Fantastic, fun field guide to wildflowers.
While targeting younger readers, this one is something any age can appreciate. I do note that there's a version aimed at all ages available, too, but don't let the "for kids" in the title stop you from getting this one. As one of those whose spent much of my life identifying flowers as the "pretty yellow flowers" or simply "blue" or "pink" or whatever, I was delighted to find several of the flowers common to my yard and very Northwest Pacific area showcased. To be honest, the book had me with its early section on composite flowers, not only because sunflowers and daisies are favorites but because, well, I'm owned by a furry corgi mix named Daisy. Heck, I had to go out and find some wild daisies still growing here -- alas, flower season is winding down fast in Alaska -- to check out the descriptions given. Yep, right on.
In any case, while written for children, I see this as a book meant to be utilized by adults accompanying children on nature walks as the text isn't elementary. Hence my belief all ages will enjoy. It's well organized with a simple but well structured table of contents and quick reference notes up front. The section showing the various flowers by blooming time/months and elevation were an added touch. The book can certainly be read in any order or simply grabbed as a quick reference with even info on how best to utilize the book. Basic info and fun facts and stories are given for each in addition to scientific names, most of which seemed to be explained. For instance, the flower I know as Blue Bells is known in the scientific community as Companula Rotundfolia. Why? In Latin, companula means "little bell" while rotundfolia means "round leaves". Steps to identify them are included. There's also info on what plants to avoid.
Even better, all this is done in a readable, easily understandable way. There's even a brief history of how flowers came to be spread, including by one of my Alaskan favorites, glaciers. In addition, ways that plants have evolved, such as having tiny surface hairs or a waxy surface, for instance, to preserve moisture. Pollinators get space, too, including the likes of bats, which I'd never really thought about as a potential pollinator. And, oh, so much more. Seriously, they even discuss the need for carrying a first aid kit with you, never a bad idea when venturing out. I liked their reminder that "One person's weed is another person's wildflower," too, as a fan of the dandelion. There's also an extensive glossary and index at the back as well as photo credits. The photos are wonderful, by the way. Very colorful and frequently close up views that catch your eye. Thanks #TimberPress and #NetGalley for this early peek. I loved it and the 8" measuring guide on the back cover was a good touch.
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