Talking to Fireflies, Shrinking the Moon: Nature Activities for All Ages

Children's Literature - Mary Freeman

These unique activities bring an entirely new definition to "hands on" projects. Closely examine a frog by hypnotizing it, call woodchucks out of their holes by whistling, bring worms to the surface by gently vibrating the ground with a stick. These are just a few of the activities that bring you as close to living creatures as you can get. Yet each activity is presented with compassion for the natural world and tips on how to make sure that both creatures and children are safe and respected. Most activities require adult interpretation, demonstration or assistance, for example measuring trees with your thumb, or setting up a terrarium for a monarch caterpillar so you can watch it metamorphose into a butterfly. But most activities require no special equipment.

VOYA - Paula Lacey

This fascinating nature book is beautifully written by a naturalist who grew up exploring woodlands and fields. Duensing acts as a marvelously enthusiastic guide to the surprises and magic of nature that we often overlook in this hurried world. Dip into this book and learn to whistle for woodchucks, hypnotize a frog, or demonstrate the acrobatics of the click beetle. Master the technique for weaving a daisy chain, making a grass whistle, or calculating the height of a waterfall. Over forty activities, all safe for children and nature alike, are included. Most of the animals and plants involved are common throughout the country and the instructions are clear, easy to follow, and require no special equipment. Duensing also manages to teach some botany, zoology, and meteorology as he explains why each phenomenon works as it does. Young adults who work as camp counselors or babysitters will be able to use these activities to entertain and educate their younger charges, as well as themselves. Some activities may even inspire future science projects. Certainly everyone with an interest in nature will be attracted by the luminous picture of fireflies in a jar on the front cover. Index. Illus. VOYA Codes: 5Q 3P M J S (Hard to imagine it being any better written, Will appeal with pushing, Middle School-defined as grades 6 to 8, Junior High-defined as grades 7 to 9 and Senior High-defined as grades 10 to 12).