Although the general public’s commitment to environmentalism and “going green” may be on the rise, the quantity and quality of many of our family’s interactions with the natural world are challenged by hectic schedules, lack of access, and the call of air conditioning on a hot summer’s afternoon, among countless other factors. To all who value the experiences that only the outdoors can provide, rejoicing is in order for Amy Lou Jenkins’ new book, Every Natural Fact: Five Seasons of Open-Air Parenting, a series of essays describing her outdoor adventures with her son in their native state of Wisconsin.
But really, this book is so very much more. At the base, Jenkins has written a book honoring the beauty and wonder of nature, and her writing style conveys a respect and adoration for this world. The graceful movements of a great blue heron hunting for his lunch are described with such beauty that I found myself holding my breath, as if my presence as a reader could have a disruptive effect on the scene laid out on the page.
In addition to the multitudes of wondrous descriptions of the environments she and her son explore, Jenkins also demonstrates a solid knowledge base of both the natural and man-made history of her state. She expertly weaves in information relating to the area and historical events and people who have affected the environment- from efforts to conserve land to literary creations honoring the natural world.
But what I found most compelling was the combination of those two aspects of Jenkins’ narrative with her reflections and insights on the responsibilities of parenting. She shares her personal history and describes her motivation to create these outdoor experiences with her second-born child in an effort to connect with him during the “tween” period of his life– a time that can often be challenging for mothers and sons. (This I can personally relate to. Definitely.) With an authentic voice and a sincerity that leaps off the page, Jenkins’ musings are sure to connect with many a parent, especially because of her honesty and openness.
Ratings that go above and beyond the standard five stars should be made specially available for books like this. Magnificent. Beautiful. Intelligent. Thoughtful. Touching. Exploring the natural environment while simultaneously creating a significant set of experiences with her son makes for an opportunity to contemplate huge issues like religion, spirituality, and personal relationships, and to continue to emphasize what she believes to be important for her son to know in his heart, while giving respect to the small details of the world that can be observed and sensed in the outdoor environment. Every Natural Fact: Five Seasons of Open-Air Parenting has jumped to the top of my list of books to recommend right now.
I’m including this in our 5 Minutes for Books list of the best-of-the-best, 5 Star Reads, so I’m really quite thrilled to be able to offer two copies of Every Natural Fact: Five Seasons of Open-Air Parenting for giveaway. Leave a comment to be entered, U.S. addresses only, please. We’ll announce the winners in the August 2 column right here.
The winner of Kids’ Cakes from the Whimsical Bakehouse is #30 Ashley R.
Book Blogger Dawn may not have the wilds of Wisconsin in her back yard, but she certainly does have a ton of birds and bugs, both of which interest her children, and the stories of all their experiences are fodder for her blog, my thoughts exactly.
Looks like a good book…
janemaritz at yahoo dot com
thanks for the chance to read this book 🙂
My grandfather instilled a love of nature in me at a young age and I would love this book to help me pass it on
This looks like a great book to read. Thank you for the chance to win!
Sounds like a great book to read.
I would love to read this book!
Oh, this would be great! Please count me in!
There is nothing I like better than exploring God’s beautiful creation by walking nature trails or visiting Botanical Gardens…Although, our heat index has reached triple digits this month, Honey Bear and I did walk the Wolf River Trail on my last visit to Memphis…Right now, I’m just viewing the birds on the feeder from my arm chair.
New to your pages but I’d love to enter your give away.
Mama Bear
Isn’t that what a legacy is all about….this is the earth, our land, where we derive our nourishment both physically and spiritually. This is what is important to me. Here are the answers to the difficult questions you may not yet even know how to ask. Now, while you are still young enough to connect in this way, still open to my voice…
This sounds like a marvelous book.
Oooh, yes please! I love reading essays and I love this subject–sounds win-win to me.
This would be a good gift for my granddaughter who has the new little 2 month old darling I just saw yesterday.
The book sounds great. Please count me in.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
Husband, born and raised in Wisconsin, believes it is the most beautiful state. He is also a lover of nature. Son, born there, has three sons. I would love to pass on the wonders of Wisconsin’s natural landscape to my grandsons.
This sounds like a wonderful read. I would love this as the mother of two boys.
wmmahaney(at)att(dot)net
Would love to win the book!
Didn’t see the book on the 5 star read when I clicked on the link.
Thanks for offering this book. it sounds great.
It’s a wonderful premise! Parenting, enjoying our beautiful planet, learning a few things along the way – and dealing with one’s own life experiences. Well done, Amy Lou Jenkins!
Ooh! Sounds like a book I’d love reading. I frequently blog about kids spending time in nature and am also a Founding Mother of the National Wildlife Federation’s Be Out There campaign.
Book sounds so great, I will have to look into that. Always great finding new ways to encourage the “Greening” to busy families.
drclass.com
this is a book I would love to read with my daughter, she loves everything about nature!
Oh man! This sounds like an awesome book! Even if I don’t win, this is going on my to-read list RIGHT NOW! Thanks so much for sharing.
I’d love to win this book. (I live in Wisconsin.)