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Read, learn & create. The nature craft book
2019
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Perfect for your young explorers and your elementary artists. Make a craft inspired by nature--and learn something, too!

What can you create with some backyard objects and tissue paper? Your very own flower crown! Use easy-to-follow directions to make fifteen crafts (and two recipes!) with each one focused on nature. Crafts include fun facts and additional resources, giving covert learning opportunities for your little explorer and reducing screentime. - (Random House, Inc.)

Author Biography

Clare Beaton creates illustrations for children's books using felt, buttons, fabrics, and other recycled materials. She has made art for children's puzzles and games, as well as television ads. She studied graphics and illustration and has three grown children. Clare grew up in North London where she still lives and works. - (Random House, Inc.)

First Chapter or Excerpt
Birds in Winter
 
As winter approaches, the weather gets colder and it is harder for birds to find food. The insects, worms, and seeds that birds usually eat start to disappear. Some types of bird migrate to warmer places for the winter. Other birds brave the cold and stay in one place all year round. You can help these birds by putting food out for them.
What You Will Need
Birdseed, raisins, peanuts, grated cheese, peanut butter/shortening, large pinecone or small clean yogurt container, string/yarn, scissors, small plastic water bottle, twigs/wooden skewers at least 12 inches (30 cm) long
 
Water Bottle Feeder
1. Make two holes on one side of a plastic water bottle with scissors, across from two holes you make on the other side.
2. Push twigs or wooden skewers through each hole on one side and across to a hole on the other side. These are for the birds to stand on.
3. Fill the bottle with birdseed.
4. Wrap string or yarn around the neck of the bottle and screw the cap on tight to hold it in place.
5. Hang the bottle outside where you can see it. Wait for the birds!
 
Pinecone or Yogurt Container Feeder
1. Mix 1/2 cup of birdseed, a handful of raisins, some peanuts, 2 tablespoons of grated cheese, and ¼ cup of peanut butter or shortening in a bowl.
2. Tie a length of string or yarn around the top of the pinecone and fill the spaces with the birdseed mixture. Or make a hole in the bottom of the yogurt container with scissors and push a piece of string or yarn through, securing it with a knot or with tape, and then fill with the birdseed mixture.
3. Hang the pinecone or yogurt container outside where you can see it. Wait for the birds!

Large Cover Image
Trade Reviews

School Library Journal Reviews

K-Gr 2—Young readers are encouraged to go outside and observe nature wherever they live, city or country, and then utilize those observations to create various complementary craft projects with everyday materials. Each spread includes short paragraphs about various aspects of nature, e.g., birds, deer, leaves, twigs. The book provides basic instructions and a materials list for creating projects such as a bird mobile, finger puppets, twig snowflakes, etc. The writing is accessible and the facts stick to the basics. The craft projects are simple and encourage the use of recycled materials from home; some will occasionally need adult supervision. The collage artwork is lovely and colorful, and the entire layout is very attractive. VERDICT This is a nice addition to most craft collections for young children and could be used both at home and in a classroom setting.—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal.

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