Just So Stories

New South Books

Greystone Kids/David Suzuki Institute

July 2024

9781771649698 

AUD$24.99, NZD$29.99

Nerdy kid me would have loved this book when I was a munchkin. I actually still love it now and really think I will try some of the suggested activities out [I wonder if I can coerce The Kid? she would also have loved this when she was younger and not a too-cool young adult].

There are 52 suggested activities – one for each week of the year which I personally think is brilliant! Here are a selection: learn how to press flowers, harvest algae, skip stones, observe spiders, and even how to build their own tiny sailboat. There are many more including my favourites: deciphering clues, locating the forest internet, tracking animals, learning about night animals and finding things that flutter.

While it is Northern hemisphere slanted, there is still plenty to engage and adapt for our Southern kiddos. One of the things I love most about it, is its neat size and format. It just has a truly lovely design vibe happening that gives it loads of appeal.

I think we are all keen to get our kiddos up and moving, and exploring the outdoors safely – and so many of the Smalls I know, just love being out in nature. Even The Kid, while too grown up now for some of these activities, still finds peace and comfort by spending time in the outdoors – it’s her first strategy for us both whenever things are a bit stressful or exhausting.

With the spring holidays done and dusted and Xmas, along with the summer vacation fast approaching, this would be a splendid addition to any small adventurer’s backpack. I think there would be lots of family fun to be had – taking turns to choose an activity or bundling them together for an extended nature week. All great fun and so healthy for body, mind and spirit.

I’m giving it a big outdoorsy 5 🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳 rating! Enjoy!