The Book of Nature Connection: 70 Sensory Activities for All Ages

Gr 3 Up–This is an entertaining, creative, inspiring introduction to the senses for the purpose of understanding them and expanding their usefulness in the lives of children and adults. It leads a parent, friend, or teacher into the world of sound, sight, smell, touch, and taste. Rodenburg suggests many ways to make this exploration fun—trips to the forest for walks to hear, smell, see, and feel the world—emphasizing that it is important to get away from technology and use the senses to expand one’s universe in a delightful way. Suggestions for organized extended trips are the focus, with many memorable activities along the way. Some of the text is straight to the adult reader. For example, they are told that beer and a glass of wine makes for a relaxed time amongst friends, not a constructive or legal suggestion for children. The author provides recipes using plants found in the wild that adults could help children make, and includes prayers of thankfulness for nature that are thoughtful. Because this title is an eye, ear, nose, and skin adventure extraordinaire, it is hopeful that the author will remove the instruction to cut out photos from the book. Without that Rodenburg’s adventure unfortunately has no place in a library, public or school, that serves children. After matter consists of an index (not seen).