Knee High Nature: Spring in Alberta

Susan Brown is a B.C. horticulturist, permaculture designer, and early
childhood education instructor.

Spring in Alberta is the fourth of four seasonal resource books for
parents, teachers, and leaders to use with young children. “Pond
Life”; “Frogs, Toads and Salamanders”; “Ladybird Beetles”;
“Butterflies and Moths”; “Green and Growing”; “Hares and
Rabbits”; and “Spring Birds” are its seven sections, each capable
of standing alone as a complete book. The biology of each subject is
discussed in a simple manner as it applies to Alberta. Then the subject
is discussed generally, following with specific treatment for each
animal.

A wealth of teaching experience is represented in the large number of
poems, songs, stories, and follow-up activities collected for each
section. The large, spiral-bound format and attractively laid-out pages
encourage individual page use. Every page is illustrated with
black-and-white drawings. An adult-oriented full page of bibliography
and references accompanies each section. Two full-color pages assist
with butterfly and moth recognition.

Caring and carefulness characterize this book to me. The authors care
about their subject, the natural world. And they care that adults and
children may interact to increase each other’s awareness and
appreciation. Carefulness is evident in the accuracy of information and
attention to organization. All animals and plants are identified by
Latin and common names, and each is briefly placed taxonomically in
relation to other forms of life.

The Alberta focus aids the compilers in describing accurately from
their own experience. However, natural-history interpreters throughout
northern North America will likely find Spring in Alberta helpful in
working with children under 10 years old.