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Love Is a Toad: Exploring Our Relationship with Nature
'Tender, connected and considered' - Chris Packham
'Luminous' - Freya Bromley
'Extraordinary' - Dr Amir Kahn
'Uplifting, defiant, galvanising' - Sophie Pavelle
Nature makes us feel things. It sparks awe, curiosity and a sense of beauty and community. But as wildlife around us declines and disappears, murkier feelings rise guilt, detachment and fear for nature's plight. For many years, Lucy Lapwing wrestled with these tangled emotions. So, in an attempt to make sense of this dance between joy and grief, she decided to go on a journey.
In Love Is a Toad, Lucy traverses meadows, bogs and hedgerows with her fellow nature enthusiasts, where she digs down into our relationship with the natural world. Over the course of a year, she meets bucketfuls of wildlife - Blackbird and Oak, slugs and puffballs, waterlilies, Dung Beetles and toads - as she roams across the UK.
From a river swim to wanders through woodlands, with every journey, Lucy explores how nature makes us feel, from wild grief and anger through to soaring joy and indefatigable hope. At once a celebration and an invitation to reflect, Love Is a Toad prods and pokes at our connection to the natural world, exploring its complexity in all its muddiness, messiness and wonder.
'Luminous' - Freya Bromley
'Extraordinary' - Dr Amir Kahn
'Uplifting, defiant, galvanising' - Sophie Pavelle
Nature makes us feel things. It sparks awe, curiosity and a sense of beauty and community. But as wildlife around us declines and disappears, murkier feelings rise guilt, detachment and fear for nature's plight. For many years, Lucy Lapwing wrestled with these tangled emotions. So, in an attempt to make sense of this dance between joy and grief, she decided to go on a journey.
In Love Is a Toad, Lucy traverses meadows, bogs and hedgerows with her fellow nature enthusiasts, where she digs down into our relationship with the natural world. Over the course of a year, she meets bucketfuls of wildlife - Blackbird and Oak, slugs and puffballs, waterlilies, Dung Beetles and toads - as she roams across the UK.
From a river swim to wanders through woodlands, with every journey, Lucy explores how nature makes us feel, from wild grief and anger through to soaring joy and indefatigable hope. At once a celebration and an invitation to reflect, Love Is a Toad prods and pokes at our connection to the natural world, exploring its complexity in all its muddiness, messiness and wonder.
- GenresNatureNonfiction
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 29, 2026
I fucking loved this book!
Thank you Lucy for writing such a brilliant book that opened my eyes, and made me laugh and cry!!!! I would give more than five stars if I could!!!
Thank you Lucy for writing such a brilliant book that opened my eyes, and made me laugh and cry!!!! I would give more than five stars if I could!!!
May 15, 2026
I loved every single page of this book! Lucy writes in a way that makes it easy to visualise what she's saying because it's very descriptive. It really takes you to the scene and the wildlife she's describing.
She touches upon how we can feel both nature joy and nature grief along side one another. We have and are continually losing so much of our natural world through habitat destruction, pollution and climate change.
Nature is healing and soothing during stressful times and through illness. We need to learn to reciprocate what nature gives us as we take so much from it.
She mentions how we don't have to know everything about nature like every scientific name of species to be passionate about it and to appreciate it.
Our connection with nature as a collective is diminishing as we are no longer working closely with the land because of capitalism and our reliance on supermarkets. Mucb of our landscape in England is private land which limits public access so that further contributes to a growing disconnection from nature.
She touches upon how we can feel both nature joy and nature grief along side one another. We have and are continually losing so much of our natural world through habitat destruction, pollution and climate change.
Nature is healing and soothing during stressful times and through illness. We need to learn to reciprocate what nature gives us as we take so much from it.
She mentions how we don't have to know everything about nature like every scientific name of species to be passionate about it and to appreciate it.
Our connection with nature as a collective is diminishing as we are no longer working closely with the land because of capitalism and our reliance on supermarkets. Mucb of our landscape in England is private land which limits public access so that further contributes to a growing disconnection from nature.
May 4, 2026
This book is brimming with joy, but also with grief. It perfectly describes the simultaneous joy that nature brings, but the hopelessness it's all too easy to fall prey to when we begin to understand the natural world, and therefore see what is missing.
There is a sense of relief in reading the thoughts of someone else that reflect my own. Knowing that you are not alone in something does often have a kind of healing power in itself.
The core message that I have taken from this book is that the importance of sharing our love and knowledge of nature is more important now than perhaps it ever has been, and that we should all be shouting it from the rooftops and spreading it far and wide. Only when more of us know and love nature as many of already do can we stand a chance of making the changes we need to collectively make in order to save it.
And in a very tangible way, that's what Lucy is doing in this book. She's shouting about her nature joy, she's sharing her knowledge and her passion - and it's contagious in the best way! It took me so much longer to read because I was continuously falling down internet rabbit holes - every time she mentioned something that I was not familiar with (hello, caudal lamellae ... who knew!? I guess I do now) I was compelled to look it up. The next time I walk through a woodland with little time constraints (the jealousy is high here, as this is rare for me with a small human in tow), I will certainly be slowing down and looking at the life around me in an entirely new light.
The passion and joy captured in these pages is only further highlighted through the way Lucy writes about it. I don't often take a pencil to the pages of my books, but here I most certainly did, underlining phrases that tickled me, inspired the maddest and most vivid imagery, and took me out into the woodlands with Lucy in the most unexpected linguistic way. Her choice of phrase, whimsical descriptions and conversational tone brought everything to life in the most fabulous way.
I already shout about nature (especially birds) at every chance I get, but you can bet I'll be doing it louder, and about more than just the birds (who knew that Daisies are more than just a single flower?!).
Highly recommended for any established nature nerds or nature newbies!!
There is a sense of relief in reading the thoughts of someone else that reflect my own. Knowing that you are not alone in something does often have a kind of healing power in itself.
The core message that I have taken from this book is that the importance of sharing our love and knowledge of nature is more important now than perhaps it ever has been, and that we should all be shouting it from the rooftops and spreading it far and wide. Only when more of us know and love nature as many of already do can we stand a chance of making the changes we need to collectively make in order to save it.
And in a very tangible way, that's what Lucy is doing in this book. She's shouting about her nature joy, she's sharing her knowledge and her passion - and it's contagious in the best way! It took me so much longer to read because I was continuously falling down internet rabbit holes - every time she mentioned something that I was not familiar with (hello, caudal lamellae ... who knew!? I guess I do now) I was compelled to look it up. The next time I walk through a woodland with little time constraints (the jealousy is high here, as this is rare for me with a small human in tow), I will certainly be slowing down and looking at the life around me in an entirely new light.
The passion and joy captured in these pages is only further highlighted through the way Lucy writes about it. I don't often take a pencil to the pages of my books, but here I most certainly did, underlining phrases that tickled me, inspired the maddest and most vivid imagery, and took me out into the woodlands with Lucy in the most unexpected linguistic way. Her choice of phrase, whimsical descriptions and conversational tone brought everything to life in the most fabulous way.
I already shout about nature (especially birds) at every chance I get, but you can bet I'll be doing it louder, and about more than just the birds (who knew that Daisies are more than just a single flower?!).
Highly recommended for any established nature nerds or nature newbies!!
March 17, 2026
I've been waiting for years for Lucy to publish a book. I've genuinely stalked the coming soon pages here, optimistically popping 'Lucy Lapwing' into the search bar. I'd say that finding Lucy through Springwatch, and her social media presence, has certainly been quite formative in the past few years as I've developed my own love for nature. She was even lovely enough to give me a quick peek into the Winterwatch set a few years back.
Well, the time has come, Love Is A Toad is officially here and I absolutely bloomin' loved it and raced through it!!!
The book is written in such a refreshing way and Lucy's unique voice shines through. There are some absolutely brilliant lines that I couldn't help but want to read aloud to anybody who might listen. Funny things, gross things, downright nerdy things. Fans of Lucy's social media posts and features on Springwatch will get a lot from this book. It'll make you stop and admire nature, of course, while also acknowledging the validity of the *many* feelings you might have around certain related issues, like litter and the right to roam.
The book sees Lucy going on 12 walks across 12 months with 12 naturalists (and nerds), with each reflecting on their personal relationship with nature, with particular places and wildlife, as well as the wider social and political issues at play. I know of most of the people in the book, and have met many of them (and even been on a walk with one or two!) - but even without that, I think it would feel like you're heading out on the walks with them as you read. They're a great bunch of people, with some really interesting discussion, some wild nature anecdotes, and a whole lot of love for wildlife.
I really enjoyed this and will definitely be recommending it!
Well, the time has come, Love Is A Toad is officially here and I absolutely bloomin' loved it and raced through it!!!
The book is written in such a refreshing way and Lucy's unique voice shines through. There are some absolutely brilliant lines that I couldn't help but want to read aloud to anybody who might listen. Funny things, gross things, downright nerdy things. Fans of Lucy's social media posts and features on Springwatch will get a lot from this book. It'll make you stop and admire nature, of course, while also acknowledging the validity of the *many* feelings you might have around certain related issues, like litter and the right to roam.
The book sees Lucy going on 12 walks across 12 months with 12 naturalists (and nerds), with each reflecting on their personal relationship with nature, with particular places and wildlife, as well as the wider social and political issues at play. I know of most of the people in the book, and have met many of them (and even been on a walk with one or two!) - but even without that, I think it would feel like you're heading out on the walks with them as you read. They're a great bunch of people, with some really interesting discussion, some wild nature anecdotes, and a whole lot of love for wildlife.
I really enjoyed this and will definitely be recommending it!
April 13, 2026
This is an absolutely wonderful and enthralling book, full of awe-inspiring and super interesting passages. It is beautifully written, in a way that fills you with gratitude for the spectacular planet we live on. What I also appreciate about it is that it's very vivid, so reading it to me felt like the equivalent of observing a marvelous tunnel book or pop-up book. Lucy's wonder for nature is contagious, I was completely mesmerized by her descriptions of it. And her sense of humor adds even more joy to the experience of reading this book. She has also inspired me to create my own names for species of plants and bugs I encounter on my walks and hikes. I remember doing this when I was little, so it's fun to practice it again. What a lovely book this is. Highly recommended.
May 3, 2026
I wouldn't know Lucy Lapwing from Adam but simply chose this book because I, too, agree that love is a toad. This book is pure, luminous, unbridled joy. Nature joy, to be precise. Each page is a ray of warm sunshine basking the reader in Lucy's love of the natural world and all the creatures that inhabit it. There is nothing she will not gush over and it is crazily magnetic. Knowing more about her now I can see why she has such a big following. She is a happy tonic in the dark times of the decline of most species, excluding our own, of course.
There is joy but Lucy also talks at length about natural grief, which I can relate to. I agree the destruction of nature and wildlife feels like sadness. There have been a vast number of beautiful old trees cut down in the last few years around town and our village and it breaks my heart. Habitat lose is occurring at pace and no one seems troubled. Adding to the negativity is how large companies can get away with anything to chase a buck no matter the harm they cause to nature (UK water companies I'm looking at you!). It is hard not get upset by the injustice but Love is a Toad is a soothing balm that helps put it all in perspective.
There is joy and grief, but there is always something new and amazing to see out in the world wherever you may be. It is a heartening message that gives me hope. Love is a Toad is destined to the book I gift most to the people in my life. Upon completion I purchased three copies. That's just the start. Share the love and appreciate nature in all her beautiful forms.
There is joy but Lucy also talks at length about natural grief, which I can relate to. I agree the destruction of nature and wildlife feels like sadness. There have been a vast number of beautiful old trees cut down in the last few years around town and our village and it breaks my heart. Habitat lose is occurring at pace and no one seems troubled. Adding to the negativity is how large companies can get away with anything to chase a buck no matter the harm they cause to nature (UK water companies I'm looking at you!). It is hard not get upset by the injustice but Love is a Toad is a soothing balm that helps put it all in perspective.
There is joy and grief, but there is always something new and amazing to see out in the world wherever you may be. It is a heartening message that gives me hope. Love is a Toad is destined to the book I gift most to the people in my life. Upon completion I purchased three copies. That's just the start. Share the love and appreciate nature in all her beautiful forms.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this book! Each chapter features a different person, and I really liked that there was no snobbishness about knowing everything about nature - instead the focus was on the joy of experiencing it, even if you don't quite know what you're experiencing.
Lapwing writes so passionately about the outdoors and it's clear why they've devoted their life and work to it. It also doesn't shy away from the downsides of loving nature - the knowledge that how we have treated the world around us (and by we, I mean humanity as a whole) will make the joy of nature less available as time goes on, and feeling a sense of grief or loss about the natural world is a shared experience. Everyone in the book touches on this at some point in their chapters.
I found this was best to read in parts rather than as one solid read as it did feel slightly repetitive when read in long stints. Each chapter is based on a different month of the year which works perfectly!
I hadn't heard of Lucy Lapwing before now but will definitely be looking out for her in future!
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc
Lapwing writes so passionately about the outdoors and it's clear why they've devoted their life and work to it. It also doesn't shy away from the downsides of loving nature - the knowledge that how we have treated the world around us (and by we, I mean humanity as a whole) will make the joy of nature less available as time goes on, and feeling a sense of grief or loss about the natural world is a shared experience. Everyone in the book touches on this at some point in their chapters.
I found this was best to read in parts rather than as one solid read as it did feel slightly repetitive when read in long stints. Each chapter is based on a different month of the year which works perfectly!
I hadn't heard of Lucy Lapwing before now but will definitely be looking out for her in future!
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have followed Lucy on social media and via her work with BBC Springwatch series for a while and a lot of the names that feature in this book and join Lucy on her year of nature walks are also familiar faces. I so enjoyed getting to read Lucy's vibrant and enthusiastic thoughts about so many aspects of nature as well as the intimate musings from her fellow naturalists.
There were many moving parts of the book, and the interconnected relationships between humans and the birds, trees, creatures and plants within our world. Topics such as grief, community, climate change, the conflicting position of charities and humanity's fractured relationship with nature are all covered in engaging and interesting ways. Lucy is equally a fun and bubbly voice and a fiercely intelligent and knowledgeable guide throughout this book.
There were many moving parts of the book, and the interconnected relationships between humans and the birds, trees, creatures and plants within our world. Topics such as grief, community, climate change, the conflicting position of charities and humanity's fractured relationship with nature are all covered in engaging and interesting ways. Lucy is equally a fun and bubbly voice and a fiercely intelligent and knowledgeable guide throughout this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Such a whole hearted display of love for nature
You can feel Lucy Lapwing's appreciation for the natural world radiate thought every story and anecdote. Its infectious, its heart warming.
This book flows really nicely, as each chapter is a different conversation with a different person. This keeps the topics rotating, but that overwhelming positivity flows throughout, Love may be a Toad, but it is also etched into every word of this book.
You can feel Lucy Lapwing's appreciation for the natural world radiate thought every story and anecdote. Its infectious, its heart warming.
This book flows really nicely, as each chapter is a different conversation with a different person. This keeps the topics rotating, but that overwhelming positivity flows throughout, Love may be a Toad, but it is also etched into every word of this book.
April 5, 2026
I enjoyed the fresh take on the validity of being a conservationist who isn’t a full time professional in the field. We all have our parts to play.
Beautiful descriptions helped bring it all to life
Beautiful descriptions helped bring it all to life
April 22, 2026
Wonderful. If you enjoyed Braiding Sweetgrass, you will treasure this.
May 13, 2026
Wonderful read exploring the simplest joys of nature as well as some of the lows. I would recommend it to anyone that loves nature or wants to "reconnect" with the wild areas around them.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Nature grief, I came to realise, was as real and tangible as nature joy; as inseparable as the fleas on the wren, the slime of the snail and the rot of the conker."
Lucy Lapwing is familiar to many of us through her appearances and passion on Springwatch on the BBC- her enthusiasm exploding through the screen.
In Love is a Toad, Lucy brings her joy and concerns within the natural world closer to us. This is a time when more people are wanting to connect with the outdoor world and feel that joy of nature but simultaneously many of us are overwhelmed by the destruction of habitats and decline in species leading to nature grief.
It is these two components of our emotions that Lucy beautifully explores by each month over a year meeting up with 12 'nature nerds' from different parts of the UK. Each meeting is within a different environment and the seasonal changes and delights are explored ( slightly like The Hidden season by Tristan Gooley but on a wider personal level ). Wonderful details are provided about plants and insects that we could just take for granted as 'everyday' but the celebration of each is conveyed with a sense of awe and recognition of importance.
Each dialogue talks directly about the feeling of nature grief and joy and each friend expresses how they deal with both; we are the listeners to these talks - and the emotions are palpable. As someone who finds solace and inner peace through my green therapy walks, some of the discussions left me very moved but also gave me avenues to understand my feelings as I see the wonders and also the senseless destruction of locations in the name of required progress!
Lucy Lapwing has produced a gem of a book full of wisdom, compassion and common sense ( and with rightly so hints of anger and bewilderment)
This is a book to help us all navigate our relationships to being part of the natural world not being separate from it and subsequent emotions. This is a call to arms to join together in new ways to make a difference and demand change.
Thank you to Bonnier publishing and Netgalley for then advance copy
Lucy Lapwing is familiar to many of us through her appearances and passion on Springwatch on the BBC- her enthusiasm exploding through the screen.
In Love is a Toad, Lucy brings her joy and concerns within the natural world closer to us. This is a time when more people are wanting to connect with the outdoor world and feel that joy of nature but simultaneously many of us are overwhelmed by the destruction of habitats and decline in species leading to nature grief.
It is these two components of our emotions that Lucy beautifully explores by each month over a year meeting up with 12 'nature nerds' from different parts of the UK. Each meeting is within a different environment and the seasonal changes and delights are explored ( slightly like The Hidden season by Tristan Gooley but on a wider personal level ). Wonderful details are provided about plants and insects that we could just take for granted as 'everyday' but the celebration of each is conveyed with a sense of awe and recognition of importance.
Each dialogue talks directly about the feeling of nature grief and joy and each friend expresses how they deal with both; we are the listeners to these talks - and the emotions are palpable. As someone who finds solace and inner peace through my green therapy walks, some of the discussions left me very moved but also gave me avenues to understand my feelings as I see the wonders and also the senseless destruction of locations in the name of required progress!
Lucy Lapwing has produced a gem of a book full of wisdom, compassion and common sense ( and with rightly so hints of anger and bewilderment)
This is a book to help us all navigate our relationships to being part of the natural world not being separate from it and subsequent emotions. This is a call to arms to join together in new ways to make a difference and demand change.
Thank you to Bonnier publishing and Netgalley for then advance copy
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews