Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews

Nature Explorer

Nature Explorer

Paul Sterry
Novelty Book
For ages 8 and up
Running Kids Press, 2005   ISBN: 076241846X

There are so many wonderful natural spaces that a child can explore, and with this wonderful kit in hand the process will not only be more educational, but it will also be a lot of fun. For any budding young naturalist who wants to learn about the natural world it helps to have a good source of information and also the right tools. “Nature Explorer” includes a book, and a useful set of naturalists tools: an insect observatory, tweezers, identification cards to help the child recognize the animals he or she sees, a naturalist’s tray, a magnifying dish, and a brush.

In the book the author includes descriptions of seven distinct ecosystems: woodlands, grasslands, pond life, rivers and streams, bogs and marshes, seashores, and towns and backyards. The author concludes with a chapter about “The Four Seasons.” Each section is written with enthusiasm, and is packed with fascinating facts, wonderful photos and illustrations, and tips on how to use the tools in the kit to explore each particular ecosystem.

This kit is one of the titles in the "Action Books" series.