Fun With Nature (Take-Along Guide) (Hardcover)

by Mel Boring (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Scientific American
Fun with Nature is six nature handbooks in one. Each of the book's six sections--"Caterpillars, Bugs and Butterflies"; "Frogs, Toads and Turtles"; "Rabbits, Squirrels and Chipmunks"; "Snakes, Salamanders and Lizards"; "Tracks, Scats and Signs"; and "Trees, Leaves and Bark"--is like its own self-contained book. Although nothing is covered in great depth, the reader does not feel short-changed. The text, illustrations and easy-to-follow format of the first four sections teach us what each animal looks like, what it eats and where it can be found. The section focusing on tracks, droppings (scat) and signs is organized by habitat and includes information about a number of animals, each shown in the setting where it is most likely to be sighted. The book's final section, about trees, leaves and bark, is particularly striking. The stark layout highlights the illustrations and brings details to the forefront. Most notable are the drawings of bark. They show the texture so realistically that there almost appear to be actual pieces of bark pasted onto the page. The book has several blank pages at the end of each section, should your young explorer wish to make sketches or take notes. Some hands-on activities are also suggested. In addition, advice and special warnings that will enhance your outings are set off in boxes at the bottom of many pages. Contrary to the title, this volume is a bit too heavy to work well as a field guide on a hike, but it's a great resource for reading beforehand and for referring to on your return. Young naturalists will enjoy this book.

Joan Silberlicht Epstein

Product Description
Provides detailed descriptions and illustrations of more than 150 different animals and plants.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: NorthWord Books for Young Readers (December 25, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559717025
• ISBN-13: 978-1559717021
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 8.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #44,716 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #9 in	Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Nature > Flowers & Plants > Nonfiction
  #54 in	Books > Children's Books > Animals > Nonfiction

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the a must-have book for exploring the outdoors!, July 6, 1999

By A Customer

If you ever go camping, this book is a must!! Fun with Nature describes everything from trees to rabbits to snakes to butterflies to animal droppings - called 'scat'! I didn't know that - did you?? With colorful illustrations and fact-filled pages, you can look up and indentify all sorts of things found in nature. Each page describes an animal, plant or insect in easy-to-read detail and helps you to indentify and learn about what you might encounter. Fun facts dots the pages, too. The entries are divided into sections to make referencing easy and at the end of each section is a fun enrichment activity to do. Blank pages also create a place to record your findings on your outings. My family took this book on our camping trips and half of our fun was spent identifying the squirrels, butterflies, trees and insects that we came across. Even us adults were hooked - making this a great activity for all ages to get involved with. As an elementary school teacher, I can use this with my class, too! I can't recommend this book enough! You'll love it!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun With Nature, August 29, 2001

By	MIKE INMON (Waco,Tx) - See all my reviews

I cant recommend this book enough, the layout and subject matter covered is great. I recommend this to parents and teachers alike.
Simply wonderful.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, November 6, 2001

By A Customer

I love this book. I found it when I was at the nature art museum in Jackson Hole. I cannot wait to use this when I become a teacher. I am already using it in my classes for lesson plans. I will definitely use this when I have my own children too.