Backpack Explorer: On The Nature Trail
Editors Of Storey Publishing
Story Publishing 2018
Hardcover, 48 Page Activity Book, Ages 3-6
One of many books in the Backpack Explorer series, this book is packed with information and activities for younger children and their families.
Most children are fascinated by the outdoor world, and these books are a perfect size to take along and learn, whether in a nature preserve, park, backyard, or even a school playground.
Pages include explanations about trees, bugs, birds, mammals, fungus, flowers, amphibians and more. The magnifying glass included helps kids get a close-up, hand-on, glimpse of even the tiniest details of leaf veins, seed pods, etc. The pages come alive with games, music, cloud-gazing and even a list of what to pack for the trip. Animal tracks and a grid to draw a map of where you’ve been and what you’ve seen are included as well as badge stickers to earn for each nature wonder found. It’s nicely condensed for younger children.
There’s lots to like about this book. The interactive component is featured throughout. It’s colorful, easy to read, and brief enough that young preschoolers won’t lose interest. The fact that this book has children looking down, up at clouds, and around their environment is outstanding in a world where they are focusing on cell phones and computers.
However this reviewer found that several of the featured games were counterintuitive to observing nature, such as making whistles, rattles with stones and seeds, and forming a marching band through the woods. This is a surefire way to scare away the very nature you’re looking for. Some of the descriptions of classifications of animals were either too brief or lacking in some significant facts, however, it’s understood that this book is geared towards the very young. Overall, I think this is a great book for those city dwelling children who are just beginning to learn about ecosystems and nature.
On The Nature Trail by Storey Publishing gets 4 ½ stars from this reviewer.