My First Nature Treasury

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

Pattern books, sources of early reading pleasure though they may be for
many, fail to ignite the interest of some children. These emerging
readers demand solid content from print; they have a compulsion to know
more. The editors of Chickadee magazine, recognizing this need, have
provided My First Nature Treasury as a reference book for young
information seekers. The simple, illustrated text is comprehensive,
describing the classification of animals, the realities of food chains,
the composition of air, the ecosystem of oceans, and almost 20 other
captivating topics. A glossary offers explanations to those ready for
more detail.

The insipid title and uninspiring cover suggest that this book would be
perfectly at home beside the “Little Golden” series found in mall
chain stores. However, the old warning about not judging a book by its
cover—or title—should be heeded here. When first impressions are
tossed aside, this early reference book has much to offer. It is well
organized, clear, and likely to fascinate. The technique of highlighting
certain plants and animals, in the prevalent search-and-find manner,
seems somehow unnecessary. Surely the excitement of being able to view
and read about the wonders of the natural world without assistance from
a grown-up makes such gimmicks unnecessary. And perhaps it is
superficial of adult commentators to say that they would have wished for
more appealing packaging. Recommended.