Naturally Curious: A Photographic Field Guide and Month-by-Month Journey Through the Fields, Woods, and Marshes of New England

by Mary Holland

Are you ready for a black fly bite to get graphic, for a barred owl's call to take on new meaning, and for the life cycle of the eastern newt to suddenly seem complex, beautiful, and intricately bound to the subtle patterns of mysterious underwater landscapes and damp forest floors? Naturalist Mary Holland's new book Naturally Curious promises a walk in the woods will never be the same. Holland leads you through the New England seasons out-of-doors—through the sun, rain, and snow; along roadsides and wetlands; above underground burrows and under treetop nesting sites. With just a turn of the page you'll suddenly know more about the creatures that frequent your backyard or the pond you visit every summer than you ever thought possible. Naturally Curious perfectly melds practical field guide with informal nature literature, providing you the remarkable opportunity to sit back, relax, and learn something fascinating about the natural world around you.

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, Natural History, Reference

496 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2010

About the author

Mary Holland, naturalist, wildlife photographer, columnist, and author, resides in Hartland, Vermont. Marys work in environmental education has included directing the state-wide Environmental Learning for the Future (ELF) program for the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, being a resource naturalist for the Massachusetts Audubon Society, designing and presenting Knee-high Nature Programs for libraries and elementary schools throughout Vermont, and compiling Vermonts Rare Bird Alert for the Vermont Center for Ecostudies. In addition to writing a natural history newspaper column and magazine articles, Mary has written and photographed a childrens book, Milkweed Visitors, which introduces young and old alike to the insects that visit a milkweed patch. "

Reviews

[Jori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an incredible resource. It has helped me to tune in and notice so much more in the natural world & I've found that I'm able to identify more wildflowers this spring, thanks to the beautiful illustrations and descriptions I'm reading. I also love the way it's organized by month.

[John Isles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've spent the last twelve months reading these well-illustrated and authoritative month-by-month accounts of the wildlife to be seen in New England, which for the most part is similar to that of Michigan where I live, though we did in the course of the year fit in a trip to New England. There's a companion volume by the same author, "Naturally Curious Day by Day," which is just as good and not repetitive.

[KA · Rating 5 out of 5]

This definitely makes it onto my favorite books shelf. Not a traditional guidebook, Naturally Curious is more like Tom Wessels's Reading the Forested Landscape, in that both treat nature as an ecological system, rather than parcelling out information piecemeal on different species. Unlike Wessels's book, though, Holland's is full of gorgeous glossy pictures of plants, animals, fungi, tracks and scat, habitats, and scenes. It is a pleasure merely to look at, much less read. The plan of the book is based on the months of the year, highlighting what's emerging from hibernation in March, for example, or what's mating, maturing, hatching, weaning, blooming, fattening up for winter, etc.

Not everything is in here, of course, but it's an amazingly comprehensive overview. (And that fact means there could be new editions or sequels in the future, something I hope for very much!) If you approach it like a Peterson's Field Guide, you'll be disappointed. But I find it encouraging that the trend is away from the presentation of discrete bits of information and toward the wholeness of an ecological vision.

And announced today: Holland's book wins the National Outdoor Book Award. So you know it's not just me being over-the-top enthusiastic again. :) http://naturallycuriouswithmaryhollan...

[Annie Oosterwyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent companion for the mindful walker. Describes common flora and fauna, month by month in the northeast.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looooove this!

[Lorelei Westbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naturally Curious by Mary Holland 2010
Categories/Genres for this class fulfilled by this book: Nonfiction

Estimate of age level of interest: All ages

Estimate of reading level: Grade 6

Brief description: A month-by-month photographic field guide for the forests, fields, and marshes of New England.

Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre and subgenre and discuss how they appear in your book: Mary Holland’s credentials as a resource naturalist for the Audubon Society, wildlife photographer, columnist, and author make her qualified to write about this topic. This important characteristic of nonfiction should be one of the first to be reviewed when considering accuracy and authenticity. Holland also provides a rich bibliography for her work as well as accolades from accredited experts in the field. One of the many highlights of this book is the easy-to-follow organization, another important characteristic of nonfiction books. The information is structured clearly with appropriate subheadings and monthly tabs, making it easy to use this book as a reference at any point in the year. The photographs are clear, crisp, and natural, adding a distinct visual to each description. Beautifully organized and presented, this is one of the best, up-to-date New England field guides for children and adults.

In what ways and how well does the book as a whole serve its intended audience?: Beautifully crafted for a wide-ranging audience, this book speaks to both children and adults. With its month-by-month organization, this book is perfect for any study of the natural world, blending detailed descriptions of present happenings and anticipation of what is to come. Each month is categorized into the various classes of animals, insects, and plants & fungi. Children and adults alike will find that this book is an excellent resource for learning about the wonderful seasonal changes of the New England outdoors.

Awards if any:
National Outdoor Book Award Winner

Links to published reviews from professional sources e.g. ALA, Booklist, Kirkus, SLJ, etc. if any: List of multiple reviews at this link: http://www.titlewave.com/search?SID=6...
https://www.trafalgarbooks.com/NACU.html

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading this book off an on for about a year now and will now leave it in a handy place because I will no doubt want to reference it regularly. The book is full of great natural history observations for anyone living in the glaciated northeast of North America. I think the author is based in Vermont so the focus of the book is the seasonal changes in natural phenomena that occur in New England. It covers the life histories of a wide range of organisms from plants to salamanders to foxes and turtles and everything in-between and covers the key aspects of each species' biology that a person can easily observe in the field. A great book for professional and amateur naturalists alike. No matter who you are or how closely you've observed nature in your past, I guarantee you will learn a lot by reading this book and you will never look at the natural world that is part of your everyday life in the same way again.

[Juli Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a little hard for me to get used to the organization system here. While the month-by-month idea is interesting and great if you want to use this book as an almanac of sorts, locating specific information can be tricky. But as a New Englander, I can see myself turning to this book throughout the year and learning a little more each month about the land I live with.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! The suthor does a great job through words and photos of introducing us to the animals and plants living all around us. Every wonder what animal made tracks across your snowy yard? Mary Holland probably has the answer to your question.

[Kibeth the Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy that I finally got this most excellent book for Christmas this year (2012)! I no longer have to hoard it from my public library!

[Carl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully done. Beautiful photos! The text is worth reading as well (not always true of books in this genre). Highly recommend this one. I took my time reading it and savored the experience.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

love it.

[Danna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book for the non-scientist who wants to learn more about the natural world in New England.

[Mary Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun!