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Outdoor Exploration Books – Book Review

June 6, 2011 by Dawn

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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The sun is shining, the air is warm, and your kids are spending more and more time in the great outdoors, whether it’s in your backyard or at a local playground. Curiosity comes naturally to children, and a perfect way to capitalize on this desire to explore and discover is to provide resources and experiences to support their interests. If your children are like mine, all this outdoor play has them wondering about the many types of bugs and other aspects of nature all around them.

Blue Apple Books has two new books for preschoolers and elementary school aged children that are perfect companions for outdoor exploration. Lisa Campbell Ernst’s How Things Work in the Yard provides information about both the natural world in a child’s backyard, such as birds, dandelions and fireflies, as well as familiar toys and items like balls, wheels and bubbles. The presentation includes colorful illustrations with labels and tidbits of information on each 2-page spread. Ernst has done an impressive job predicting the typical questions young children ask about this environment, resulting in a resource book to keep handy while playing outside.

Sometimes I wonder if I’m raising one or two future entomologists, but I don’t mind because I’m just as interested in buggy creatures as my kids! I’ve read a lot of nonfiction picture books about insects and bugs in my days as a mom and a preschool teacher, and I’m thrilled to share with you what has risen to the top of the stack for me. Bugs by the Numbers by Sharon Werner and illustrated by Sarah Forss is truly an incredible book- imaginative and informative with huge kid appeal. I could go on and on about the creative approach this book takes to teaching children about bugs, incorporating numbers that relate to information about the bugs right into the illustrative figures, and I could gush about the cool facts that even I learned from my new favorite book. Or, I could just ask you to take a look yourself:

If you’d love to share How Things Work in the Yard and Bugs by the Numbers with your own curious kids, you may be in luck. We have two copies of each book to give away! Leave a comment here to be entered. For one additional entry, you can like Blue Apple Books on Facebook– just post on their wall that 5 Minutes for Mom sent you and leave a second comment here indicating that you’ve “liked” them. We’ll announce our winners on 6/20.

Nonfiction books may not be some parents’ first choice for story time, but I can attest to the joy my own kids express every time we’ve read each of these two wonderful books! If you’re interested in yet another nonfiction picture book, be sure to read my review of A Butterfly is Patient on 5 Minutes for Books today.

The winners of the Love Your Veggies books and garden supplies are:

  • #18 Deb
  • #27 Heather Belden
  • #89 Janelle
  • #64 Beth T.
  • #49 Al

Written by 5 Minutes for Books contributor Dawn, whose love for bugs often shows up on her blog, my thoughts exactly.

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About Dawn

When she's not reviewing books, 5 Minutes for Books contributor Dawn (and her online alter ego, morninglight mama) can be found blogging at my thoughts exactly and contributing to The DC Moms.

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96 Comments

  1. Staci A says

    June 18, 2011 at 5:17 pm

    These look like such fun books!

    Reply
  2. Ruth Hill says

    June 18, 2011 at 2:58 pm

    like blue apple books and left comment
    ruthhill74

    Reply
  3. Ruth Hill says

    June 18, 2011 at 2:55 pm

    Please enter me!

    Reply
  4. Sheila K. says

    June 18, 2011 at 11:55 am

    I liked Blue Apple Books on FB and left a post saying you sent me to the site!

    skkorman AT vbellsouth DOT net

    Reply
  5. Sheila K. says

    June 18, 2011 at 11:52 am

    This would be great for my boy Joey!

    skkorman AT bellsouth DOT net

    Reply
  6. Stefanie says

    June 17, 2011 at 11:27 am

    Looks like they’re great books!!!

    Reply
  7. welcome to our wonderland says

    June 15, 2011 at 11:06 am

    we would love a chance to win these great looking books we love alphabeasties

    Reply
  8. Sugarbear 1 says

    June 15, 2011 at 10:38 am

    I stay outdoors all the time and my son would love this book.

    Reply
  9. Bean says

    June 15, 2011 at 10:37 am

    This is great, thanks for the chance to win. You ladies are great!!

    Reply
  10. Granma Deb says

    June 15, 2011 at 10:08 am

    My grandchildren would love this and so would I!

    Reply
  11. Kristin says

    June 14, 2011 at 6:27 pm

    liked on fb and said from 5 minutes for mom

    Reply
  12. Kristin says

    June 14, 2011 at 6:23 pm

    These books look great!

    Reply
  13. Jason says

    June 14, 2011 at 12:23 pm

    Thanks for this gift package, it is great for kids of all ages.

    Reply
  14. Gibby says

    June 14, 2011 at 12:22 pm

    This is a great opportunity for families to spend time outside together

    Reply
  15. Bella says

    June 14, 2011 at 12:22 pm

    Love these books!!

    Reply
  16. Debbylou says

    June 14, 2011 at 12:21 pm

    This is wonderful, thanks!!

    Reply
  17. Z-Dad says

    June 14, 2011 at 12:27 am

    We’d love to win these books – thanks for the chance!

    zenzart at hotmail dot com

    Reply
  18. Hailey says

    June 13, 2011 at 7:56 pm

    My girls would love these books! I hope we win!

    Reply
  19. Grandma D says

    June 13, 2011 at 10:47 am

    I would love to take all my grandkids outside and learn a lot about bugs!

    Reply
  20. Alison says

    June 13, 2011 at 10:46 am

    Every kid could use these! Thanks for having this as a prize.

    Reply
  21. Gilbert says

    June 13, 2011 at 10:45 am

    My kids would keep me outside all day with this, and that would be great with me!

    Reply
  22. Christopher says

    June 13, 2011 at 10:44 am

    I love this! This is a great offer. Thanks for the chance.

    Reply
    • Dawn says

      June 19, 2011 at 9:13 pm

      Hey Christopher, congratulations, you’re one of our winners! Please email me your mailing information at morninglightmama (at) gmail (dot) com.

      Reply
  23. Leigh says

    June 12, 2011 at 2:02 pm

    I think my children would stay outside with this book.

    Reply
  24. ann says

    June 12, 2011 at 2:01 pm

    THis would be a really fun thing to do with my grankids. Thanks for the chance!

    Reply
  25. B. Long says

    June 12, 2011 at 2:00 pm

    This would be right up my son’s alley!

    Reply
  26. katklaw777 says

    June 12, 2011 at 9:51 am

    Great for summer fun…thanks!

    Reply
  27. Gilbert says

    June 11, 2011 at 5:30 pm

    I have tomboys and they love bugs and outdoors!

    Reply
  28. Brett says

    June 11, 2011 at 5:30 pm

    This would be a fun family outdoor activity.

    Reply
  29. Deb says

    June 11, 2011 at 5:29 pm

    Great books for the outdors.

    Reply
  30. Samantha R says

    June 10, 2011 at 10:15 pm

    My son would love these!

    Reply
  31. angie says

    June 10, 2011 at 9:35 pm

    like sponsor on facebook ID angie stewart church
    [email protected]

    Reply
  32. angie says

    June 10, 2011 at 9:34 pm

    what a fun book to read when all the bugs are here in the summer would love to win and share with my grands.
    [email protected]

    Reply
  33. Katherine A says

    June 10, 2011 at 3:26 pm

    My 5 kids would love this giveaway. They love all things outdoors, especially the 3 year old.

    Reply
  34. Megan says

    June 10, 2011 at 2:09 pm

    I like blue apple books on fb and commented

    Reply
  35. Megan says

    June 10, 2011 at 2:08 pm

    These look like wonderful books for kids!

    mearley1979 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  36. Athena says

    June 9, 2011 at 11:52 pm

    These sound great to share with the kids!

    Reply
  37. nan says

    June 9, 2011 at 9:51 pm

    would love it
    nannypanpan at gmail.com

    Reply
  38. Jennifer says

    June 9, 2011 at 5:02 pm

    Thanks for the chance!

    Reply
  39. Stacey says

    June 9, 2011 at 1:39 pm

    My son would probaby be outside a lot more if he had these books. He loves to read!!

    Reply
  40. Alison says

    June 9, 2011 at 1:38 pm

    My kids would love this book and would spend hours listening to me read to them.

    Reply
  41. Deb says

    June 9, 2011 at 1:38 pm

    This would be a great outdoor activity and so much fun for kids of all ages!

    Reply
  42. Joanna says

    June 8, 2011 at 10:41 pm

    As a mother with kids that LOVE being outdoors, this would be a great treat for them. Also, a nice addition to my classroom during the school year. 🙂

    Reply
  43. Ellen C. says

    June 8, 2011 at 10:37 pm

    I’d love to win. Thanks!

    Reply
  44. Jannine says

    June 8, 2011 at 7:59 pm

    What a wonderful giveaway, I know a few children that would love these books

    Reply
  45. Mona Garg says

    June 8, 2011 at 3:24 pm

    Thanks for the giveaway. I would love to get these for my 6 yr-old. She loves butterflies and is always full of questions.

    Reply
  46. Ali says

    June 8, 2011 at 10:07 am

    Gosh, my girls are always digging up worms and they would certainly love this book!

    Reply
  47. Brett says

    June 8, 2011 at 10:06 am

    My son loves to read and he would love this book!

    Reply
  48. Deb says

    June 8, 2011 at 10:06 am

    Bugs are a hit at my house! Outside of course!!!!!

    Reply
  49. hippie4ever says

    June 7, 2011 at 11:46 pm

    Yay We love bugs here!

    Reply
  50. Linda Kish says

    June 7, 2011 at 11:44 pm

    What great books. Thanks for the chance to win.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  51. John D. says

    June 7, 2011 at 10:30 pm

    Two great books for my son

    Reply
  52. Natalia says

    June 7, 2011 at 10:29 pm

    Would like to win

    Reply
  53. Becky M says

    June 7, 2011 at 10:21 pm

    My son would love these books… thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  54. Idaho Jill says

    June 7, 2011 at 7:44 pm

    My daughter would love these, thanks!

    Reply
  55. vickie couturier says

    June 7, 2011 at 5:01 pm

    like Blue Apple Books on Facebook
    vickiecouturier
    vlbelk(at)hotmail.com

    Reply
  56. vickie couturier says

    June 7, 2011 at 5:00 pm

    My grandchildren would love these books
    vlbelk(at)hotmail.com

    Reply
  57. Alison says

    June 7, 2011 at 2:04 pm

    I have two girls that love worms, bugs, and any insects. This is the book for them!

    Reply
  58. Brett says

    June 7, 2011 at 2:03 pm

    My son would love this book.

    Reply
  59. Debby says

    June 7, 2011 at 2:03 pm

    What a great gift. My girls love bugs and critters so they would love this book.

    Reply
  60. Thien-Kim says

    June 7, 2011 at 12:41 pm

    What fun books! My little scientist will love these.

    Reply
  61. LaVonne says

    June 7, 2011 at 12:25 pm

    We love new books here! 🙂 Thanks for the chance.

    Reply
  62. Christina says

    June 7, 2011 at 11:43 am

    liked on FB and told them you sent me!

    Reply
  63. Christina says

    June 7, 2011 at 11:40 am

    Anything with the words “how things work…” is always a hit around here!

    Reply
  64. Kathy Stevenson says

    June 7, 2011 at 9:16 am

    These books look so fun!

    Reply
  65. hollowsins says

    June 7, 2011 at 3:49 am

    I would love to win these for the kids!

    Reply
  66. Kristie says

    June 6, 2011 at 10:41 pm

    What neat books! Thank you for the chance to win! 🙂

    Reply
  67. Paige says

    June 6, 2011 at 8:12 pm

    Oooooh. I have been teaching my friend next door and my son about gardening. This would be sooo cool for our next play date with my neighbors little one.

    Reply
  68. Stephanie says

    June 6, 2011 at 7:47 pm

    Both sound like great books for curious kids! My boys can spend an entire afternoon turning over rocks and looking at bugs…

    Reply
  69. S. Greiner says

    June 6, 2011 at 5:40 pm

    These look awesome….I know my boys would love them!!!

    Reply
  70. tennille says

    June 6, 2011 at 5:34 pm

    good boy books! will have to check them out. thanks to the publisher for openning this contest up to canadians.

    Reply
  71. Cindi says

    June 6, 2011 at 4:23 pm

    I “Like” Blue Apple Books on Facebook…
    Also, I left a comment on their wall that you sent me.
    Again, many thanks for the opportunity to win these two
    books to share with our two sons!
    Cindi

    Reply
  72. Cindi says

    June 6, 2011 at 4:21 pm

    Summer is the perfect time to sit outside and read bug books!
    I love the way both books are written and the graphics are fabulous…
    Many thanks, Cindi

    Reply
  73. Ruthie B says

    June 6, 2011 at 4:04 pm

    Awww….how cute! My 5 year old grandson would love these! Thanks for the chance!

    Reply
  74. riTa says

    June 6, 2011 at 3:29 pm

    How delightful!
    I would love to share these w/ the younger grandboys.

    Reply
  75. Mia Dentice Carey says

    June 6, 2011 at 1:17 pm

    LIKED on Facebook and told them you sent me -Mia Dentice

    Reply
  76. Mia Dentice Carey says

    June 6, 2011 at 1:16 pm

    CUTE BOOKS!!!!!! My son would get a kick out of these! =)

    Reply
  77. Alison S. says

    June 6, 2011 at 1:01 pm

    These books look great. My two year old son has recently fallen in love with bugs. Last night he spent a long time in the driveway with a flashlight watch them. 🙂

    Reply
  78. Amber says

    June 6, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    Both of those look like lots of fun. My little nature lover would totally appreciate them! Thanks for a chance to win!

    Reply
  79. Celeste says

    June 6, 2011 at 12:18 pm

    Perfect for summer!

    Reply
  80. phxbne says

    June 6, 2011 at 11:47 am

    would enjoy these – thanks!

    Reply
  81. Sarah says

    June 6, 2011 at 11:31 am

    My kiddo would love these books–he’s currently enamored with bugs (and encouraged by his nature-loving mama!)

    Reply
  82. Erica Mueller says

    June 6, 2011 at 11:05 am

    Just liked the FB Page

    https://www.facebook.com/ericamueller/posts/10150199810116091

    Reply
  83. Erica Mueller says

    June 6, 2011 at 11:04 am

    I know a certain little boy who would adore these books!!

    Reply
  84. Lynn says

    June 6, 2011 at 11:04 am

    These books look awesome!!! Would love to win them and add them to the summer reading at our house 🙂

    Reply
  85. Carolyn says

    June 6, 2011 at 10:54 am

    Would love to win – my kids love bugs and my students study them!

    Reply
  86. Cindy R. says

    June 6, 2011 at 10:45 am

    My son would love these!!

    Reply
  87. Patty says

    June 6, 2011 at 10:39 am

    Would love to win and read to my nephew (loves bugs!) and my niece (who is terrified of them)! Might help show my niece there is more to bugs than scary hairy legs and wings. =)

    Reply
  88. Marilyn says

    June 6, 2011 at 10:18 am

    These books look super- I would love to win for my daughter!!! Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  89. Jenn says

    June 6, 2011 at 10:04 am

    I love non fiction books for my kids and these are right up their alley!

    Reply
    • Dawn says

      June 19, 2011 at 9:16 pm

      Congrats Jenn, you’re one of our lucky winners! Please email me your mailing info at morninglightmama (at) gmail (dot) com.

      Reply
  90. Michelle T says

    June 6, 2011 at 9:34 am

    Maybe this would help my little girls get over their fear of bugs!!!

    Reply
  91. Vilmarys says

    June 6, 2011 at 8:49 am

    These 2 books would be wonderful for my niece and nephew. Thank you!

    Reply
  92. Serendipity is Sweet says

    June 6, 2011 at 8:30 am

    These look like books my kids would really enjoy. We love exploring outdoors and do so everyday. Thanks for the wonderful review and giveaway 😉

    Reply
  93. Annette W says

    June 6, 2011 at 8:05 am

    Oh, both of these look really good! Thank you for sharing them!

    Reply

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