Discovering nature is a life-long adventure. Venture into the natural world, and you'll find a wealth of year-round fascination.
Think of this book as a tour guide to start your nature adventure. Its purpose is to help you have fun. Approach nature with curiosity and playfulness. Open yourself to new ideas and experiences. You'll be surprised at how much fun nature offers.
Throughout the book, you'll find dozens of “Get Active!” projects. Enjoy these activities, and you'll discover more about nature firsthand. Adult supervision is recommended, and remember to always use common sense precautions. For safety's sake, always bring an adult along when you go on any kind of nature outing.
Chapter 1 introduces you to our world and its natural phenomena. Learn about planet Earth, natural disasters, sunrise, sunset, and the seasons. Earth is just right for life!
Chapter 2 addresses the diversity of life. First come single-celled organisms. Then come all sorts of fungi and plants. Animals include organisms without a backbone, plus fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Chapters 3 through 8 introduce you to different kinds of habitats. Habitats are the environments where living things make their homes. Learn about the natural habitats near your home. Also learn about the habitats in other parts of your country and the world.
The United States, for example, has practically every major habitat. There are warm rain forests in Hawaii and frozen tundra plains in northern Alaska. There are vast areas of other forests, grasslands, and deserts too. Canada also has a great variety of natural habitats.
Both countries also have thousands of miles of coastlines, plus thousands of lakes, rivers, and streams. These provide a variety of marine environments.
Chapter 9 shows you how people affect nature. Our world's valuable resources are limited. Plus, many species are threatened or endangered. Learn how you can help protect the environment.
Chapter 10 encourages you to enjoy the great outdoors. Hiking and camping are great ways to experience nature. Also enjoy art, writing, gardening, and other activities outdoors. As you enjoy the natural world, respect the environment and its creatures.
Speaking of creatures, check out the “Featured Creature” boxes throughout this book. They're packed with information about bats, beavers, mudpuppies, rattlesnakes, toucans, pandas, and over a dozen other animals.
Other boxes include “It's a Natural Fact!” and “Nature Stats.” Share this information with family and friends. They'll be astounded by your knowledge.
“Words to Know” are highlighted throughout the book. They're also explained in the glossary near the end.
After you read this book, take your nature adventures further. Try out the activities suggested in each chapter. Also check out the resources and organizations listed at the end of the book. Pursue a love of nature, and you'll constantly discover new realms of wonder.
So, read through and enjoy The Everything Kids' Nature Book. Enjoy discovering everything you can about nature!