Finding good books to encourage interest in gardening and nature is always a challenge and something I know many parents and carers of children are keen to find. I was sent these two books to review and I found them delightfully different from the norm. I have not paid for either book and my words and opinions are as ever my own.
RHS Nature a Magical Journey Through the Year by Sara Conway and illustrated by Lee Foster Wilson
This is a delight of a book. It is a colourful, well written and a thoughtful journey through the seasons highlighting the wonders that each phase of the year brings. Sara encourages us to look, notice and observe. She tells us what is happening and why. The writing is elegant and leans towards narrative poetry at times, this is not your run of the mill 'there is a bird, there is a flower' type of book.
Towards the end of the book there is a section of gardens of the world with a few interesting examples. I admit to not really seeing how this part of the book fits with the rest, but if it encourages people to go and find a garden then I am all for it. There is also a section encouraging you to interact specifically with nature: such as create a terrarium, build a bird feeder or get out and cycle more (and recycle too).
I cannot speak highly enough of this book. If you have young children or need to buy a present for one then this book is the one to go for. There are puzzles, recipes and all sorts of activities including colouring in. Each activity has a nature focus and I found it engaging, informative and just delightful. You are encouraged to notice nature, observe, record and enjoy. There are just the right amount of dragons too. I loved this book, just loved it.
My Magical Journey Activity Book by Emily Hibbs is published by Scholastic and is available from the RHS plus many other online bookstores
