Summertime brings with it many wonderful things. In most places you get longer days, warmer weather, and no matter if you like them or not…more bugs! Outside our doors there is an entire society of fantastic critters going about their day in a miniature world that could easily go unnoticed to the untrained eye. This Perfect Pair of open-air reads is sure to take the “creepy” out of creepy-crawly and widen any nature lover’s view to the tiny, wild realm of beauty you can find outside in your own backyard.
Bugs, birds, and mystery poo, Chloe’s Nature Journal, published by Creston Books, has it all! When Chloe is assigned a nature journal to identify all the insects and animals she sees in her backyard over the next month, she assumes it will be a total breeze. But after not being able to find a single creature her first day, Chloe realizes she needs to take a closer look. She grabs a magnifying glass and sets out on the hunt for clues in true “nature detective” style. Soon, Chloe begins to notice tiny details that she had overlooked before. Strands of silky thread from a spider, and bites taken out of leaves put her on the trail. All her findings are recorded alongside illustrations and further probing questions about the creatures leaving this environmental evidence behind. Author and illustrator, Miri Leshem-Pelly does a fantastic job of introducing young readers to everyday examples of utilizing the scientific method as well as interesting facts about animals such as camouflage vs. aposematism, life cycles and more all in a fun journal format.
Hiding under rocks, dangling behind the curtains, or even swimming in puddles, The Observologist from Gecko Press is the ultimate field guide for future entomologists and ecologists alike. But what is an observologist? As defined within the book, “observology is the study of looking. An observologist makes scientific expeditions, albeit very small ones, every day. They notice interesting details in the world around them. They are expert at finding tiny creatures…” Not even the tiniest details are overlooked in author and illustrator, Giselle Clarkson’s fun and quirky depictions. Chockful of interesting insect facts and intricate drawings that will appeal to the playfully curious. Handy how-to’s are sprinkled throughout with steps to help bugs in need. Discover the tricks to relocating spiders, luring flies outside, and helping an exhausted bee, all laid out in field journal format. Backmatter includes an in-depth index, and an observology exam complete with a bona-fide certificate. This whimsical tome is a must-have for bug enthusiasts everywhere.
Pair either of these impressive insect odes with a fun, bug-study craft and you have the perfect staycation expedition for the summer, right in your own backyard! We can recommend making your own binoculars and crafting a nature journal from our own fun. Instructions can easily be found online and here are some we have used.
These DIY toilet paper roll binoculars are an easy afternoon craft to up your bug-safari game. With only a few everyday household materials, and endless personalization possibilities, these can be whipped up in just twenty minutes.
Making your own nature journal is easier than you think! With a handful items you can be out in the wild recording your findings. Add illustrations of all the wonderful things you can find outside. Make multiple versions to study the different insects, plants and animals you can find throughout the seasons, or in different places you visit.
We hope you enjoyed this perfect pairing from our publishers. Be on the lookout for more book and craft activities in the future!