Winter: A Guide to Nature Activities and Fun

Sheree Haughian is a teacher-librarian in Orangeville, Ontario.

The Knee High Nature books of Fall and Winter are collections of
information, poems, legends, and songs about a variety of plants and
animals. They are introduced as a series “for children to use with
adults.” The preface to each book also defines the focal region of
Knee High series as the “North-West,” the stretch of forest,
mountains, and prairies from the B.C. interior to Manitoba, along with
some territory south of the border.

However, anyone who peruses these excellent nature books for more than
a moment may wish to quibble with the narrow parameters the series seems
to set for itself. While the collection may appeal to the very young,
such bountiful fare also serves the attention and respect of adults.
Many of these older enthusiasts may be initiating seasonal research
studies on trees, birds, bats, bears, and other interesting elements of
nature. While the species highlighted in the series are surely native to
the north-west region, some are also alive and stimulating curiosity
east of Lake Winnipeg.

Fall and Winter are valuable resource books, with their well-organized,
accessible assortments of useful facts, creative seasonal activities,
and compelling lore. They would be a welcome addition to any private or
library collection, in western or eastern Canada. Highly recommended.