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Keeping a Nature Journal: Discover a Whole New Way of Seeing the World Around You
Experience the splendor of nature with fresh eyes! Featuring an inspiring portfolio from Clare Walker Leslie’s nature journals, this guide offers easy-to-learn techniques for capturing the world around you in pictures and words. Encouraging you to make journaling a part of your daily routine, Keeping a Nature Journal is full of engaging exercises and stimulating prompts that will help you hone your powers of observation and appreciate new aspects of nature’s endlessly varied beauty.
213 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
57 people are currently reading
2600 people want to read
About the author
Clare Walker Leslie
21 books48 followersClare Walker Leslie is a naturalist, artist, and writer. She is best known for her nature journals. She advocates their use by the wider public.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
October 6, 2010
I teach kids outdoors, and often lead activities that involve sketching, writing, and collecting information about nature. This gives me the chance to see plants and wildlife through their eyes, but until I read this book, I didn't realize how much of the picture was missing!
I have looked at these things most often through the filters of education, business, recreation, design. Keeping a Nature Journal offered one more way, with hundreds of samples and activities, to cram more nature into my life. I saw no reason not to try it. But there was a catch: I had to slow down. Waaay down.
I left my husband vying for the top of the trail to watch a millipede clumsily making its way down the trail. I traded my triangulation for 10X magnification through a handheld lens. I even put down my camera on several occasions and challenged myself to look longer, tracing the lines of what I saw with my own hand on paper.
The result? I now know that reaching the top of the trail not only means that you've hiked a helluva hill, but also, if you hiked far enough, the species act differently up there. When I took the time to draw things, I noticed that flies and bumble bees were not only collecting pollen from the flowers- they were clinging on tightly when the wind picked up, and hiding from rain under the petals. And the reason why there were so many starlings on my client's lawn is that they were sharing a meal of grubs, who in turn reside underneath the grass and feed on its roots.
The result I hope for most from reading this book is, now that I've learned how challenging it can be to give complete focus to each living thing that I see when in nature, is that I'll be more understanding of those kids that are poised with hand lenses and notebooks, pencils and sample boxes. I want them to get the full picture too!
I have looked at these things most often through the filters of education, business, recreation, design. Keeping a Nature Journal offered one more way, with hundreds of samples and activities, to cram more nature into my life. I saw no reason not to try it. But there was a catch: I had to slow down. Waaay down.
I left my husband vying for the top of the trail to watch a millipede clumsily making its way down the trail. I traded my triangulation for 10X magnification through a handheld lens. I even put down my camera on several occasions and challenged myself to look longer, tracing the lines of what I saw with my own hand on paper.
The result? I now know that reaching the top of the trail not only means that you've hiked a helluva hill, but also, if you hiked far enough, the species act differently up there. When I took the time to draw things, I noticed that flies and bumble bees were not only collecting pollen from the flowers- they were clinging on tightly when the wind picked up, and hiding from rain under the petals. And the reason why there were so many starlings on my client's lawn is that they were sharing a meal of grubs, who in turn reside underneath the grass and feed on its roots.
The result I hope for most from reading this book is, now that I've learned how challenging it can be to give complete focus to each living thing that I see when in nature, is that I'll be more understanding of those kids that are poised with hand lenses and notebooks, pencils and sample boxes. I want them to get the full picture too!
April 14, 2021
Full of beautiful illustrations, easy drawing exercises, and helpful tips this book was a lovely read.
May 24, 2010
This idea intrigues me as a complement to our nature studies and nature walks.
UPDATE:
DONE! Gorgeous book. One that has given me much inspiration and one that I'll have to borrow from the library again.
UPDATE:
DONE! Gorgeous book. One that has given me much inspiration and one that I'll have to borrow from the library again.
August 31, 2010
The information in this book is fairly basic. The tips in this book focus more on drawing than on writing. It would be a helpful book if you were looking to learn how to best sketch the natural world. I was expecting it to have more exercises I could use for my own classes.
January 22, 2012
Oh, how I love a nature journal book. Line drawings are my fav. Watching our #2 bring some piece of nature into the house and draw it at the kitchen table? Another fav. Drawing helps to focus the mind. BELIEVE IT.
February 11, 2011
Own. Birthday present from my in-laws (Thanks, again!)
This book, while annoying with its philosophy at times, is worth reading in order to learn about nature journaling. In some ways, it seemed they tried to make more of it than there is, but there were enough good ideas for planning, encouraging, and instructing drawing nature. "Outdoorsy" and "artistic" are not adjectives anyone would use for me, but this book made it seem like an achievable goal.
The several ideas of how to practice, how to see, how to draw what you want to draw. There are many drawings included in the book ... from professional artists to small children's drawings. This makes the book really quite beautiful.
Negatives include, the universalism and zen/Buddhist philosophies. It got annoying at times. The other negative is the repetitiveness of the book; to fill 200some pages, there was a lot of redundancy ... and often the redundancy was often how everything is nature, so you could journal about your children watching TV if you wanted. [shrug] Easy enough to skim over or ignore in order to get to the helpful parts and the lovely pictures.
This book, while annoying with its philosophy at times, is worth reading in order to learn about nature journaling. In some ways, it seemed they tried to make more of it than there is, but there were enough good ideas for planning, encouraging, and instructing drawing nature. "Outdoorsy" and "artistic" are not adjectives anyone would use for me, but this book made it seem like an achievable goal.
The several ideas of how to practice, how to see, how to draw what you want to draw. There are many drawings included in the book ... from professional artists to small children's drawings. This makes the book really quite beautiful.
Negatives include, the universalism and zen/Buddhist philosophies. It got annoying at times. The other negative is the repetitiveness of the book; to fill 200some pages, there was a lot of redundancy ... and often the redundancy was often how everything is nature, so you could journal about your children watching TV if you wanted. [shrug] Easy enough to skim over or ignore in order to get to the helpful parts and the lovely pictures.
April 18, 2019
This book is a great reference for those learning to keep journals in general, but the main focus is a nature journal which in these days of climate change, may be crucial for remembering what is going on now and being able to reference information and changes over time. I like that nature journaling can be a family activity with grandchildren. A grandparents’ journal could be a cherished heirloom over time. Especially if that family member gardened, that
Info may be necessary/helpful as climate change progresses.
Good book....would love to take a live class’
Info may be necessary/helpful as climate change progresses.
Good book....would love to take a live class’
August 12, 2018
A really helpful refernce for anyone wanting to start keeping a natural journal. Ir also has helpful information for how to introduce the concept to children and keep them interested, as well as a good list of resources and suggested readings.
May 9, 2009
looking for new creative inspirations. thinking a new way of journaling may be the ticket.
August 12, 2009
Skimming this yet again for ideas. Seems like I return to it every year.
May 21, 2014
Loved this book and it helped me to keep my own nature journal.
January 19, 2019
It does a good enough job encouraging drawing in nature journals that I just might overcome my "art shyness" and try it. Leslie also provides lots of good ideas and pointers for journaling.
May 26, 2022
Beautiful samples, feels great in the hand. All the stars are for the experience of holding and looking at (not reading) the book. The introductory content was fine, the handful of step-by-step lessons were too fast and furious for me, personally.
Unfortunately, like every other English language Nature book I've tried, there is an enormous emphasis on using the four seasons as a structure for what you are learning & doing. One would be forgiven for gathering the impression from these books every part of the US (and UK) gets snow, or that native English speakers only live in those places.
For the love of planet Earth, can we please get some of these books for beginner naturalists organized around the tropical and subtropical zones -- where, you know, the vast majority of natural life is located, not to mention the heaving masses of humankind. All those islands in the Caribbean, the Pacific imperial territories, former imperial holdings in Southeast Asia... or -- imagine! -- India?
//Edited to add// I was so frustrated after this book that I finally worked up the nerve to spend a few hours with Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling, which has terrified me since I bought it. That's the one, you guys. Even for me. Skip this and look at John Muir Laws instead. //end edit//
I'm so tired. It shouldn't be this hard to find beginner books we can use regularly without having a first frost or deciduous trees. It really shouldn't.
Unfortunately, like every other English language Nature book I've tried, there is an enormous emphasis on using the four seasons as a structure for what you are learning & doing. One would be forgiven for gathering the impression from these books every part of the US (and UK) gets snow, or that native English speakers only live in those places.
For the love of planet Earth, can we please get some of these books for beginner naturalists organized around the tropical and subtropical zones -- where, you know, the vast majority of natural life is located, not to mention the heaving masses of humankind. All those islands in the Caribbean, the Pacific imperial territories, former imperial holdings in Southeast Asia... or -- imagine! -- India?
//Edited to add// I was so frustrated after this book that I finally worked up the nerve to spend a few hours with Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling, which has terrified me since I bought it. That's the one, you guys. Even for me. Skip this and look at John Muir Laws instead. //end edit//
I'm so tired. It shouldn't be this hard to find beginner books we can use regularly without having a first frost or deciduous trees. It really shouldn't.
October 11, 2019
This book was truly on and off for me. But I finally finished it today.
I was really busy with work, my own personal issues, & finances that I had to pause reading this book a lot. But I'm glad that this month is motivating me to get things done & challenge myself more with things I've wanted to do.
Overall, this was a very informative book with lovely drawings from each nature journaler. And there students they taught classes to. I do plan to flip back through this book to take notes on some of the activities they mentioned. I would love to try them out. Especially since I have a new sketchbook. :)
(Date(s) Read: 26th March 2019 - Time Started: N/A; 11th October 2019 - Time Finished: 3:39pm)
I was really busy with work, my own personal issues, & finances that I had to pause reading this book a lot. But I'm glad that this month is motivating me to get things done & challenge myself more with things I've wanted to do.
Overall, this was a very informative book with lovely drawings from each nature journaler. And there students they taught classes to. I do plan to flip back through this book to take notes on some of the activities they mentioned. I would love to try them out. Especially since I have a new sketchbook. :)
(Date(s) Read: 26th March 2019 - Time Started: N/A; 11th October 2019 - Time Finished: 3:39pm)
September 23, 2020
With everything going on in 2020 I’ve come to love being out in nature again and have been wanting to start a nature journal for awhile now. So when I saw this book I knew I had to read it, and I’m so glad I did. This book is absolutely amazing. It not only convinces you, that yes everyone needs a nature journal but it goes on to tell you how you can set it up, the tools you need, and has tons of drawing tips, so that everyone can draw in their journal and not just the artists. I also love how there are so many examples pages of journals that could give you an idea of how you want yours to be. This is a great book to have or to give to someone you know, who loves being in nature.
November 3, 2021
I think this is a pretty good book. Certainly full of ideas and inspiration, but I don't think it's very helpful in terms of teaching "techniques" as it claims on the cover. I found most of the text to be quite vague, repetitive, obvious, and boring. However, the intriguing illustrations and notes kept me going. The authors present many ideas, so you never run out of concepts to explore in your nature journal. Also, this book might be more helpful to nature groups and teachers as it elaborates more on those aspects. All in all, if you're looking for nature journaling inspiration and ideas rather than some nitty-gritty techniques, I'd say this is a fine choice!
(read oct - nov 2021)
(read oct - nov 2021)
January 18, 2021
I borrowed this book from a friend, and now I would dearly love to own a copy. It will be one I go back and reference often as I dip my own toes in the world of nature journaling. It’s also a good reference to help as I lead our homeschool elementary nature journaling group. She gives directions for both adult groups and how to guide children!
She gives helpful sketches and directions to copy and directions on how to draw natural pieces and shapes. It certainly helps me think of ideas of things to add to my own journal!
She gives helpful sketches and directions to copy and directions on how to draw natural pieces and shapes. It certainly helps me think of ideas of things to add to my own journal!
March 23, 2023
Very interesting look into the hows and whys of starting and keeping a nature journal. Not a step-by-step instruction as much as a general guide, but it does include a lot of suggestions and some drawing instruction.
The last fifteen or so pages are about teaching nature journaling to others, which didn't interest me, but the rest of the book is solid. Also includes an extensive list of suggested reading on several topics, and some resources. Some of those are probably out of date at this point, but easily searchable online.
The last fifteen or so pages are about teaching nature journaling to others, which didn't interest me, but the rest of the book is solid. Also includes an extensive list of suggested reading on several topics, and some resources. Some of those are probably out of date at this point, but easily searchable online.
January 30, 2019
A fun book on art journals that is aimed at a broad audience from youngsters to retirees. Enough technique is covered to get a good start and reasons for starting a journal are well laid out. I certainly recommend drawing or painting as one method of stress relief or meditation for adults.
A more hardcore book on the subject is Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling by John Muir Laws.
A more hardcore book on the subject is Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling by John Muir Laws.
July 22, 2019
Good inspiration & motivation for my own nature journal and incorporating a nature journal into my college composition curriculum. Strengths were chapters 2, 10, & 11 wherein real pedagogical suggestions were given—the how-to’s of nature journaling in a classroom setting. Weaknesses were assessment suggestions (largely lacking). It’s really a beautiful book with terrific quotes, good resources, artful examples of various ages and skill levels.
September 8, 2020
Doing natural journals for homeschool (since schools remain closed). This is also a good exercise for adults (even ones who can't draw well like me). It's nice to get to know the plants and rocks in your hometown, to learn their names and to draw them; it gets you out of doors and creates a sense of place. Plants and rocks and canyons become your friends when you get to know them. I'm all about trying things I'm not good at lately and would have previously avoided. It's fun.
July 24, 2021
Phenomenal introduction to nature journaling, and provides huge lists of other resources to use, which I love. I don't feel like this book was meant to teach about every detail of journaling or drawing, but as an introduction to the process I think it did a fantastic job. I plan on using almost everything taught in this book, and on referring back to it again and again. Highly recommend.
April 11, 2022
This is more of an idea book than instruction in the technical details of nature journaling or drawing observations of nature. It advises that you not limit your journaling to just observations of nature, but to incorporate whatever you observe, wherever you are, documenting details of all variety, including weather, season, place, people, and even your own feelings or mood.
September 10, 2017
Vision casting for families and educators on how to observe nature through writing and drawing. This seems like a must have for carving out a homeschool philosophy on how to appreciate our natural world. Lovely drawings, inspiring quotes, and practical tips on how to get started.
June 30, 2019
An amazing resource to start journaling. Includes many different avenues of journaling and a huge further suggested reading suggestion. So excited to keep journaling! I'll definitely be referring back to this book on occasion. Full of good things!
November 11, 2019
This is an excellent and beautifully made book. I would recommend it to anyone looking to start nature journaling.Only complaint is that it is an odd size so it does not fit on the shelf well with other books, and is hard to carry out on a nature study as it is bulky and large..
March 5, 2021
a wonderful resource for anyone with a budding interest in nature and the keeping of naturalist's journal. i intend to use what i've learned from it to run a summer-long nature journaling program during summer reading this year.
March 24, 2023
Used this book for work inspiration, and realized nature journaling would be an excellent meditation practice for myself. Really taking notice, writing and drawing, just for me, feels more impactful and meaningful than posting on the 'gram.
July 6, 2023
Overall helpful and inspiring, though I was a little discouraged by occasional comments implying I really need to take an actual class if I want to learn to draw/paint. Trying to think of ways to incorporate these ideas into the classroom!
June 26, 2025
I found this very inspiring. Now that I have MS and can’t hike as much as my family, I’ve decided to take breaks and draw/journal, then meet up with family later, or on another loop. It is a good way to pass the time and still be outside, which is what I love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews