Fun! Even better, shh, don't tell the kids, it's educational. Kids of all ages, including us old kids, can learn quite a bit from this deceptively simple book. The illustrations (see cover) are realistic, mostly photos, and colorful, and draw you into the text. While the cover lured me in, I was definitely impressed with not only the illustrations and organization, but the numerous variety of hands-on activities suggested throughout. Each section ended with ideas for getting involved, getting your hands dirty, so to speak. I've read that there are even stickers provided in the actual book for children to use to mark their discoveries as they investigate the world of plants and flowers, not to mention berries and grasses. As an adult who still loves stickers, I can see where they would be a great motivator.
The info is presented in an easy to read manner but don't let that fool you. It's full of great info and ideas, as well as photos showing the various items mentioned. I would anticipate many children gravitating to the activity showing them how to use the juices of various plants and berries to create masterpieces of their own designs. In addition, if you have a budding prince or princess, there are instructions on how to create flower/plant crowns, not to mention many, many more activities to get them involved. As almost any teacher will tell you, getting children to feel a part of the actual learning (without knowing it) is half the battle.
This lovely, colorful, easy-to-read book would make a lovely gift for both children and not-so-young adults, too. I'll also mention that the book takes the space to caution young explorers about plants to be avoided, not to mention warns them simply not to go around picking flowers without permission. That brought back memories of plucking some of my grandma's beloved roses as a child. She was gracious but, of course, in retrospect, may have been holding back tears. In any case, thanks #NetGalley and #StoreyPublishing for allowing me this sneak peek. If there wasn't three feet of snow outside my windows here in Alaska, I'd be outside checking out some of nature's beautiful works of wonder.
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