I’m off at the Usborne Books convention in Tulsa, Oklahoma and hope to share some new books and great ideas when I get back.

But while I’m away, how about entering Sun and Candle’s Field Day, a showcase of posts about and pictures of nature? (Thanks to Melissa at The Lilting House for the info.)

There’s an interesting book on this subject – Last Child in the Woods : Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder. From the Scientific American review:

What Louv adds is a focus on the restorative qualities of nature for children. He recommends that we reacquaint our children and ourselves with nature through hiking, fishing, bird-watching and disorganized, creative play. By doing so, he argues, we may lessen the frequency and severity of emotional and mental ailments and come to recognize the importance of preserving nature.

It’s an interesting idea, so I’ve requested the book from my library for a more in depth look. Here are some other books that may interest you on the “nature-child reunion”:

• Sharing Nature With Children and Sharing Nature With Children II by Joseph Bharat Cornell – nature activities (also called environmental education) for parents, teachers, scout leaders, and any one else who works with children. These activities and stories will engage children in the study and appreciation of the natural world.
• Hands-On Nature: Information and Activities for Exploring the Environment With Children by Jenepher Lingelbach (recommended by the American Camping Association for anyone involved in teaching environmental education in a camp setting)
• The Kids’ Nature Book: 365 Indoor/Outdoor Activities and Experiences by Susan Milord – the books presents a daily project or activity and a weekly theme. Some activities take place at  home like reading a story or poem that goes along with the week’s activities. Other projects  require visits to the outdoor, from your backyard to parks and beaches.
• Usborne has some terrific nature books, too:
  • Pocket Nature – For ages 5 and up, this pocket-sized guide explores the amazing natural world, from the tiny parts of a flower to mysterious deep-sea creatures. The clear, concise text and detailed illustrations reveal the fascinating lives of animals and plants in a simple, attractive way. This book also contains descriptions of Usborne-recommended Web sites that you can visit to find out more.
  • Living World Encyclopedia – For ages 8-12 – To emphasize how living things interact with each other and their ever-changing natural world, this informative first reference book is arranged by environments and habitats. Every page is packed with wonderful full-color illustrations and fascinating information about plants and animals and the way they live. In addition, useful charts, a glossary of scientific terms and an extensive index make this a valuable resource for school projects and homework.
  • Mysteries and Marvels of Nature – For ages 8-12 – What sixth sense turns a shark into a deadly hunter? Why doe snow sometimes turn red? Where does a penguin keep it’s egg? And how does a lizard keep it’s cool in the desert? Unlock these secrets, and many more, inside this book. From the miniature to the massive, and from the mysterious to the ridiculous – find out how living things from the plant and animal kingdoms cope with every day life. Stunning photographs and illustrations reveal a hidden world, in which the plants and creatures with the most ingenious design feature succeed. Throughout this book, there are recommended websites where you can find out more about the mysteries and marvels of nature.

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