theme: nature, STEAM, observation
This month I’m reviewing books that explore different habitats and biomes. Today we’re off to the woods.
by Moira Butterfield; illus. by Jesus Verona
32 pages; ages 2-5
Nosy Crow (Candlewick), 2021
Follow me. I know the way.
We’re walking through the woods today.
Look what I found!
This is such a fun book to read before you head of on a walk through the woods. And maybe to carry along with you. It’s part field guide and part treasure hunt. Some spreads invite you to look for specific things: a signpost, wild strawberries, beetles.
Other spreads explain how to identify things, such as what kind of snail shell you’ve found, and how to tell a tree by its leaves or needles.
What I like about this book: It’s fun! I love the die-cut cover, and the scavenger-hunt type lists of things to find. I love that this book is all about observations, and the questions support visual literacy. And that the author asks young naturalists to be thoughtful while exploring, and only collect things they find on the ground (if you’re going to use items in art or to study).
If I gave stars, this book would get some.
Beyond the book:
Collect seeds from trees and observe them. Take them apart and learn more about how those trees grow. Try planting some seeds. I once planted a maple seed, and it grew! And every spring I find baby oaks growing from acorns that squirrels have buried in my garden.
Make some rubbings of tree bark. Put paper against a tree and rub the side of the crayon against the paper. The design of the bark will show. Now compare your rubbing to the tree’s bark. Are there some details your crayon couldn’t pick up?
Draw a picture of something you see on your walk in the woods. It could be a mushroom or a bird or a flower… Then give it to a friend and tell them where to find it.
Go on a woodland scavenger hike – but instead of collecting items, take photos or draw pictures. Here's a place to find a woods walk printable scavenger hunt.
We’ll join Perfect Picture Book Friday once they resume. It’s a wonderful gathering where bloggers share great picture books at Susanna Leonard Hill's website. Review copy provided by the publisher.
Sue, I would join you in giving stars! This book looks wonderful. Can't wait to really get a good look at it. Thanks! Awesome activities, too.
ReplyDeleteFYI - 13 copies in my library system & all but one are checked out & I'm 3rd on hold list. I think it's a hit!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a real winner. I've ordered it from my library. Thanks for the heads up.
ReplyDelete