut and folded paper in plant and animal shapes! 

The narrator poses questions about what you would do if you saw the moon outside your window, saw the critters scamper about, heard the sounds of the forest, and more, while the layered scenes show a child doing exactly what the narrator asks us. We follow along on a beautiful night journey into the wild, spotting flora and fauna in abundance and soaking in the sights and sounds as we were there too!

A fantastic nature-based picture book all about the nighttime! 
We loved all the nocturnal creatures featured and the obviously 'handcrafted' paper scenes are both amazing and inspirational. It absolutely gives me ideas for homeschool craft projects.
We're always on the look-out for a bedtime story perfect for nights camping or stargazing and this one didn't disappoint! 


Similar picture books:

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The Blue Giant by Katie Cottle (Children's Picture Book Review)

We received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Blue Giant
Written & illustrated by
Katie Cottle
Published by Pavilion Books
on May 26, 2020
Genre: Children's, Picture Books
Length: 32 pages
Ages: 3 - 6 years

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BookDepository
  

Synopsis:
A poignant and timely picture book introducing children to the issue of ocean pollution, with ideas to help the world become a better, cleaner place.

Coral and her mom are enjoying a break at the seaside. Until a creature emerges from the waves! It's a giant. A blue giant. It is made of water, fish, and sea plants and has a stirring plea to help clean up the ocean.

This stunning follow-up to Katie Cottle's debut picture book The Green Giant is another entertaining and beautiful eco-tale from the 2017 winner of the Batsford Prize. 

Our Thoughts:

Meera and her mother are enjoying a vacation at the beach where they can sun, swim, and take their little boat out on the water. While there, they are confronted by a big blue giant that asks for help cleaning up the ocean. The Blue Giant shows them the pollution under the waves and how it affects the creatures that live there. Meera and her mother immediately start gathering as much underwater pollution as they can, but there are only so many hours in the day and they are only two people. Luckily, when we come together to heal the world, we are capable of great things.

Katie Cottle has given us another gem!
A lovely follow up to The Green Giant, The Blue Giant is a beautifully illustrated eco-tale that urges us to look below the surface at the reality of pollution in our oceans. It reminds us that we can do more and make a bigger impact when we come together to heal our natural spaces and that each good deed and act of kindness inspires another. 

 This gorgeous picture book has full-page illustrations that are bright, colorful, and teeming with life and life lessons. Budding conservationists will love the important message to save our seas as well as helpful suggestions for ways to reduce our own usage of single-use plastics. 

Be sure to check out The Green Giant as well!

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River by Elisha Cooper (Children's Picture Book Review)

River
Written & Illustrated by Elisha Cooper

Published by Orchard Books

on October 1, 2019  
Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Nature
Length: 42 pages
Ages: 4 - 8 years

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Synopsis:
Caldecott Honor winner Elisha Cooper invites readers to grab their oars and board a canoe down a river exploration filled with adventure and beauty.
In Cooper's flowing prose and stunning watercolor scenes, readers can follow a traveler's trek down the Hudson River as she and her canoe explore the wildlife, flora and fauna, and urban landscape at the river's edge. Through perilous weather and river rushes, the canoe and her captain survive and maneuver their way down the river back home.

River is an outstanding introduction to seeing the world through the eyes of a young explorer and a great picture book for the STEAM curriculum.

Our Thoughts:

Come journey along on a river adventure!

This gorgeously illustrated and descriptive picture book chronicles one woman's solo canoe trip down the Hudson River, all the way to New York City Harbor.  It is a long trip that will take many days and nights and has many ups and downs. The narrator tells us what the woman has brought with her, what she sees on her journey, and the ins and outs of traveling such a long distance down a river.

This is an informative read with lengthy but beautifully descriptive prose that we found to be quite calming. The illustrations capture the beauty of the mountains, forests, towns, and cities she sees along her journey.

 If you've ever wanted to know what a long canoe trip downriver was like, this is the book to read! It's perfect for outdoorsy types or anyone who prefers an adventure from home, especially during these uncertain times! 

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Water Can Be... by Laura Purdie Salas & Violeta Dabija (Children's Picture Book Review)

Water Can Be...

Written by Laura Purdie Salas

Illustrated by Violeta Dabija

Published by Millbrook Press
on January 1, 2014
Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Nature
Length: 32 pages
Ages: 5 - 8 years

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Synopsis:
Water can be a 
Thirst quencher
Kid drencher
Cloud fluffer
Fire snuffer

Find out about the many roles water plays in this poetic exploration of water throughout the year.

Our Thoughts:

Do you know all the forms water can take? A river, an ocean, a sea. Rain, fog, ice. There really are so many different forms of water!

This beautiful nonfiction picture book shows the reader how water is everywhere and how it benefits us, animals, plants, and more! Water keeps us hydrated. It helps keep us clean. It helps plants grow. It even helps create rainbows!

Water Can Be... features lovely, textured illustrations of water in many different forms and pairs them with minimal rhyming text.
This is a wonderful introduction to water for young children!

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Bathing in the Forest by Nivola Uya & Marc Ayats (Children's Picture Book Review)

Bathing in the Forest

Written by Nivola Uya
Illustrated by Marc Ayats
Published by Cuento de Luz SL
on March 1, 2020

Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Nature
Length: 28 pages
Ages: 4 - 7 years

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Synopsis:
The little girl of the forest embraces you, takes you by the hand, and invites you to immerse yourself in her magical world.

The trees surround you. You walk in peace. The light filters through the leaves, in a myriad green and ochre tones. It feels as if your feet are putting down roots, connecting you with the vibrant world around you. You are surrounded by birdsong, and the sound of the wind in the treetops...

You are bathing in the forest.

Our Thoughts:

In this beautiful and calming picture book, the forest is personified as a little girl who invites troubled souls to bathe in peace and contentment. She invites you to give in to your senses and enjoy the life around you.

If ever you are feeling gray, the forest will help, she says!

This book is full of amazing illustrations that include a wide array of flora and fauna that will make you feel like you are in the most magical of places. More importantly, it urges you to explore, breathe in the beauty, and let go of your worries and problems. It shares the importance of spending time in nature, slowing down, and enjoying the world around you.

It's a very beautiful book with a great message.

This book was printed on 'Stone Paper', which is an environmentally safe paper made of recycled materials that are made without using water, trees, or bleach! I think that makes this book that much more special! The pages don't feel like normal, stiff paper but they have a wonderfully smooth texture and feel to them.

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The Secret Life of Trees by Moira Butterfield (Children's Nonfiction Picture Book Review)

We received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Secret Life of Trees

Written by Moira Butterfield
Illustrated by Vivian Mineker
Published by Words & Pictures
on May 19, 2020
Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Nature
Length: 48 pages
Ages: 7 - 11 years

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Synopsis:
My arms stretch out all day long.
I can be climbed, but I'm not a mountain.
What am I?
I am Oakheart, the oldest tree in the forest!

This collection of delightful stories and engaging facts will impart a love of nature, and inspire you to look after the world around you. Whimsical and detailed illustrations have pride of place in magical tales that mix natural history with a splash of fantasy, creating a book that you will pore over time and again.


My Thoughts:

Narrated by Oakheart, the oldest tree in the forest, this wonderful, whimsical picture book shares fun stories that tell of the life cycle of trees around the world in both a fun and educational way.

Full of stories and information that share how trees are planted, how they grow, how they eat, what animals and insects dwell in them, this fascinating book will keep your little ones busy listening and learning.

The stories are simple yet fascinating, with some leaning towards popular folklore and mythology. There's lots of extra information to go along with the stories. One tells of seeds and mentions that they come in different forms--from nuts, some from cones, and others from fruit--and shares some of those fruits and how you can find and harvest the seeds in the margins.

Oakheart also tells us about different kinds of forests, where they are, and what kind of critters live in them. He tells us all about tree's bark and how different animals and insects can live inside of trees, and so much more! You're sure to learn something new from this fun picture book!

Looking for more books about trees? Try these!

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Summer Green to Autumn Gold by Mia Posada (Children's Nonfiction Picture Book Review)

Summer Green to Autumn Gold:
Uncovering Leaves' Hidden Colors
by Mia Posada
Published by
 Millbrook Press
on August 6, 2019
Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Seasons
Length: 32 pages
Ages: 8 - 9 years

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Synopsis:
This nonfiction picture book, written and illustrated by Mia Posada, beautifully explains why leaves change color in fall. It highlights both the eye-catching colors of the season and the science behind the colors.


Our Thoughts:
This nonfiction picture book is fantastic!

Summer Green to Autumn Gold artfully delves into the life cycle of trees and how they get their bold and beautiful colors, weaving science and story to make a fun and educational picture book that is perfect for nature lovers and curious little ones.

There's much to learn about trees and their leaves from this fun book. It shows us a leaf's cells, which are full of chloroplasts that are full of chlorophyll. It shares how leaves get their food and water to grow. And more specifically, it shares how leaves have pigments hiding behind the green chlorophyll that emerge when the seasons change, making this a great seasonal read as well! It also doesn't just stick to basic colors! It shares that the leaves change 'from emerald to jade to every shade in-between' and more!

I absolutely loved the bright and colorful artwork in this book. Each spread is made up of paper collages and cut-outs using paper mache to give the images and close-ups of the leaves lots of texture and depth. I love that each leaf is labeled so you can learn what tree it is from.

There is extra information about different types of leaves, pigments, and more, as well as a glossary and links to hands-on experiments that you can do with leaves and pigments!

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When Emily Was Small by Lauren Soloy (Children's Picture Book Review)

We received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When Emily Was Small
by Lauren Soloy
Published by Tundra Books
on May 19, 2020
Genre: Children's, Picture Books
Length: 40 pages
Ages: 4 - 8 years

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Synopsis:
A joyful frolic through the garden helps a little girl feel powerful in this beautiful picture book that celebrates nature, inspired by the writings of revered artist Emily Carr.

When Emily Was Small is at once a celebration of freedom, a playful romp through the garden and a contemplation of the mysteries of nature. 

Our Thoughts:

Emily sets off on an adventure through her father's vegetable beds and under the currant bushes to the wildest parts of the garden, where she clears her mind, listens to the sounds of nature around her, and makes friends with the 'Wild'.

This fun and introspective picture book is inspired by a short story from 'The Book of Small', written by the author/artist Emily Carr, and shares a bit of Emily's wonder-filled childhood.

When Emily Was Small highlights the curiosity, excitement, and imagination of childhood and focuses heavily on the wonder of the world, specifically nature, and how it can make you feel both big and small.

With unique character illustrations and colorful spreads full of flora and fauna, this picture book will delight nature lovers and little adventurers and daydreamers!

There is a short biographical spread at the end of this book talks about Emily Carr and how this book was inspired by her art and literature.
I had no idea who Emily Carr was when we 'picked this up'. We have since researched a bit to check out her paintings, which are beautiful. From what we found out, Carr originally painted and wrote about her Indigenous friends but didn't really win recognition until she started painting landscapes.

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All Around Bustletown: Summer by Rotraut Susanne Berner (Children's Picture Book Review)

We received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review or mention. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Summer
(All Around Bustletown #3)
by Rotraut Susanne Berner
Published by Prestel Junior
on April 21, 2020
Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Seasons
Length: 14 pages
Ages: 2 - 5 years

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Synopsis:
It's summer and that means flowers, picnics, thunderstorms, and bike rides.
As kids pore over these oversized spreads, they will delight in identifying the same characters on each page as they walk, play, jog, and roller skate--from homes to parks to office buildings and rail stations. In the tradition of Richard Scarry and Where's Waldo, this book encourages kids to return again and again to these charming spreads. All kinds of summer activities come alive in these endearing drawings that provide endless entertainment and spark engaging conversations. 

Our Thoughts:
It's Summertime in Bustletown! 

Everyone is ready for summer in Bustletown! The townsfolk are busy bustling about, going to and fro, having junk sales and meeting friends, attending birthdays at the park, and more!

This is one in a fantastic seasonal board book quartet and is both a look-and-find and a create-a-story with tons of details to keep you busy exploring and conversing about what is going on for hours.

There's so much to do with these books!
They are quite unique with wordless pages filled with people and animals and locations. The very back of the book introduces some of the people and animals within the book and gives you a hint at what they are doing or where they are going so that you can follow them throughout the book. You are free to follow and narrate for any of the characters included and there's plenty of people, places, and little things to notice!

My five year old loves coming back to these books to explore them again and again. Each time, she seems to notice more and more.
I personally love that we can have time-consuming fun with these books but also real-world discussions.  We get to explore the inner workings of a town, the comings and goings of a diverse community, and even how a town can change and expand.
There's no end to the ways you can 'read' books like this!


Check out the rest of this seasonal series:

Spring, Fall, & Winter
 

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