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The Kid's Guide to Exploring Nature
This gorgeously illustrated guide will inspire kids to look closely at the world around them!
Created by the experts at the renowned Brooklyn Botanic Garden, it teaches children how to observe environments as a naturalist does and leads them on 24 adventures that reveal the complex ecosystems of plants and animals in the woods, at the beach, and in a city park. Detailed, scientifically based drawings help young scientists identify hundreds of North American plants and animals, while dozens of fun projects include keeping a journal, conducting field experiments, and exploring nature with all five senses.
Winner, Hands-on Science category, 2015 American Association for the Advancement of Science Subaru Prize for Excellence in Science Books
The Kid’s Guide to Exploring Nature has also been named an honor book for the 2015 Green Earth Book Award in the Children’s Nonfiction category!
Created by the experts at the renowned Brooklyn Botanic Garden, it teaches children how to observe environments as a naturalist does and leads them on 24 adventures that reveal the complex ecosystems of plants and animals in the woods, at the beach, and in a city park. Detailed, scientifically based drawings help young scientists identify hundreds of North American plants and animals, while dozens of fun projects include keeping a journal, conducting field experiments, and exploring nature with all five senses.
Winner, Hands-on Science category, 2015 American Association for the Advancement of Science Subaru Prize for Excellence in Science Books
The Kid’s Guide to Exploring Nature has also been named an honor book for the 2015 Green Earth Book Award in the Children’s Nonfiction category!
120 pages, Paperback
First published August 5, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 25, 2020
I have read many books about nature exploration for children and this one is my favorite so far. First of all, I am not a child yet I learned so much from this book! It focuses on many different types of organisms and topics: plants, animals, insects, fungi, rocks, ecological succession, dormancy, pollination, symbiosis, invasive species, citizen science, jobs related to nature study, and keeping a nature journal. Even ferns, spores, tree bark, and flower/leaf buds get special attention! I especially loved the "What happened here?" section to prompt some nature sleuthing.
The focus is on Northeastern US species in urban areas, but there is enough general information and activity ideas to make this book applicable to anyone, anywhere. It's particularly well suited for helping children closely watch and explore their own yard or neighborhood as the seasons change.
My only qualms with the book were that it referred to a Monarch butterfly chrysalis as a "cocoon." (It is moths that make cocoons). It also mentioned that bird feathers are protected by law from collection. I really like that this book gives guidance on how to be a "responsible explorer." However, not all bird feathers are protected from collection. Feathers from native and migratory bird species are protected under the North American Migratory Bird Act, but not non-native species (like starlings). But if you don't have a clue what species a bird feather came from, then I do agree it is best to take the book's advice and not collect it since it's most likely protected.
The focus is on Northeastern US species in urban areas, but there is enough general information and activity ideas to make this book applicable to anyone, anywhere. It's particularly well suited for helping children closely watch and explore their own yard or neighborhood as the seasons change.
My only qualms with the book were that it referred to a Monarch butterfly chrysalis as a "cocoon." (It is moths that make cocoons). It also mentioned that bird feathers are protected by law from collection. I really like that this book gives guidance on how to be a "responsible explorer." However, not all bird feathers are protected from collection. Feathers from native and migratory bird species are protected under the North American Migratory Bird Act, but not non-native species (like starlings). But if you don't have a clue what species a bird feather came from, then I do agree it is best to take the book's advice and not collect it since it's most likely protected.
December 11, 2025
Excellent resource for families, teachers or homeschoolers that want to add Nature Journaling to their routines.
December 21, 2015
This informational book encourages young people to observe their surroundings each season, starting with spring. The book starts by outlining some naturalist’s tools: a journal, camera, bags, ruler, backpack, colored pencils, magnifying glass, etc. There are some tips on how to observe - finding a spot, staying still – and some information on different places to explore: city, woods, meadow, near water, etc. Each environment has a section within the greater season of the year.
I like this book for many reasons. First of all, it has something in it for kids living in any environment. Also, animal lovers and plant lovers alike will find interesting information. Readers who aren’t well-versed in science or exploration will find the bolded terms defined in a glossary. Additionally, there are pieces of history and suggested projects sprinkled in with the information every so often. The layout is attractive and sections are short, but packed with information for kids who like knowing a little more detail – like a plant or animal’s genus and species.
The only thing that I didn’t care for in this book were the hyper-realistic computer illustrations that looked disjointed and strange. I would’ve preferred real photos or drawings.
I like this book for many reasons. First of all, it has something in it for kids living in any environment. Also, animal lovers and plant lovers alike will find interesting information. Readers who aren’t well-versed in science or exploration will find the bolded terms defined in a glossary. Additionally, there are pieces of history and suggested projects sprinkled in with the information every so often. The layout is attractive and sections are short, but packed with information for kids who like knowing a little more detail – like a plant or animal’s genus and species.
The only thing that I didn’t care for in this book were the hyper-realistic computer illustrations that looked disjointed and strange. I would’ve preferred real photos or drawings.
November 18, 2015
This is a great nature guide through the seasons for those living on the east coast. I live in Colorado so most of the plants and many of the animals don't occur here. I quizzed myself on the numbered illustrations for each habitat which was a fun exercise to see how many of the east coast plants I know.
February 10, 2016
Illustrations so life-like they look like photographs!
Journal Activities
Nature Activities
Describes what different types of naturalists do (horticulturist, botanist, taxonomist)
Separated by seasons and covers urban and rural areas.
Journal Activities
Nature Activities
Describes what different types of naturalists do (horticulturist, botanist, taxonomist)
Separated by seasons and covers urban and rural areas.
September 27, 2016
Bravo!
A wonderful creation that truly teaches in a simple way.
Beautiful images and appealing text creating an intimate relationship with nature for kids and the big people that take them out.
A wonderful creation that truly teaches in a simple way.
Beautiful images and appealing text creating an intimate relationship with nature for kids and the big people that take them out.
October 21, 2016
loved the illustrations, the explainations and activities - definitely one to go back to.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews