A field guide to autumn Play and learn in nature

This companion to A Field Guide to Spring (2024) introduces readers to some observable signs of autumn in a European forest. Dawnay discusses fall leaf colors, seed dispersal, faunal preparations for winter, animal tracks, weather changes, migration, and tips for a woodland walk. Interspersed throughout are several poems and suggested activities, including leaf art, shelter building, painting with natural dyes, a recipe for apple crumble, constructing a bug hotel, writing an autumnal-themed poem, and making field notes in the woods. Brouwers' watercolor-esque artwork employs a warm palette of oranges, greens, and browns that realistically depict the elements of Dawnay's text. Three spreads illustrating fungi are particularly informative. Additionally, the art on the project pages carefully shows each step. Although a few British-isms persist (rowan berries and the sycamore trees described are UK species), the text is otherwise comprehensible for North American readers. Inspired by the Forest School movement, this should be useful in primary classrooms that emphasize outdoor education.

Gr 1--4--A lovely series of field guides that encourage an appreciation for and reverence of nature while including valuable information and fun activities for kids. Dawnay presents two interactive volumes filled with poetry, sidebars, prompts, and infographics that will inspire kids to use all of their senses to explore the many factors that make each season special. Small icons representing the five senses appear throughout, highlighting activities and experiences in nature that correspond to the different senses. In a spread about pond-dipping in Spring, readers are encouraged to use the sense of smell to breathe in the "lovely, weedy, reedy stink of mossy, mushy, pondy dampness." In Fall, before starting a painting with blackberries project, kids should pause to touch, smell, and taste the fruit. Recipes, diagrams, and lyrical text help ground and immerse children in the seasons. The books note when the aid of an adult is needed, and warning signs as to when kids should be aware of possible dangers (eating poisonous fruit) are highlighted. The painterly illustrations truly set these titles apart. Brouwers uses vivid colors to depict the awe-inducing markers of each season. The art is also informative, providing images that explain the metamorphosis of a tadpole into a frog in Spring and an explanation of how the Earth's orbit around the sun causes the different seasons is included in Fall. An index and glossary are featured in the back matter. VERDICT Purchase this educational and beautiful series where nature programs and field exploration are popular and where there's a need for more artistic nature guides.--Shelley M. Diaz