A Toothy Tongue and One Long Foot: Nature Activities for Kids

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

The title refers to traits of a garden snail or slug, which may be
observed when following one of the topics in this nature activities book
for children. The book was written to encourage children to have fun
outdoors all year round.

Activities are simple and designed not to require adult supervision.
They are ordered by the four seasons and include hunting for insects in
different seasons, calling birds, reading the stories of tracks,
grouping rocks, and pollinating flowers. Producing a product is not
emphasized—respect for objects under observation and a sense of wonder
are.

While the book’s vocabulary is not simple, each directed observation
is completed in one to three pages. Black-and-white illustrations
complement the text. Because the book aims primarily at
self-instruction, middle-elementary-grade children who can read
independently would be most likely to benefit.

Swanson, an experienced writer of instructional materials, believes
that the best way to arouse children’s interest in nature is to
cultivate their fascination with the common plants and animals near
their homes. The availability of her book in homes, schools, and
libraries should facilitate this end.