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Why Read This Book
- This book is one of those that is perfect for the fact-gathering vibe so common with emerging and independent readers. They love discovering facts and this book is full of information about nature with some facts in words and other facts in illustrations.
- Excellent introduction to basic science. With guidance for children to learn to observe using all their senses and recording what they see.
- Parents can use this book in an “open-an-go” format. If you’re homeschooling or looking to supplement school (expand the learning experiences your child receives) this book lets you do that without any preparation. Just grab the book and get outside!
- The activities are very doable. Nothing too complex to gather the materials and produce – but very effective for engaging your young reader. Another plus – these activities are original. There’s a group of “canned” activities out there that have value, but just get repeated and repeated and repeated. Sometimes it’s nice to have a new activity to try :).
Expansion Circle Ideas
I very much like the way this book is designed to offer something for each type of learning style.
This book is an example of the skill you can find in a book team. The authors have obviously put significant effort into making sure their book will be enjoyed by many different types of kids. In this case the book offers something for every type of learner and learning style, including:
- Make a map
- Stickers
- Musical activities
- Magnifying glass included for close observation
- Checklists
- Art activities
“This is a cool book!” says the 12-year old sitting next to me as I type this post for you. We found out copy at a Tractor Supply store. They have a nice selection of books from Storey Publishing – titles we had not seen before. We also purchased one of the companion books, Backyard Explorers: Bird Watch and we’re very temped to get the Beach Watch book as well! We took our book out with us, on a few nature hikes, in our backyard. It’s one of those books that invites you in. And it’s very sturdy – it will withstand being tucked into your backpack or spread out on a nature trail.
This book is a really excellent pick for your personal collection. I’ve often seen kids return to it again and again – rereading of books really helps with literacy. And while I genuinely love all the books in this series, On the Nature Trail is my favorite and the one I recommend the best. Here are some links where you can get you own copy!
You can also purchase Backpack Explorers: On the Nature Trail directly directly from the publisher Storey Publishing. Buying direct from a publisher is fun and it’s something I recommend as part of the adventure of getting books from different sources. Storey Publishing offers discount codes at times as well as free shipping. You might be surprised when you receive the shipment from them; when you order directly from the publisher they sometimes insert special surprises in the boxes :). It can be A LOT of fun!
Book Facts
Text: Kathleen Yale
Editors: Deanna F. Cook and Lisa H. Hiley
Art Direction and Book Design: Jessica Armstrong
Illustrations: Oana Befort, except page 47 by Jessica Armstrong
Photography: Kimberly Stoney with additional photography as credited
Copyright: 2018
Publisher: Storey Publishing
Age Range: Emerging and Independent Readers, Age 5 to 12
About the Book Art: A combination of photography by Kimberly Stoney plus additional photographers (see the long lists of credits on the copyright paper) and illustrations by Oana Befort.
Get This Book
This book is a really excellent pick for your personal collection. I’ve often seen kids return to it again and again – rereading of books really helps with literacy. And while I genuinely love all the books in this series, On the Nature Trail is my favorite and the one I recommend the best. Here are some links where you can get you own copy!
Buy this book NEW from:
You can also purchase Backpack Explorers: On the Nature Trail directly from the publisher Storey Publishing. Buying direct from a publisher is fun and it’s something I recommend as part of the adventure of getting books from different sources. Storey Publishing offers discount codes at times as well as free shipping. You might be surprised when you receive the shipment from them; when you order directly from the publisher they sometimes insert special surprises in the boxes :). It can be A LOT of fun!
Buy this book USED from:
* When you buy from Bookshop and Biblio you support “indies” aka “independent booksellers”. Your purchase helps keep the independent and diversified voices of book curation alive and well! Learn more here.
BORROW this book from your local library:
Visit your local library to borrow a copy of this book. If you don’t see it on their shelves, ask them to request the book for you. You may be able to request the book online through their website; if that does not work talk directly with library staff to make your request.
See Inside the Book
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I Kissed the Baby!