I've found Laura Knowles' books to be interesting and unique, so when I couldn't find a copy of this book in my consortium, I decided to buy it myself and donate it to the library should it turn out to be as interesting as it looked.
It turns out to be a kind of compendium of projects, information, and poetry, illustrated with cheerful, bright colors. After a note to parents and educators, Knowles includes a poem, a "Friendship Pledge" for readers to follow. Everything that follows is geared towards being a "friend to nature" both in learning and in environmental activity.
There are instructions for making a toad home, bird feeders, pond, and blind to observe animals. There are suggestions for recycling, reducing plastic use, and raising money for environmental causes. Illustrated sections explain the parts of a flower, the life cycle of a butterfly, hibernation and migration cycles, and more. Poems by Knowles and various authors are sprinkled throughout the book as well. Back matter consists of websites for further information and resources.
I think most books about environmentalism simplify a complex subject and put way too much emphasis on the activism of children who have little control over purchases or resource usage, but there is a wide variety of ideas, information, and activities in this book, enough that it should fit the interests and needs of a wide variety of families.
Verdict: There are plenty of recycling and outdoor activity books, but this does a good job of combining several different aspects together and would be a good reference for families, teachers, and librarians planning outdoor activities and programs.
ISBN: 9781913519209; Published 2021 by Welbeck Childrens; Purchased myself; Donated to the library
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