Monday, April 24, 2023

Synergy: Adventures in Nature


 NATURE is the contents and relationships found in the material world including all life. Humans are a tiny part of the physical universe known as nature.


To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to the topic. Explore these recently published nonfiction picture books for children:


FIND CALM IN NATURE by Jennifer Grant is a guide for mindful young people. From being rooted to being in flow, each chapter explores a different connection with nature. Quotes, questions, and facts are presented in sidebars. Readers are asked to observe nature, then look inward. Opportunities are provided for practice and reflection.  ARC courtesy of Beaming Books, an imprint of 1517 Media.


A LITTLE DOSE OF NATURE by Alison Greenwood connects outdoor fun to happiness. Picture book readers are encouraged to get outside and experience nature. This interactive guide engages readers in 25 simply activities involving observation, creation, and reflection. ARC courtesy of Ivy Kids Eco, an imprint of Quarto Group.


ONE WORLD by Nicola Davies examines 24 hours of nature on planet Earth. This richly illustrated picture book takes readers on a sweeping adventure through the time zones exploring global biodiversity. End notes discuss what people can do to address climate change. ARC courtesy of Candlewick, an imprint of Penguin Random House.


NO WORLD TOO BIG tells the story of twelve young people fighting global climate change. Each two page spread introduces a young activist through a poem, biographical sketch, and action tip. The book concludes with useful resources about science and poetry forms. ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge.


NATURE SCHOOL by Lauren Giordano, Stephanie Hathaway, and Laura Stroup shares ideas for inspiring a child’s love of nature. Each chapter introduces the climate, plants, and animals of a particular ecosystem along with engaging learning activities. Packed full of interesting information, the picture book’s infographics and other scientific illustrations bring nature to life. ARC courtesy of Quarry Books, an imprint of Quarto Group.


WILD CHILD: NATURE ADVENTURES by Dara McAnulty provides information and activities for young nature explorers. From gardens to woods, each chapter explores the life in a natural area and activities to immerse young people in nature. Whether making a bird feeder and observing nature from a window or dipping for life in a pond, this picture book provides a variety of approaches and activities to connect with nature. ARC courtesy of The Experiment, an imprint of Hachette Books.