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Let's Botanize: 101 Ways to Connect with Plants
Botanizing is the new birding! This fascinating book of 101 botany prompts is about the joy of getting to know plants in much the same way we get to know birds, through observation and attention.
Let's Botanize! is a guide to learning about and understanding the world of plants, a hobby that can ease stress, bring joy, and deepen your connection with the incredible diversity of life all around you. With easy entry points and lush photography, the 101 prompts inspire readers to engage with plant life meaningfully each day by observing the parts, patterns, and processes that make plants so amazing. Examine a bud at the tip of a branch—does it have hairs or scales? What is the most brightly colored plant part you can find that is not a flower or a fruit? Listen to the plants—what sounds do you hear them making? Follow the prompts on dedicated walks in the woods, on your sidewalk, on your commute to work, or even in your kitchen! Revisit prompts at different times of year, in different countries, climates, and ecosystems. As you learn more, you may even find that revisiting the same prompt and the same tree can provide a completely different perspective as you become more familiar with the wonderful world of plants.
This publication conforms to the EPUB Accessibility specification at WCAG 2.0 Level AA.
Let's Botanize! is a guide to learning about and understanding the world of plants, a hobby that can ease stress, bring joy, and deepen your connection with the incredible diversity of life all around you. With easy entry points and lush photography, the 101 prompts inspire readers to engage with plant life meaningfully each day by observing the parts, patterns, and processes that make plants so amazing. Examine a bud at the tip of a branch—does it have hairs or scales? What is the most brightly colored plant part you can find that is not a flower or a fruit? Listen to the plants—what sounds do you hear them making? Follow the prompts on dedicated walks in the woods, on your sidewalk, on your commute to work, or even in your kitchen! Revisit prompts at different times of year, in different countries, climates, and ecosystems. As you learn more, you may even find that revisiting the same prompt and the same tree can provide a completely different perspective as you become more familiar with the wonderful world of plants.
This publication conforms to the EPUB Accessibility specification at WCAG 2.0 Level AA.
240 pages, Paperback
Published February 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 4, 2026
Ok, where are my gardening geeks at? And that’s a compliment in the highest form - this book is for you! Written in such a simplistic, eye opening way, that I guarantee you’ll look at plants in a whole new light!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book Review: Let's Botanize: 101 Ways to Connect with Plants by Ben Goulet-Scott & Jacob S. Suissa
Rating: 5 Stars
I have to say, *Let's Botanize* is a true gem for anyone curious about the natural world, especially if you’ve ever thought about getting to know plants beyond just admiring them from afar. This book introduces botanizing as the new birding—a fun, engaging hobby that invites you to slow down, observe, and really connect with plants in your everyday environment.
The authors present 101 creative prompts that encourage you to explore plants through all your senses. Whether it’s examining tiny buds, spotting the brightest colorful part of a plant that isn't a flower or fruit, or even tuning into the subtle sounds plants might make, each prompt offers a fresh way to appreciate the incredible diversity and complexity of plant life. The beauty of the book is how adaptable it is—you can botanize on a walk in the woods, your daily commute, your backyard, or even right in your kitchen. Plus, revisiting these prompts across seasons or different places reveals new perspectives and deepens your connection with plants over time.
One of the first things that caught my eye was the absolutely charming cover—it's inviting and perfectly sets the tone for what’s inside. The writing is clear and approachable, making botany feel accessible rather than intimidating. The photography and illustrations are stunning and really bring the text to life. I loved how the book covers all the basic concepts in a simple, logical way that makes it a perfect introduction to botany for beginners.
This book would be ideal for students, but honestly, it’s equally great for adults who want to learn more about the trees and plants around them without getting overwhelmed. It feels like a gentle yet thorough invitation into the world of plant science, leaving you well-prepared to explore more advanced topics if you choose.
In short, *Let's Botanize* is a delightful, educational, and inspiring read. If you want to slow down and find joy in the natural details we often overlook, this book won’t disappoint. Highly recommended!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 5 Stars
I have to say, *Let's Botanize* is a true gem for anyone curious about the natural world, especially if you’ve ever thought about getting to know plants beyond just admiring them from afar. This book introduces botanizing as the new birding—a fun, engaging hobby that invites you to slow down, observe, and really connect with plants in your everyday environment.
The authors present 101 creative prompts that encourage you to explore plants through all your senses. Whether it’s examining tiny buds, spotting the brightest colorful part of a plant that isn't a flower or fruit, or even tuning into the subtle sounds plants might make, each prompt offers a fresh way to appreciate the incredible diversity and complexity of plant life. The beauty of the book is how adaptable it is—you can botanize on a walk in the woods, your daily commute, your backyard, or even right in your kitchen. Plus, revisiting these prompts across seasons or different places reveals new perspectives and deepens your connection with plants over time.
One of the first things that caught my eye was the absolutely charming cover—it's inviting and perfectly sets the tone for what’s inside. The writing is clear and approachable, making botany feel accessible rather than intimidating. The photography and illustrations are stunning and really bring the text to life. I loved how the book covers all the basic concepts in a simple, logical way that makes it a perfect introduction to botany for beginners.
This book would be ideal for students, but honestly, it’s equally great for adults who want to learn more about the trees and plants around them without getting overwhelmed. It feels like a gentle yet thorough invitation into the world of plant science, leaving you well-prepared to explore more advanced topics if you choose.
In short, *Let's Botanize* is a delightful, educational, and inspiring read. If you want to slow down and find joy in the natural details we often overlook, this book won’t disappoint. Highly recommended!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Let's Botanize singlehandedly changed how I look...and see...plants. As a master gardener, plants are a passion of mine. But sometimes I overlook details. This book focuses on what's important by using 101 thought-provoking prompts by scientists, lush photographs, enticing information, and teaches how to observe and explore. All that is needed is a curious mind. I became engrossed so deeply and had to tear myself away to use my newly-acquired knowledge in the meadows and woods just outside my door. Survival, science, five tenets of botanizing, (re)discovering connections to nature, engaging all our senses...it's all here. But there is so much more. This book has heart.
Some prompts include analyzing leaf veins and edges, comparing the contents of opened fruit, examining bud scales, searching for climbing plants and sharp projections, scrutinizing mosses, tracking a flower until it fruits, looking for as many floral scents as you can identify, finding a plant with no green parts (such as the elusive ghost plant, one of my favourite plants to encounter), finding the youngest and oldest leaves on a branch, examining spores on a fern, counting the different colours represented, and determining what other life is living on or in a tree. Every single prompt is interesting and educational and I am addicted to doing this as the first leaf buds are out and wild flowers blooming. An excellent project starting now (or any time, really) and continue throughout the growing season, into dormancy.
Where has this book been all my life?? I am smitten with it. Anyone at any knowledge level would be thrilled with this book. I actually feel like hugging it close!
Some prompts include analyzing leaf veins and edges, comparing the contents of opened fruit, examining bud scales, searching for climbing plants and sharp projections, scrutinizing mosses, tracking a flower until it fruits, looking for as many floral scents as you can identify, finding a plant with no green parts (such as the elusive ghost plant, one of my favourite plants to encounter), finding the youngest and oldest leaves on a branch, examining spores on a fern, counting the different colours represented, and determining what other life is living on or in a tree. Every single prompt is interesting and educational and I am addicted to doing this as the first leaf buds are out and wild flowers blooming. An excellent project starting now (or any time, really) and continue throughout the growing season, into dormancy.
Where has this book been all my life?? I am smitten with it. Anyone at any knowledge level would be thrilled with this book. I actually feel like hugging it close!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
THIS is the book that I wish I would have discovered years ago. Like when I was in high school, preparing for a college major in Conservation. Beginning botany classes in college are tough. So crammed with information, much of it rather advanced, that you can miss the forest for the trees (no pun intended).
The authors remedy that completely with this book. Beautifully written, beautifully photographed and illustrated, and presented in a completely logical manner. It's a fantastic introduction to the field of botany, easily understood and readable. Covers all the basics in an unthreatening manner. You can read this book, get a sense about what botany is, and then move on to more advanced books/classes.
I highly recommend this little book to anyone interested in the physical sciences. Upper middle school through high school. Even for adults who just want to learn more about the trees and plants around them. You will not be disappointed!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
The authors remedy that completely with this book. Beautifully written, beautifully photographed and illustrated, and presented in a completely logical manner. It's a fantastic introduction to the field of botany, easily understood and readable. Covers all the basics in an unthreatening manner. You can read this book, get a sense about what botany is, and then move on to more advanced books/classes.
I highly recommend this little book to anyone interested in the physical sciences. Upper middle school through high school. Even for adults who just want to learn more about the trees and plants around them. You will not be disappointed!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
March 2, 2026
I’m unreasonably excited about this book. I heard about it on the Common Descent podcast, and I ordered it right away. It is what it says on the tin - 101 scavenger-hunt style questions that ask you to closely observe plants and get to know your neighbors. I plan on asking my kid things like “can you find a plant with parallel veins?” and “how many different colors of flower can you find?” and for myself, I’m excited to try “spend ten consecutive minutes with one tree,” or “try to guess how much a tree weighs.” But I think every question invites exploration from everyone, and there are good descriptions and color photographs to help contextualize your search. It’s not a book you “read,” it’s a book you “do,” so I can’t say I’ve finished it, but I don’t think you’re supposed to.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow! This is exactly the book I needed, as I felt a need to reconnect with nature and didn't know where to start. There are lots of prompts for things to do or observe. It is followed by explanations related to it. It's simple enough to be accessible to anyone starting, but it still gives you what you need to know and a bit more(which is really hard to find in botany books, tried a couple and felt like I was reading in another language!) This book is the perfect mix of ideas, information, pictures, and science. I will be going through it every season to get new ideas.
Thank you, Netgalley and Storey Publishing, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you, Netgalley and Storey Publishing, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews