The Hidden Seasons: A Calendar of Nature’s Clues

by Tristan Gooley

From the New York Times–bestselling author of The Lost Art of Reading Nature's Signs: Learn to spot the endlessly unfolding clues and signs that reveal the hidden ways nature changes every day of the year

We all notice the flowers of spring, longer days of summer, colors of autumn, and snowfalls of winter. But have you observed the way that water tends to run clearest in June? Did you know that at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, you can find Sirius due south in the night sky? And have you seen the poetic “shadow compasses” butterflies make on the hottest days, as they align their wings with the sun, their thin shadows pointing the way north?

The sun, moon, stars, plants, fungi, animals, water, and weather all tell us secrets about the seasons—if we know how to read their clues. In this sense-awakening book, New York Times–bestselling author Tristan Gooley reimagines the seasonal calendar not as four distinct phases but as a series of changes evolving moment by moment every day of the year. Each granular shift is an extraordinary microseason you won’t want to miss. It’s time to get out there and explore—the seasons will never look, sound, or smell the same again.

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, Science, Natural History, Environment, Audiobook, Reference

384 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2025

Reviews

[Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an insightful book. The way the author describes these quiet and hidden phenomena in nature was amazing. I really learned a lot and am definitely planning on being much more observant myself in the future. I did enjoy listening to the audiobook because the narrator was really great, but would have probably still preferred to read this as a physical book, because I wanted to go back to certain parts for reference a few times.
Overall, great read. I will definitely pick up other books by this author.

[Edie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful journey through the calendar year using nature to mark the passing of time. Tristan Gooley takes us along on romps through the countryside, to the beach, and across the night sky, showing us how to read the natural signs around us to mark time, weather, and direction. A surprising amount of information packaged so approachably I felt entertained instead of lectured at - making it perfect for me, someone who desperately wants to know everything there is to know but also doesn't like to be bored. Do you know else I think this book would be perfect for? The witchy sort who want to connect with nature. I described Gooley to a friend as a modern-day druid except instead of spiritual wisdom, he dispenses scientific facts. (Typing this made me curious so I looked up 'tristan gooley druid' and discovered I am not the first to come to that conclusion.) Whether you are the scientific type who is fascinated by the natural world, the spiritual type wanting to connect to nature, or the adventurous type wanting to survive in the wild, The Hidden Seasons is for you. Thank you to the author for his words and competent narration, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for the audioARC.

[Maddie Hennessy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great balance of informative and readable

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hidden Seasons by Tristan Gooley is positively spectacular! The focus is mainly on the northern temperate zone and covers the goings on in nature month by month and in general, season by season. I live in two different zones on two continents; Canadian prairies with snow/cold six months of the year and the Mediterranean (guess which my preference is!) but Gooley's wisdom and knowledge is relevant to both, though worlds apart. His other books are equally unforgettable and I constantly use what I learn from him when out in nature. Today was no exception. When mushroom foraging, all my senses were on high alert when I heard a branch snap not once but twice (golden jackals). I was mindful of what side of the trees leaves gathered, eagles circling overhead, moss growing on trees, the sizes of insects zipping around in the early afternoon, tree canopies and what grew underneath, gentle gradients, and "smile paths". Spending as much time in nature as possible has always been crucial to my wellbeing but armed with new information creates an even closer connection. Gooley's books have truly enriched and changed my life so much that I recall how to read water, trees and weather and regale my walking companions with a wealth of learning. I try to remember to look up as well as down as there is so much to glean from the sky.

Amongst other things, I learned more about phenology, the importance of gingko trees, epigenetics, long-day and short-day plants, photoperiod clock and how it affects animals, the effects of a few degrees of temperature changes on insects, frost, temperatures, wind, bumblebees, scents, lamb wisdom, life stages of trees, sand and tides (I happily tested and confirmed this information when at the sea yesterday), senescence, mist and dew, stars and full moon, rime ice aiding in navigation, which birds are more vocal under clear skies, and nocturnal creatures' eye colours at night. The number of questions I have had answered makes me happy, such as why March and September have the same day length yet are so different, at any given moment there are about ten quintillion insects in the world, and what animals think of rain and wind. Plus there is so, so much more.

If you are a nature nut or want to be, please do not miss this book. It is intelligent, fascinating, beautifully written, and reads like a friendly conversation. If you are curious like me, you will experience many lightbulb moments!

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If it seems like it took me a long time to read this, it’s because I had to start again just after I finished. This book is so full of amazing, fascinating details, that I decided early on to reread it as soon as I was done. The audiobook is narrated by the author, and Gooley throws out everything we learned in school and goes back to nature. Because we don’t have just four seasons, but many infinite cycles that Mother Nature, in her wisdom, follows regardless of what we say or do. The concepts are just so basic, but “civilization” has gotten in the way, so at first it sounds so strange. Where’s the Sun at Noon? Nope, don’t look up unless you’re at the equator. Living so close to Canada, you’d think I would have noticed how day and night are not equal during the equinoxes but, other than knowing that the seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere, no one really thinks about it anymore. No one but Gooley. Focused on the Northern temperate zone, the author teaches you how to read nature. That’s why I wanted to read it twice, once to go over it and a second time to practice where I live. He reads the stars, water, clouds, trees, animals and all the signs that Nature provides. He even includes fun ideas that you can apply to get to know your environment better. And really, the concepts are beautiful in their simplicity, how come it took me all my life to learn something that my ancestors knew from birth? Fascinating, amazing and a joy to read, you’ll figure out you knew all this in your bones, but it tool The Hidden Seasons to learn it.
I chose to listen to this audiobook and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Dreamscape Media.

[Amelia Maness-Gilliland · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has deeply enjoyed Tristan Gooley’s previous works, The Hidden Seasons did not disappoint, it may be his most richly observant book yet. Gooley has an unmatched ability to draw our attention to the quiet, easily overlooked details of nature, and in this book, he invites us to see the turning of the seasons with new eyes.

Rather than offering broad seasonal overviews, Gooley brings to light the subtle, hidden clues that signal deeper shifts in the world around us, for example, the way insects dance in sunlight, the stories footprints tell in winter, or how certain stars emerge only briefly to hint at weather changes. His writing encourages a slower pace and a more attentive way of being in the world, transforming ordinary walks into opportunities for discovery and wonder.
Reading it made me want to step outside immediately and start noticing what I’ve been missing.

If you’ve ever felt there’s more going on around you in the natural world than meets the eye, this book will confirm that instinct, and reveal just how much beauty and meaning are hidden in plain sight.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.

I wish I had the time to be as observant of nature as the author; his books are all so appeasing and calming.

This book in particular would serve perfectly on a bedside or side-table, to be picked up every few weeks for inspiration on what to look for during outdoor activities. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend reading it straight through, as I had to do to get my review out in time, since the explanations for seasonal changes can become a bit repetitive and seasons start blending together.

I have read other books from Gooley, and am still continuously amazed at everything I learn from each of them. Even with a graduate degree in biology, he manages to make me rethink what I see and better understand the world I live in.

The writing is mostly very accessible for a wide audience. Many anecdotes are based on the UK as that is where Gooley is from, but it isn’t too hard to extrapolate and adapt the clues given to demystify seasons to my own climate and country. So, if you want to learn about the natural world’s subtle clues, pick this book up and go for a walk!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an engaging reference book, designed to be opened at the start of every month to help us attune to the changes that are happening all around. There are practical ideas for way-finding without the GPS on our phones, knowing if a tide is coming in or going out (more than the obvious wet sand), and for tracking animals. It’s a rich compendium of naturalist lore and observable details told through personal stories and science.
The audiobook is a great way to get an overview or first read, but the book is where the contents really shines. There are illustrations plus the ability to dip back into the chapters or seasons easily.
Don’t let that discourage you from the audiobook however. The author narrates it very well and I honestly would not have read it otherwise. But now that I’ve listened to it, I want a copy on my bookshelf!
My thanks to the author, publisher, @DreamscapeMedia, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #TheHiddenSeasons for review purposes.
Publication date: 11 November 2025.

[Jessica Mather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever noticed all the little clues that nature tells you when there is a weather shift? Or even the change of season? The Hidden Seasons is the perfect read for those that are interested in nature and all the things that it tells us. Gooley blends scientific research with his own observations and experiences to bring us this unique look into the rhythm and signs or nature - from the plants to the insects, and the clouds and planets.
The narration was a bit monotonous, but the content was intriguing and fascinating. I really appreciated that he included polynesia and New Zealand in here. That is a part of the world that is often missed.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the Advanced Listener's Copy (ALC) of this book. It is one that I will listen to many times over when I buy it on my available platform, and I recommend other readers and nature lovers pick it up as well.

[Bee Lowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌿 A Journey through nature's transformations! 🦋
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

The Hidden Seasons by Tristan Gooley is the perfect companion for any nature enthusiast or nature journalist's explorations. It is organized by month so any nemophile can return to it again and again throughout the year to know exactly what to watch for in each season. It's a guide you'll keep coming back to! 📖🌱

As the narrator, Gooley's British accent brings grounded charm to the audio, but don't let that fool you—this isn't just about hedgerows and English gardens. North American phenology is woven throughout. Gooley has the same visionary approach to understanding nature's interconnected cycles as Alexander von Humboldt. He doesn't just tell you what to observe; he teaches you how to truly see the world around you and when to look in the right direction. 🔍🌎

Thank you to Dreamscape Media for the advanced listener copy and the opportunity to experience this beautiful work! 💚

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Experiment Publishing for my #gifted copy. My thoughts are my own.

The Hidden Seasons is like sitting with a learned and kindly friend who gently points out details and changes in such a way that you learn without ever really working hard at it. I felt guided not only through the microchanges of the yearly cycle, but also in learning HOW to notice things--everything is connected and everything is constantly changing, if you pay enough attention. Gooley explains--aided with plenty of anecdotes--why nature is doing what it is doing at the macro and micro levels and what the changes mean, but all in a simple and straightforward way that doesn't require a scientific background to understand. The diagrams and pictures are also helpful. I have loved Gooley's work in the past and I'm glad to add this latest to my collection.

[Ro U]

Tristan Gooley’s The Hidden Seasons is a great reminder to slow down and actually notice what’s happening around us, which is well timed in our busy world. Gooley talks about the tiny, often-missed clues—like how insects move in sunlight or how certain stars show up just before the weather shifts.

His writing is calm, curious, and has a lot of those “wow, I never knew that” moments. It can get a little detailed and leans toward the UK landscape, but it’s the kind of book that makes you want to grab your coat and head outside to see what you’ve been missing. I'm definitely getting a copy for my mom for her birthday.

Perfect for nature lovers, slow walkers, and anyone who wants to reconnect with the world in a quieter way.

Thank you Netgalley and The Experiment for the ARC!

[KRM · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're writing a book about a fantasy ranger, tracker, outdoorsperson, druid, etc -- read this book! It has so many incredible little details that could be used in a story. How to tell a storm is coming or going based on the clouds, how to tell whether the wind usually blows in one direction, why we have shadows on pools of water, how to tell a water mass is off in the distance from the shadow on the clouds, the idea of wind shadows!

I am an audio-lover, but I would recommend this book be read via text so you can go back and reread sentences as needed. I wanted to rewind some passages a couple times because they were so interesting and I needed more time to process them.

Thanks to NetGalley for the free copy, all opinions are my own.

[Pete · Rating 5 out of 5]

With stories of his nature walks, Tristan Gooley inspires us to notice our own local surroundings. Though his local is different from mine, his notes are relevant in the northern hemisphere. His main idea is "nonrandomness"—if you look hard enough, you can find the cause or link between different phenomena. I really appreciated his posture that you're more likely to notice something if you look, and more likely to look if you know one specific thing to look for. He's offering one thing to look for, in hopes that we will notice a second or third thing.

I was particularly interested in his notes about how the earth, sun, and moon move together. The appendix on the moon was fascinating.

**received early access via NetGalley from the publisher**

[Christine Gustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of listening to an advance copy of this audiobook on NetGalley.

I’m a sucker for a good nature book and this one is absolute gold! Listening to this felt like putting on a pair of magical glasses and seeing the world around me in a whole new light.

Excellent narration by the author and packed full of so many awesome details. I learned so much and will definitely be coming back to this book again.

This book would be particularly awesome for homeschool families to read each month of the year as part of a nature study. Each month is broken into its own chapter, making it easy to read.

Highly recommend this book to nature lovers everywhere!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to listen to this. All thoughts are my own.

[Cherryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review **
This is a thoughtful and engaging guide to reconnecting with the natural world. Gooley has a talent for making you notice the subtle changes in light, air, and landscape that often go overlooked. His writing is clear yet rich, weaving personal experience with practical insights. I found myself wanting to step outside immediately and see what I might discover. It’s as much about mindfulness as it is about nature, encouraging you to slow down and observe. A rewarding read for anyone who wants to live more in tune with the seasons.

[Megan Beech · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightfully detailed reference book about seasons and the calendars micro seasons. What a beautiful illustrated book and a smooth calming audiobook to go along with it. I'm very happy I had the chance to check this out! Now I need a copy of this book for my home library and possibly use as a reference for my daughter's homeschool curriculum!

I would love to thank the author/narrator, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t aware that this was a UK based seasons book, and living somewhere that the weather is very different, won’t be able to review on that information, but will recommend this book to UK dwellers as a fascinating look at the seasons and think this would be great for a year long homeschool nature journal. *The Hidden Seasons* is very interesting and definitely worth a read.



Thank you to The Experiment and NetGalley for the PDF

[Malcolm Balster · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read and especially useful if you are an outdoor person. I did find the winter chapters harder as I'm not one for going out in the dark and cold much, and when I look up I usually see clouds and not constellations and shooting stars.
What I did enjoy was the explanations to some observations that I have made myself. This book will make me consider the observations made more carefully when out walking.

[CG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just received my copy, and finished the October chapter. I plan to read each chapter coinciding with the month we’re in. Despite Tristan being in the UK, instead of the Rockies, I still find his observations to relevant and thought provoking. I look forward to our journey together over the coming 11 months. Thanks, Tristan, to a deeper dive into nature’s seasonal changes.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adored this book! I usually do not read non fiction but if it is about nature, then I am all in!

I will be purchasing a physical copy because I am so interested to see the inside.

If you like plants, nature, how the world works and learning then this one is for you.

I really enjoyed the audio and loved being able to listen while laying out in my woods!

[Roberta Godoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is super interesting for people who pay attention to the world around them and notice the little things, especially the plants and animals that surround us daily.

The audiobook is narrated by the author himself, which I always find interesting; nobody knows better where the emphasis of the narrative should be than the person who wrote it!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I may have to buy this one.
I "read" the audio book and re-read numerous sections of the physical (paper) book that piqued my interest, but I feel like I need to read this every month, one corresponding month at a time, to appreciate this book even more.

[Dana Slaughter]

Very good and interesting, but because he is doing most of his observations in England, the weather, landscapes, plants and animals are very different!

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic 3000 foot view of natural navigation! Click below for details.

https://thatladywhoreadsalot.wordpres...

[Donna Huber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been reading a lot of books this year on forest bathing/therapy and nature-based mindfulness. It kind of followed from the books about observation in nature that I read last year, so I was thinking that this book would be in the vein of those subjects. I had trouble at first with getting into the book because I couldn't figure out what the author's purpose was. After seeing that this book is part of the themed series Natural Navigation, the book started making more sense. The audiobook was well done, but I think in order to actually put some of the info into practice I would need a print copy. Read my full review at Girl Who Reads.

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uncover the hidden secrets of the seasons by learning to read the subtle clues in nature. This detailed and unique book reimagines the calendar as a series of evolving micro-seasons, encouraging readers to explore the world with a new sense of awareness. Though it’s not for casual readers, nature lovers will find much to appreciate in this book. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Kayla Groening · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: A copy of this audiobook was provided to me by Dreamscape Media in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.


“The Hidden Seasons: a calendar of nature’s clues” is one of my favourite listens of 2025. In a world where content feels imitated and unauthentic, “The Hidden Seasons” feels fresh and genuine.

Tristan Gooley (the natural navigator) provides the perfect balance of scientific research, observation, and personal experience, making this book highly readable and delightfully captivating. The book is excellent for enthusiasts of all ages and experiences.


What makes this book great:
- Very well written and organized
- Content is fresh and relevant
- So much fascinating information
- Inspiring
- Audiobook is excellent quality, read by the author

What this book lacks:
- I listened at 1.5X speed as I found the narration a tad slow for my liking (however, this is a personal preference and not a critique of the narration itself, which is terrific).

A copy of this audiobook was received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[albus ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

now i want to go live in a bog and be the cryptic of a small english village

I love a good non-fiction, and this one was great. There were so many things I didn't know and didn't know I could know, every chapter in this book is a delight, and listening to it walking in the park even more so. Every topic is explained simply enough for anyone to understand but in depth enough to keep anyone interested. The author's narration is perfect for taking a walk, too, listening to it feels like listening to a weathered journeyman talk about the secrets of the world, and that's more or less what the book is. So eager to read more of his backlog.