The Young Naturalist

This is a great book for children (though I prefer my copy, with the green binoculars on the front)! It helps children understand the natural world, and it provides fun experiments. For example, one section explained how to catch bugs using a straw to suck them into a jar, using netting to prevent any bug swallowing! I'm 22, but I remember this book to this day.

We purchased this slim guide at the Okefenokee Swamp visitor's center and have not been disappointed. My children love all things outdoors and this book has been a great help, particularly for my 7-yr-old, in gaining a broad overview of the planet on which we live. As with other Usborne books, information is presented in a more "magazine-like" fashion, with paragraphs of information interspersed with colorful illustrations. If you are familiar with the "DK" books - which use lush photography to engage the reader - you may like Usborne's offerings. The images aren't as flashy, but the illustrations are truly lovely. In addition to information on plants, the role of small animals, bird watching and the "wild side of the city," this book highlights simple experiments and activities children can do to accentuate the information presented. Highly recommended.