Nature and Me

Starred review from March 1, 2022

Gr 3-5-This unique book helps young readers deal with their emotions and uncertainties by introducing them to the beauties and subtleties of nature. While children might know that being close to nature is good for them, they may not know how to best learn from the great outdoors. This book, with its vibrant illustrations and its intriguing prompts, provides a bridge of understanding. Each spread follows a similar pattern. First, it introduces something found in nature-an animal, a sign of weather conditions, or a geographic feature-and then offers information about it. Second, it provides a colorful illustration for readers to study. Third, it suggests how readers can learn from observing nature and how these observations can improve their lives. Each spread makes clear suggestions and summarizes everything with a short statement written in bold. For example, when reading about an ant colony, readers learn the ways ants work together. An illustration shows a colony accomplishing a variety of tasks while the text asks, "Why are ants so appealing? Why do we like watching them and finding out about them?" It suggests that the answer is because ants are cooperating: "It's good to cooperate." VERDICT This thought-provoking book should provide many opportunities to discuss and learn from the natural world. Highly recommended for classrooms and libraries -Myra Zarnowski

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2022
Designed to inspire contentment with lessons from the natural world. The book makes clear upfront that it's concerned with "nice and interesting feelings you can get from nature" and "why these feelings are important and how they can help you in your life." The spreads that follow metaphorically use elements from nature to deliver life lessons. On their own, some are quite effective. For example, "In comparison to the mountains, you're tiny (we all are), but your mind is even bigger." A spider web serves as an example of how being "delicate" is actually a strength. One right after another, however, they become predictable and pedantic. The creators' British roots are apparent with references to maths, crisps, and fizzy drinks. Longish text (200 to 300 words per spread) maintains a calm and reassuring tone. Graphic, collagelike illustrations evoke the character of each natural feature but are not naturalistic portraits. An image of a giant redwood bears little resemblance to its real-life counterpart; the anteater's sorrowful visage is exaggerated to emphasize the point that sometimes it's OK to feel sad. The dense, sincere text seems aimed at teens, but its 9-by-10-inch trim size and illustrations may draw readers younger than the intended audience. The book will be most appreciated by counselors, teachers, and well-meaning caregivers. Earnest and message driven but not likely to engage children or teens. (Nonfiction self-help. 10-15)

COPYRIGHT(2022) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.