The Geography of Childhood: Why Children Need Wild Places

Nabhan and Trimble show us a world of wilderness that too often are denied our children. Discussing their own experiences as well as those of their children, they give the reader a great appreciation for nature and for childhood. As Nabhan puts it, "The playful exploration of habitat by cohorts of children... [has] been essential to child development for over a million years" (p. 83). An excellent book that has helped inspire my preschool center to add some natural elements to our playground.

The Geography of Childhood is a collection of essays that inspired me, as a parent, to slow down and enjoy the smaller and often ignored parts of childhood. I've caught myself on many occasions encouraging my child to "look at the view" and take in an entire landscape. This book reminded me to look at him as well, to watch him dig at the dirt or find a funny-shaped rock. "Learning Herps" was my favorite essay, I love the visual images it creates of children catching lizards and parents finding delightful surprises in the bathtub.

Gary Nabhan and Stephen Trimble have penned a fine collection of essays on how children perceive and play in their environment. References are made to psychological studies that support a child's need for wild places, but the real value I see in this book comes from the authors' own anecdotal experiences with their children. If you are a parent of small children, you will especially enjoy the ideas you will get for places to take children to play and explore. Read this book and you will begin to learn why children need to experience wild places. And why, as adults, if we share the "hands-on" experiences with our kids, our own connection to the landscape becomes more deeply rooted.

At first glance, this book seems to be another in a long line of published material telling parents how to be good parents. But it really seemed like a personal reflection of what makes life great through a child's eyes. Instead of trying to raise a child through adult methods, this book shows that through simply remembering what being a child was and why it was fun is enough to help you understand what your child is thinking. Through this understanding, you will become a great parent. I was very pleased with my purchase and recommend this book to anyone that has had any contact with children.