Forest magic for kids How to find fairies, make a secret fort, and cook up an elfin picnic

Gr 2--6--Children are guided through exploring the natural world with more than 50 activities, including making a secret notebook for all their discoveries, finding a mushroom circle where fairies danced, and turning sticks into dowsing rods or wee fairy companions. Each chapter begins with the science behind nature's wonders, then leads to activities like going on a tree walk and recording information on the trees discovered. Spikol carefully describes each of the steps needed in the crafts, including when an adult's help is required. Respecting nature is a consistent message whether children are using sticks to make magic wands, plants for special tonics, or constructing a hidden fort in their backyard. Chapters end with a "Quest Fest"--a scavenger hunt list of things to find in nature. The notebook is text-heavy, intended for nature enthusiasts, and is to be read not in one sitting but rather as a companion on various outdoor adventures. Metallinou's soft drawings complement the pages, with the final chapter including illustrations of craft projects. It lacks step-by-step drawings or photographs to guide younger children in how to better accomplish the tasks. VERDICT A delightful outdoor handbook to ignite curiosity and a passion for nature, this is a great resource for nature units as well as hands-on activities to bring a creative writing program to life.--Heidi Dechief