The Curious Nature Guide: Explore the Natural Wonders All Around You

by Clare Walker Leslie

With dozens of simple prompts and exercises, best-selling author, naturalist, and artist Clare Walker Leslie offers adults of all ages an invitation to step outside for just a few minutes a day, reignite the sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural world, and discover the peace and grounding that can be found by connecting to nature as part of daily life. Using photography as well as the author's own illustrations, Explore Your Nature invites readers to start at home, using all of their senses to notice the colors, sounds, smells, and textures of the trees, plants, animals, birds, insects, clouds, and other features that can be observed right outside their doorstep, no matter where they live. Prompts range from suggestions to note one daily exceptional nature image to learning to identify cloud types and the weather they bring, or creating a record of nature spottings on daily walks with the dog.

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, Art, Science, Science Nature, Reference, Animals

144 pages, Paperback

First published September 8, 2015

About the author

Clare Walker Leslie is a naturalist, artist, and writer. She is best known for her nature journals. She advocates their use by the wider public.

Reviews

[❀Aimee❀ Just one more page... · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable mix of ideas and themes. Just reading the book itself was calming, soothing, and inspiring.

The author encourages readers to be more mindful of the natural world around us. We are guided through different ideas for mindfulness and appreciation of the natural world around us. The pages are filled with either photographs or artwork of nature in many different mediums (pen, watercolor, pencil, and more). It is a quick read - with just the right amount of information on each page to be informative and inspiring, but not overwhelming. There are quotes, science facts about animals, insects, plants, weather, stars, and more. There are ideas of activities to do and senses to explore. Readers are encouraged to keep a journal of their forays into nature exploration.

It won't matter if you're in an urban, suburban, or out in the middle of nowhere. It also doesn't matter what season it is. There are wonderful things for you to explore with each of your senses.

The book will appeal to a lot of people.
Those with children can use these ideas to awaken appreciation and awareness of the nature around them. We can ask children to use all their senses, and to get up close and personal to plants, animals, the earth, and wonder at the skies. The ideas in this book can help foster connection with your children.

Others trying to quiet the craziness of the day to day, or to still their mind of all the day's anxiety and stress will find some solace within the pages and activities.

There was one idea I really enjoyed. In Japan they have a term for the idea of walking in the woods for health benefits. It is translated into English as "forest bathing". I love that image.

Thank you Netgalley and Storey Publishing for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Am Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

My absolute favourite book to date.

This is a book about nature and how to connect to it. The author talks about many aspects of the natural world, from seasons to landscapes to space and seas and so much more. Each topic comprises a few pages of facts and trivia, and sometimes related quotes or literary extracts. The author then poses questions you can ask yourself concerning your surroundings. The text is usually printed on top of a photo or photos related to that topic, so while you read, at the same time your eyes also take in the breathtaking visuals accompanying the text. This was a hugely successful formula which I absolutely loved.

Other notable features:
- Scrapbook-style sort of presentation, but without all the mess and haphazardness.
- Photos mix in with the author's own illustrations.
- Extremely well-designed layout & presentation: every page is chock full with either textual and/or visual information, yet is neat, organised and easy to process, and never cluttered.
- Text is simple, concise, yet deeply thought-provoking.
- Facts presented are fun, interesting and relevant.
- Has the absolute right mix of science and spirituality.
- Pages are thick, matte and durable.
- All pictures are stunningly beautiful.

Overall, this is a very meditative, reflective, inspirational book that will open your eyes to the wonderment of the earth. An absolute must-read for all nature lovers or people wanting to connect with nature. Will also make a great gift for someone like that.

[Dorine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended Read! To see the photos from my nature journal, see the review on my site. Text only below.

THE CURIOUS NATURE GUIDE inspires adults to focus on their senses, encouraging creativity. It’s exactly what I needed to energize my love of nature to the next level. Even though this book is aimed at adults, many of the suggestions could be shared with children and would make an appreciated family gift.

I requested this book for review because I love any book that makes me stop and appreciate the world around me. I decided to journal my way through part of it with camera in hand and enjoyed the results. What I didn’t expect was that this book jogged so many pleasant memories of my childhood enjoying nature with my dad, something that I still like to do today as an adult.

I’ve journaled most of my life, but this book made me think about small wonders and to be more persistent in my daily discoveries in nature. I’m especially excited about getting a sketchbook and some colored pencils to take on my hikes, something I never thought to do as an adult. I used to sketch and paint outdoors as a teen but had forgotten the joy that gave me. That reminder alone makes my time worthwhile in reading this book, but there’s so much more that pleased me.

My favorite quote shared from a postcard within this book is: “There is no Wi-Fi in the forest, but I promise you will find a better connection.” Lovely and so true.

The illustrations in THE CURIOUS NATURE GUIDE are especially beautiful. Some are watercolor impressionism, while others are pen and ink sketches, sometimes with some color added discreetly. I’m especially fond of the cute sketches of animals and creatures that surround or live in trees on page 85. The saddest part about reviewing this book is that my digital advanced reading copy will archive and I won’t have it to reference later. I will definitely want a print copy to have on my keeper shelf and maybe one for my dad.

THE CURIOUS NATURE GUIDE combines art, journaling, poems, quotes, music, facts, questions to ponder, animals, insects, fish, phases of the moon, constellations, weather, color and nature in urban areas, while reviving lost memories in a sensory kaleidoscope. Highly recommended for those who love “sharing small wonders,” something I’m looking forward to most in the future.

Review and photos by Dorine, courtesy of The Zest Quest. Digital ARC provided by the publisher.

[Elizabeth A · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a fan of this author's work and have loved some of her other books. She is a gentle guide that reminds you to stop and take note of the nature around you, and this book does more of the same.

The book itself is beautifully designed with lovely illustrations and art, and while I appreciated the sentiments, I was disappointed by the lackluster text. This is labeled for adult readers, but would work well for younger explorers as well. I did appreciate that the author constantly urges you to put down the book, look around, and take note of what surrounds you. If you have yet to read her and are new to nature journaling, this would be good introduction to her work.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of Clare Walker Leslie’s previous books, I was thrilled to get an advance copy of her new book, “The Curious Nature Guide.” This beautiful book does not disappoint.

While I had an electronic copy, I think this is a book that likely shines in printed format. The guide makes heavy use of imagery and is filled both with gorgeous photography and the author’s own illustrations. Unlike a traditional field guide, this book provides suggestions and an invitation to readers to connect with nature where they are – whether they live in a gorgeous pastoral setting, or a bustling city. Ms. Walker Leslie provides several practical, experiential exercises for readers to experience nature right where they are, in the moment, using all of their senses not just their dominant one. With helpful suggestions she encourages readers to get in touch with their creative side, schedule an appointment with nature, and promises that “once you begin noticing, you will see more and more.”

This book will delight avowed nature lovers as well as those whose idea of “the great outdoors” is a walk on a paved path in a city park. This book would also make a lovely gift. 4 solid stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[aqilahreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

loving the simple nature prompts and exercises found in this book 🌿🌱☘️🌴🌳🍃🌾

as much as im into nature walks recently, i found that there are actually so many things that i can do while hiking!!!! like appeciating the small wonders - to start collecting notes, photos, or drawings of small wonders in order to make a connections with how i feel to be in nature and to make experiences more wondrous & exciting. i was actually feeling very inspired to keep an observation journal on my walks too. 📝

here's to more memorable adventures ahead ✨

[Story · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent resource for helping yourself or your children develop a closer relationship with the natural world using curiosity, mindfulness and sensory awareness.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book inspired me to carve out little moments in my days to notice and enjoy nature. Other then a few evolutional comments, this was excellent!

[༺Kiki༻ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would be a fantastic book for teachers and parents. The activities are a great way to introduce kids to nature and keep them interested. The watercolor illustrations are a wonderful addition too.

If you liked this book, you might also enjoy:

✱ Down to the River and Up to the Trees
✱ Nests: Fifty Nests and the Birds that Built Them
✱ A Sand County Almanac and Sketches Here and There
✱ Winter World: The Ingenuity of Animal Survival
✱ Summer World: A Season of Bounty
✱ Wild Moments
✱ Seeing Trees: Discover the Extraordinary Secrets of Everyday Trees

[Melissa Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gentle entry into nature journaling, and nature exploration.

I love this little book! I’ve wanted to start nature journaling, but I often feel overwhelmed or stumped by where to begin. What if I don’t know what to ask, or I have a thousand questions? This book solves that problem by providing a wealth of interesting questions, tips, and prompts to use as launching off points. There are even suggestions for nature exploration that don’t involve being outdoors, which is great for those days when you’d rather not brave the elements. Almost anyone similarly inclined could find a useful jumping off point.

For such a little book, there’s a surprising amount of content. There are easily weeks (maybe months) worth of nature journaling prompts. And many of the prompts could be revisited again and again. I might never need another nature journaling book. As an added bonus, it was also delightful to read.

As if all that wasn’t enough to recommend it, the book is also fun to look at with gorgeous layouts of nature themed art. I keep saying this book is great for nature journaling, but it would also make a lovely coffee table book; a family activity book; a camping book; or a gift for any nature lover, child and adult alike.

I read this on kindle, and I loved it so much I’ll be buying a physical copy to bring along as I explore.

[Monica]

This is a cute book full of ideas on how to creatively engage with and pay attention to nature, even if it's just looking outside your own kitchen window. I enjoyed the illustrations in this book a lot, and loved being reminded that we're all able to be creative and curious with the natural world on a daily basis.

This book gives a delightful taste of a diverse range of biomes and ecosystems through quotes, artwork, and thoughtful passages. It also has a great deal of scientific facts sprinkled in, usually paired with illustrations. It's a charming, colorful, approachable book that serves as a reminder to be aware of your surroundings.

[Eren · Rating 4 out of 5]

So that's how people start keeping journals.

Though it may look so, this book is too inspiring to be a commercial. It gave me lots of ideas that can be applied both practically and occasionally.

[Christie Wyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous book. Wonderful ideas for the aspiring nature journalist. Suggestions for how to look at nature in a new way, as well as journaling prompts. Just reading it was an escape.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting concept of a book that explores what it means to be mindful and how to re-wild yourself in Nature. Due to the concept and its detailed activities I chose to give the book an additional star even though in all fairness the author doesn't seem to have a chosen audience.

First of all the book is broken into three different categories with each having a certain focus. The first half is about reintroducing the reader back to nature with slow steps and starting with the nature spots that are nearest to you. As a result although there are a few activities they aren't as much as you find in the other two sections further in the book.

The second section is the one that allows the reader to have the most activities as it delves the reader into exploring the world around them. It breaks nature down into the various elements such as exploring animal types, types of trees, celestial bodies and so much more. And this of course leads into the third section, which is predominently about connecting to nature.

Although the book seems to have some topics that would be more attractive to adults rather than children it is way too simply written for an adult audience while this style lends to very brief informative paragraphs that don't take up much space. At the same time the activities seem like those that children are normally directed to as well.

The illustrative aspects are a combination of styles with colored photographs combining with watercolor excerpts and sketches from what may be the nature journal of the author as well as some diagrams. Although it makes for the book being busy it also lends a creative air that gives credence for the book being what it is.

In the end I wouldn't suggest this as a book for an adult unless you just want really do some simplistic exercises that most mature people are already aware of. Otherwise I would more or less strongly recommend this as a book for children, especially if you are trying to get them more outside or just enjoying more nature-centered vacations.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this lovely book while doing research for the "forest school" that I'm planning for co-op. It was the perfect little book to pick up and read a little at bedtime instead of scrolling on my phone. The book is filled with wonderful little tidbits to make you think about getting out into nature more.
The watercolor pictures, drawing, and photographs give you an idea of things to hunt for, appreciate, and record for yourself in your own journal. It also reminds us that it doesn't have to be perfect, just record it. What a great reminder to get outside, enjoy nature, unwind, and unplug. I think I'd like to pick up my own copy.

[Nicole Penney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good read for someone who loves nature but isn’t a science buff. It consists of about equal parts easy science, suggestions with how to connect with nature, and profound quotes about nature.

As someone who lives in the country, many of the “connect with nature” ideas were basic, and easily done from my backyard, but enjoyable and thought-provoking nonetheless.

I came away with a deeper realization of how important it is to stop the chaos and just “be” in nature.

[Fern Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite simplistic. I felt this book’s primary audience is people who want to start to get out in nature but are maybe a bit afraid and apprehensive and don’t know where to start. It’s full of great starting block ideas of things to do and look for that are accessible to pretty much everyone. Didn’t realise before starting it however that this was from the USA so it’s examples weren’t quite so relevant however was still interesting and given me some ideas.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautiful combination of photography, art work, journaling, and nature quotes. Best quote: "We often forget that we are nature. Nature is not something separate from us. So when we say that we have lost our connection to nature, we've lost our connection to ourselves." Andy Goldsworthy

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aesthetically pleasing, took about 18 minutes to go through. If you have no idea how to be mindful, observant, creative, engaged with nature, grateful, this is certainly a nice primer. As these practices aren't exactly new to me, I think I would've preferred looking at the author's actual nature journal for general inspiration or appreciation.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Beautiful photos and some inspiring ideas.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a little piece of serenity, pick up this book. It will remind you to connect with nature and be at peace.

[David Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Curious Nature Guide: Explore the Natural Wonders All Around You by Claire Walker Leslie (Storey Publishing 2015) (508). I'm of two minds about this little nature guide, which the author both wrote and illustrated. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful. Her pages are masterpieces of visual composure. Her watercolors are gorgeous. Her photography is stunning. Yet as much as I admire her artwork, the written text does not rise to the same level. The science and nature of her narrative seems to be aimed at toddler level. I can't even say that her text is intended as an introductory guide to nature, for it's much too elementary and juvenile for that. Perhaps the author intended this to be a children's book all along but was overruled by the editor or publisher. If you have small children or grandchildren, hurry and find this book. Otherwise, give it a pass. My rating: 7/10, finished 2/28/17.

[Lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Netgalley for a review:

This book is kinda wonderful, blending beauty and simplicity in a way that connects you with nature.

I requested this book from Netgalley because I have been struggling as a naturalist, having moved from the mountains of Pennsylvania to the suburbs of Kansas City a few years ago, I find myself having a rough time connecting with the outside world. Mostly because the summer I moved out here was a record setting drought and heat wave, it in all honesty felt like I had moved to some sort of barren wasteland, a place devoid of nature.

Of course this is foolish because nature is all around, even if you are deep in a city you can find grass growing between pavement cracks, can see the clouds, and the night sky.

This book provides simple prompts combined with art and photography to encourage the reader to explore nature using various senses and more than just the average 'go out and look at the sky'

It is good for people who are wanting to explore nature for the first time and for those who need an occasional reminder to look around you.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the photography to the illustrations, I loved this book! The author does a great job of encouraging and reminding one to be aware of their surroundings and to connect with nature. There are suggestions and exercises that will help encourage and inspire you to reach out for your creative side and possibly do some sketches or write about your surroundings. It makes you ground and think. It doesn’t matter if you live in the city or country, this would make a great gift for someone.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Val~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cool book about wandering with purpose. About being mindful of your surroundings and connecting with nature. It has pretty cool illustrations and drawings. However some activities do not apply to all countries due to geographical and climate reasons.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more like a picture book for adults. Not that it has to be for adults, any age could get something from it. But if you look at it as a kid looks at a picture book, it is a better fit than your typical adult read. A kid typically picks several picture books and reads through them enjoying each for several minutes before moving on and without investing much into it. You could break the book up and try to read a page a day or something and let it really soak in more, maybe. It is a beautiful book with a couple really interesting facts I plan to share with my ten year old, and a couple fun ideas for activities. However, if you are obsessed with nature-inspiration books, nature journals and nature curriculums, this has about a tenth of the interesting information the other books around offer. Overall it wouldn’t be one I would recommend to a friend, but it has some enjoyable aspects for the dabbler.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding book! Anyone, of any age, would enjoy it, I think. The pictures and drawings are gorgeous and it is a delightful riot of bright colors from start to finish. It also really makes you think about nature and how we can all enjoy it on a daily basis, whether we live in the country or city or suburbs. It was so FUN to read, as well. I can not wait to read it again. It also gives you a lot of fun activities and crafts and art projects you can do to enjoy nature. Would be good for parents or teachers to use to help their kids get out in nature and away from the TV and their devices. Or it would be great for a single person who just wants to take a nice walk and get more out of it by appreciating all the nature there is in your area. A wonderful find!

[Laura Gilfillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's March, it's been a tough winter, and I'm ready for spring. I guess I hoped I could get a taste of nature through this book, and I did, but I'm still longing for spring. And I liked one of the ideas it inspired for me, that every day I should get out my camera and take one picture, even if it is something inside the house, like one of my plants, or a pet, or some of the other wildlife I have residing in my home. Just to keep me aware and appreciative of the nature that is already all around me.

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice soothing balm after the irritation of The Wander Society. It combines samples from the author's illustrated journals alongside artsy photographs. The text serves as an introduction to keeping a nature journal without being overly prescriptive. It provides numerous "try this" exercises along with informative natural history tidbits.

[Rosa Tolava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es un libro hermoso, lo disfruté de principio a fin. Tiene bellos dibujos, fotos, datos, recomendaciones, etc. sobre la naturaleza que nos rodea.

"The creature at your feet dismissed as a bug or a weed is a creation in and of itself. It has a name, a million-year history, and a place in the world." — EDWARD O. WILSON, THE FUTURE OF LIFE

"Nature is not a place or a thing.  It is a mosaic, a network, a matrix in which is embedded not only the world’s biodiversity, but also the day-to-day quality of our lives." — CHRIS LEAHY, MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY