My Nature Journal

We've only had this journal for a couple of weeks but it is already an essential part of our day. My 7-year old daughter truly cherishes this journal and loves to share it with others. She even sleeps with it tucked under her arm. When a question comes up about ocean life, spiders, moths or wildflowers, she shouts, "I know! I'll look in my journal." If the answer is not found there, you can be sure she will add it once she finds it in a field guide, encyclopedia or from one of her nature buddies at the Dept. of Natural Resources. I was afraid that this journal would be stiffling but it is perfect for my youngest daughter. Her older siblings use blank journals for their entries, as do I, but this is just perfect for the younger set and it is lovely to flip through.

We purchased this book for considerably more while visiting the Great Okefenokee Swamp. My 7 yr. old daughter has filled the pages in the months since. It is very informative and a good introduction to nature journaling. We found the book about a month before embarking on a two-week journey from south-eastern Georgia to the Kitsap Peninsula of Washington. Along the way we visited many of the ecosystems noted in the book and my daughter was able to experience them in a much more robust way thanks in part to this book. I highly recommend this book.

My Nature Journal with its fill-in worksheets may not be appropriate for library lending, but parents should consider this for kids with an affection for natural history: kids ages 8-14 will find it packed with suggestions for nature activities which encourage observation and note-taking skills. From exploring insects and butterflies to creating poetry and observing the sunset, this pairs facts and easy observational instructions with fun pages of fill-in guided activities in the outdoors. Colorful and encouraging with a very bright cover inviting participation.

This is a wonderful journaling tool for children and families alike. As a homeschooler of an 10 year-old, I found this an excellent adjunct for field trips. There are over 40 activities that will have you exploring the woods, the meadows, wetlands, and things that go (?) in the night! The drawings are delightful! Rediscover the beauty of nature in a fun and informative format. From field notes to leaf rubbings, your budding naturalists will be eager to try the simple yet educational exercises. Mine did...and so did I!

My Nature Journal is enthralling in its simple but complete approach to enjoying and learning about nature. For children of all ages either at home or at school, the book includes great nature activities for adults and children to do together. And My Nature Journal effortlessly combines reading, art, writing and science throughout the nature explorations. The book provides colorful but detailed illustrations of the five natural worlds: woodlands, meadows, ponds and streams, seashore, and twilight. Highly recommended for parents, educators, homeschoolers and kids' clubs as a simple and enjoyable way to approach nature. From The Science Spiders Newsletter, January 2000.