Catch a Crayfish, Count the Stars: Fun Projects, Skills, and Adventures for Outdoor Kids

by Steven Rinella

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A hands-on, gloves-off, muddy-boots activity book for young adventurers ages eight and up, offering fun projects and adventures to build lifelong skills and knowledge about the natural world—from the host of MeatEater and author of The MeatEater Guide to Wilderness Skills and Survival

Does climbing a tree, building a bug hotel, spearing a bullfrog, stalking wild animals, and scouting for petrified wood sound more fun than homework or chores? If so, this guide is your perfect companion to endless summer days and rainy fall afternoons alike. Filled with advice, insights, and activities to inspire wonder and excitement about the natural world, Catch a Crayfish, Count the Stars is a curious kid’s treasure trove, filled to the brim with outdoor projects, skills, and adventures complete with illustrations. The book presents a ton of fun and exciting ways to explore the natural world, like

• building an outdoor exploration kit
• identifying constellations and navigating using the sun and stars
• collecting fossils and other geological wonders
• tracking animals and following weather patterns
• making your own compass
• growing your own fruits and vegetables
• building survival shelters and primitive hunting weapons
• fishing, hunting, and foraging for wild foods
• making cool art projects using natural materials

A must-have guide for budding naturalists, scientists, gardeners, anglers, foragers, and hunters, Catch a Crayfish, Count the Stars helps get kids out into nature, imparting lifelong knowledge and skills along the way.

Genres: Parenting, Childrens, Nonfiction, Adventure, Nature, Science, Outdoors

368 pages, Hardcover

Published June 13, 2023

About the author

Steven Rinella is the host of the Netflix Original series MeatEater and The MeatEater Podcast. He's also the author of six books dealing with wildlife, hunting, fishing and wild game cooking, including the bestselling MeatEater Fish and Game Cookbook: Recipes and Techniques for Every Hunter and Angler.

Reviews

[Katy]

I received my copy free through Goodreads Giveaways.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Catch a Crayfish, Count the Stars is a fun collection of projects, skill building, and outdoor adventures for kids (and their grownups) written and curated by Steven Rinella. Released 13th June 2023 by Random House, it's 368 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is a practical and accessible guide filled with projects for enjoying and learning in the outdoor spaces. Although aimed at middle grade readers (and their adults), it's full of all-ages activities and everyone will find something to grab their interest.

There are safety guidelines and instructions throughout. Depending on the maturity and abilities of individual kids, adult supervision may be required for some of the activities. The tutorial projects are arranged thematically: navigation & exploration, collecting & foraging, fishing hunting & wildlife, and garden & home projects. There is such a large variety, there will be something to appeal to almost every taste and ability.

Tutorials include an introduction, materials and supplies in a bullet list, and are followed by step-by-step instructions. Measurements are provided in imperial (American) units only, no metric conversion included in the book. Special instructions and safety considerations are highlighted in colored text boxes throughout.

It's illustrated simply with line drawings throughout; there are no photos. The projects are varied and simple to more complex. There are bird-watching projects, insect and biodiversity projects, hunting and foraging projects (LOTS!), and survival/woodcrafting projects aplenty.

Four and a half stars. This would be an excellent choice for public and school library acquisition, home use, scouting & activity groups, and similar uses.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Dorothy Schwab · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a “hands-on, gloves-off, muddy-boots” activity book for kids ages 8 and up. It’s divided into four sections: I-Navigation and Exploration, 2-Collecting and Foraging, 3-Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife 4-Garden and Home. In the note to parents, Steven Rinella advises parents to take a survey of the activities to mark those that could be completed independently and those that would need supervision. From section 1, my eleven-year-old grandson chose “Pooping in the Woods,” to no one’s surprise. He liked that there were back-up plan suggestions for differing situations and learned the term cathole. My seven-year-old granddaughter chose “Build a Bug Hotel” from section 2. The directions were easy to follow and inspired her to head right to the kitchen to get the needed Mason jar and outside to hunt for the bugs. She learned the term specimen and wanted to immediately add the Picture Insect app to my phone. The additional information about a two-year-old finding a new species and having it named after her was a fun fact and a real-life connection.
The activities are well explained, illustrated, and informative. Kids” of all ages will enjoy the projects and adventures. This is an activity book that will be applicable for many years and used over and over. Keep it handy and you’ll be ready to Catch a Crayfish, Count the Stars!

[Brent Stock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to receive an advance galley of the book, and over the last couple of months I’ve had the opportunity to complete nearly a dozen of the activities with my son. Though the book is written for kiddos ages 8 and up, I was able to modify many of the activities to make them fun learning experiences for my three year old. Our family is already very engaged in the outdoors, but this book inspired us to try new things and encouraged me to dedicate at least one afternoon a week to spending time with my son outside. The book provides great background information and step by step instructions for each activity. Whether the reader is a parent or a child, this book is sure to inspire many hours of outdoor exploration. Once again Steve and the team at MeatEater knocked it out of the park. Preorder two copies, one for your family and one for your kid’s friend that’s curious about the outdoors.

[Laura N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It is becoming more and more evident that today's children are suffering from what Richard Louv calls "Nature-deficit disorder" and many books out there aim to rectify that. Outdoorsman Rinella is no different, but his approach is novel. He never talks down to his readers. He speaks to them like the intelligent beings they are, occasionally defining and explaining new concepts, but never taking a patronizing tone. He will offer caution when necessary, but encourage kids to do "dangerous things carefully". There is something for everyone here-camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, gardening, and cooking- and stewardship of wild places and wild things is always at the forefront. Scattered throughout are profiles of notable Americans who had a connection with the natural world. These diverse biographies are sometimes written by subject matter experts instead of the author.

[Kourtney Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just received this book today. What a fun book!! I loved flipping through it and reminiscing on things I was taught when I was a kid. But then also realizing I am rusty at some of these things and could use a little refresher myself! I am currently pregnant with my first child, a boy. I know it’s a little early to be excited about sharing this with him but I can’t wait. I’ll be brushing up on my skills in the meantime. When I received the book I was at work and have already got a few people who will be ordering for their kids and grandkids because they also enjoyed it so much. I also love the little history lessons throughout. Steven Rinella did a great job.

[Stockton Denos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I feel like it's almost like an appendix to Rinella's previous book "Outside Kids in an Indoor World." In that book, Rinella talks about all the different outdoor activities that kids should have a chance to experience. It talks about the idea of outdoor kids in a broad general sense. This book lists a bunch of very specific activities and how to accomplish them.

It's not really meant to be read from cover to cover (although that is exactly what I did). It's set up to be more of a pick your activity type book and then go to that page and do it. Lots of great ideas and I am looking forward to trying as many as I can.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything Steven Rinella comes out with is great. My kids were super excited to go through this book and see what they could get into first! They loved that the book not only has awesome projects and adventures but also gives some historical facts as well!

The best thing about this book is that anyone can enjoy all of these projects and adventures, no matter where you live. I definitely recommend this for any who are wanting to get your kids involved in and show them so much more to the outdoors!

[Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for ideas for getting outdoors and engaging in nature, then this is definitely the book for you! Budding naturalists will learn so much about the outdoors with activities to engage them along the way. The book is well organized with great illustrations and step by step directions on how to complete the activities. It would be a great guide for a forest school type group. It would also make a great gift for a birthday or Christmas.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the opportunity to review this book in advance of publication.

[Ivy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book teaches basic survival/outdoor skills on a level for a middle grades reader. This would be a great book for a parent and child to read together over the summer and encourage some independent outdoor play by the child. Parental warning is advised with this book as their may be certain things you don't want your kids learning how to do (like how to clean their own fish or sharpening their own pocketknife).

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Kristin Perrine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book. But it's just not appealing to me. There aren't many pictures, and the pictures that are there are line drawings without much color. The content is presented in dense walls of text, somewhat formidable for a kid looking for adventure. The book is full of ideas, but not enough detail in the text to actually carry out many of these ideas seriously. A kid would just end up frustrated that they can't figure out how to make it work . It's perhaps an okay book for getting ideas of things that might be fun, or for parents to help guide their kids.

[Hayli Netterlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. As a parent, it helped give me ideas of things to teach my children. I love how much Rinella speaks to children with respect and confidence. He gives facts on why these things are safe, but teaches them safety as well. So many great ideas for every family- whether you want to rough it in a shelter you made yourself or start a garden and a compost pile. There are activities for everyone. If you have a child 10+ You should absolutely put this book in their hands or read it with them! I even got ideas for my 3 and 5 year old. These are the kinds of books we need!

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our family just received our copy and all three of our children were so excited to get outside and start exploring. The book is interesting to read for the adults and easy enough for our second grader to read aloud to his siblings. The activities are engaging, fun, and require only things we already have around our house, which was great. Our kids could do some activities independently and some became a whole family effort, a perfect balance. We look forward to trying out all of the activities.

[Scott Bigger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great way to get kids excited about nature and spending time outdoors. I’ve been working through many of the activities with my nieces and nephews and they have had an absolute blast and are learning a lot along the way. We’ve dissected owl pellets, made a rain guage, and made a compass using a sowing needle and a bowl of water. As the summer months approach they have other activities they want to try. I think this book is going to be a favorite for them for a long time.

[Ben Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's time to get your kids outside and get their hands dirty in this activity book for kids by author Steven Rinella.

If you grew up building forts, fishing, camping, and generally enjoying the outdoors, but you're struggling to get your kids to do the same, then this is the book for you.

Great read and well worth a look if you're looking to raise kids in an outdoor world and get them off their devices to experience everything that nature has to offer.

[Jake Baumann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just received the book earlier today and the kiddos and I have already picked out our first project to do together. If you are an outdoorsy person, would like to become, or are getting your kids into the outdoors, this is a perfect book. Great for learning and teaching all ages about the outdoors. This book will get you hands on to do the learning and teaching as well.

[Phillip Rhyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an Avid Reader of Steven Rinella and this book is no exception. The amount of wonderful and useful projects in this book can provide endless Quality time with family, children, and even friends. My children and wife are currently planning their next project to start out of the book. Everyone should read this book and try out some of the projects.

[Amy Ingalls]

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!

I haven't even received this yet and I am so excited. My 8-year-old granddaughter loves exploring the woods, and when we hike, we imagine we are on a quest, so we are going to have so much fun with this book.

I will come back and tell you about all our adventures!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. It had so much information and was fun to read for the whole family. We will keep referring back to this book for family projects for years, it is a great way to spend family time and for everyone to learn something.

[Bibliohiker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This was a fun and interesting book and this’ll be a hit for outdoor adventurers. I liked the book told about several naturalists-George Washington Carver,Rachel Carson,etc… I also liked the how to ideas and recipes included.

[Marva Poché · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful books for kids. I love that kids can make things and enjoy the outdoors,instead of being on the iPhone or iPad or stuck inside watching tv. I highly recommend you check this book out and you and your kids will enjoy it.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book as a good reads giveaway. I have three young daughters and we have absolutely LOVED this book. We ha e thoroughly enjoyed the adventures it has taken us on. Thanks a million for not o ly a great read, but for inspiring memories!

[Crissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read for parents wanting to teach children.

[Karen Hickey]

Great book filled with fun ideas and useful information to get everyone outside!

[Corinne Casey-Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and informative book. Great for those trying to raise children with knowledge of nature and outdoor lifestyle

[Emma Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super fun! Going to remember this as a homeschool resource. And as a gift idea for older kids!

[Hanna Armbruster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skimmed through and found some ideas for summer activities with the boys

[Erick Biddlecom · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible activity book for your little ones. get outdoors!!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome book by Steve , great tips for adults and kids alike ! Also recommend Steve’s book outdoor kids in an inside world. One of my favorite books! Thanks again for another great educational book for families

[Nick Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steven Rinella’s latest book, Catch a Crayfish, Count the Stars, is a must-read for any child who loves the outdoors. This book is full of fun and engaging projects that will get your kids outside and excited about nature. Rinella’s writing is clear and engaging, and he makes learning about nature fun. The book is full of great ideas for all types, for little hunters, scavengers, or builders.

Rinella starts by teaching kids about the different animals and plants that are found in our natural world. He then provides step-by-step instructions on how to do several fun activities from (believe it or not) catching a crayfish, building a birdhouse, foraging for mushrooms, building a compass, and identifying stars. The book is full of hands-on activities that will get kids excited about getting outside and exploring the outdoors.

The thing I liked most about the book is that it is not just a list of facts about nature. Rinella has filled it with his own personal anecdotes about the outdoors and his childhood adventures - offering advice on how to make the most of your time in nature.

I couldn't give Catch a Crayfish, Count the Stars a higher recommendation to any parent or child who loves the outdoors. It is a great way to learn and have fun at the same time.