My First Book of Nature

My First Book of Nature is a really gorgeous large-format book that, as its title suggests, offers an introduction to a range of plants, creatures and habitats, as well as touching on life cycles and changes such as metamorphosis. From bugs and plants to animals and ocean life, the spreads are beautifully illustrated and informative, offering much for the young reader to dip into and for the adult to explore with them. There are sometimes surprising facts that adult and child might not know, such as bumblebees sleeping underground in winter, or that spiders can taste with their feet! The information is provided in short sections of text, often in a step by step format such as for life cycles, or how a spider makes its web - so it is not overwhelming. The colourful painted illustrations add to the pages' appeal. Lots to enjoy and find out and a perfect book for dipping into. While there isn't an index - making this a book for browsing rather than using for topic work - there is a useful list of 'nature words' at the end, including a simple description for example for insect, nectar and larva. There are also wipe-clean boards that children can use to record what they have spotted - a bug, plant, bird or animal - and which can be used by children in groups during nature walks, or copied and handed out -- Maria Mace * Reading Zone *