"Did you know that baby raccoons are smaller than a bar of soap? Or that salmon smell using little pits in the front of their eyes? Curious Kids Nature Guide is filled with full-color illustrations and fun facts about the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest, encouraging kids to discover and explore nature in their own backyards and beyond. Organized by habitat--forest, beach, fresh water, and backyards and urban parks--this book will teach kids about some of the most intriguing flora, fauna, and natural phenomena of the region while also sharing ecological lessons."-- - (Baker & Taylor)
Provides facts and trivia about over one hundred animals, fish, and insects found in the Pacific Northwest, including where they can be found and how each animal contributes to the local ecosystem. - (Baker & Taylor)
Filled with fun facts and 100 full-color, beautiful, and scientifically accurate illustrations, this nature guide will inspire kids to go outdoors and discover the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest.
Did you know that baby raccoons are smaller than a bar of soap? Or that salmon smell using little pits in the front of their eyes? Curious Kids Nature Guide is filled with full-color illustrations and fun facts about the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest, encouraging kids to discover and explore nature in their own backyards and beyond. Organized by habitat--forest, beach, fresh water, and backyards and urban parks--this book will teach kids about some of the most intriguing flora, fauna, and natural phenomena of the region while also sharing ecological lessons. - (Random House, Inc.)
FIONA COHEN is a science writer whose writing has appeared in the Seattle Post-IntelligencerGeorgia Straight, Victoria Times Colonist, and Canadian Geographic. She has had a lifelong passion for the natural history of the Pacific Northwest. She lives in Seattle and volunteers with Seattle Audubon.
A science illustrator, writer, and educator, MARNI FYLLING has a BS in zoology from UC Davis and a graduate certificate in natural science illustration from UC Santa Cruz. Her favorite thing to do is explore tide pools--although sketching insects and wildflowers (or just about anything else) is a close second. - (Random House, Inc.)
INTRODUCTION
This is a book about where the Pacific Ocean meets the northwest coast of North America. It's a place with soaring mountains, giant trees, glow-in-the-dark seawater, and stupendous slugs.
This area is called the Pacific Northwest, or Cascadia, and includes Washington, Oregon, and the
Alaska Panhandle in the United States, and British Columbia in Canada.
Whatever you call it, if you're lucky enough to live there or visit it, there's a lot of spectacular nature to discover. Whether you're in the woods, at the beach, by a stream or a swamp, or in your own backyard, there's plenty to find.
So go outside and discover what's there. This book will help you begin.
Here's what you'll need to do to get started:
1. Use your senses. The more you stay still and quiet and examine what is around you, the more you’ll find. Amazing animals could be nearby, but if you don't take the time to wait and watch, you might never find them. Listen, smell, and touch as you go.
2. Stay comfortable. It's hard to enjoy nature and discover new things when your feet hurt; you're cold, hungry, or thirsty; or you’re worried about sliming your best outfit. Wear comfortable shoes and sturdy clothes. Dress for the weather, whether it's hot, cold, rainy, or all three. Be ready to change your clothing with the weather. If you're going on a longer hike, bring food, water, and a first aid kit.
3. Take care of nature. When you're done exploring, leave everything as you found it.
· Put back rocks and logs you moved. Animals rely on them for shelter.
· Pick up litter, even if it isn't yours.
· Collecting a few leaves, sticks, rocks, or shells is fine, but leave living things where they are
· Don't feed wildlife.
· Don’t break plants.
· Obey the rules of the trail.
4. Stay safe.
· Don’t go out alone. It’s fun to explore with a friend, a sibling, or an adult.
· If you go on an expedition, get permission and share your plans with a responsible adult. Let him or her know exactly where you are going.
Let’s explore!
Booklist Reviews
This beautiful catalog of the flora and fauna of the Pacific Northwest region with winsome scientific illustrations encourages kids to get outside and experience nature with all of their senses. The book is organized into chapters according to types of ecosystems and showcases the diversity of the region, from its beaches and forests to readers' own backyards. The species discussed are diverse and include examples from each kingdom. Some are ubiquitous, such as cattails, while others may be harder to find, such as the sensitive purple sea urchin. Cohen encourages young people to explore nature for themselves at every turn and discusses some basic rules for taking care of trails for readers to follow as they trek outside. Broad scientific concepts such as the importance of observations, environmental change, biological adaptation, and interdependence are discussed in the individual descriptions of species that follow the field illustrations. Copyright 2017 Booklist Reviews.
School Library Journal Reviews
Gr 2–5—This compact title looks at the animals and plants in four ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest: forests, beaches, freshwater, and backyards/parks. There's not much information on most of the species listed, but there are enough facts to engage casual readers. One of the largest sections in the book is appropriately dedicated to salmon, a staple of the region. However, many of the flora and fauna discussed (such as gulls, osprey, owls, ravens, and mallards) are fairly common to other places in North America. Fylling's illustrations are detailed and appealing, accurately portraying the various creatures in their habitats. Sidebars are also peppered throughout, often containing fascinating anecdotes. The text is easily readable and accessible, and the trim size makes this volume great for slipping into backpacks. VERDICT Not a must-have, but a fine addition to large geography or nature guide collections.—Lisa Nabel, Tacoma Public Library, WA
Copyright 2017 School Library Journal.
