OutGrown Blog

Have you read any good books lately? We like to share reviews on books that our members have read that are hiking - or outdoors - related. From infant board books to adult page-turners, we love to hear about what you are reading! I’ll also include a review of my own in each blog post. Share a book review with us on this form and we may feature it in an upcoming blog post! SNUGGLE WITH A BOOK ON A COLD DAY "Over and Under the Snow" by Kate Messner A cold and snowy day calls for snuggling in blankets with a good book. "Over and Under the Snow" is a great book to read with your little ones when the weather is a bit too cold for outside adventures or before bed after a long day of exploring. With beautiful illustrations and well-crafted words that appeal to all the senses, "Over and Under the Snow" is a wonderful book to help children learn about how animals survive during the cold, snowy months of winter. The book follows a boy and his father on a cross-country ski trip, and the father shares his knowledge of the secret kingdom of the animals in the winter. "Tracks always tell a story," the dad tells his boy. The illustrations show what is happening both above and underground, allowing the reader to really take in what happens in the winter. "Over and Under the Snow" is written with language that children of all ages can understand, but the book also contains an author's note with more scientific information on the subnivean zone, which is the network of tunnels between the snowpack and the ground. There is also a page that details what the animals addressed in the story do in the winter, which may satisfy the craving for more information of older readers. Author Kate Messner has also written other nature books for children, including "Over and Under the Pond" and "Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt." HIKE IT BABY COMMUNITY CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEWS                                                   KATE SALAMEH, OF THE MADISON, WI BRANCH, REVIEWED THIS BOOK FOR US! "Wild" by Emily Hughes "Wild" is a short but cute book about a girl who was raised by animals in the wild. Adult humans adopt her but she does not fit in this unfamiliar world so she returns to the wild. My kids and I enjoy the illustrations; there are lots to take in on each page. It can be a very quick read, but it can be embellished to become a bit longer, too. As a lover of the natural world, I appreciate how the book encourages readers to empathize with wild animals and how outdoors and wild nature are presented not as scary places but as happy places. KEIRA WICKLIFFE BERGER, OF THE LEXINGTON BRANCH, REVIEWED THIS BOOK FOR US! "Finding Wild" by Megan Wagner Lloyd This is the perfect book for those that may not live near traditional “wild.” Through well illustrated pictures, it goes through what wild can be and how to find it. Its biggest point is that even in cities where you would never think to look for wild, if you look close enough, wild is still there, creeping in. It’s a great reminder that even when we think nature is nowhere to be found, if we look hard enough, we can still find traces of it. HIKE IT BABY COMMUNITY BOOK REVIEW FOR ADULTS LYNDSEY VAILLANCOURT, OF THE MONADNOCK REGION, NH BRANCH, REVIEWED THIS BOOK FOR US!  "Where You'll Find Me: Risk, Decisions, and the Last Climb of Kate Matrosova" by Ty Gagne This is a sober tale of Kate Mastrosova, a strong-willed and driven woman. She moved to the United States from Russia at a young age to achieve the American dream. Her determination made her a very successful financial analyst in New York City. In her time off, she had become a goal-orientated mountaineer. To celebrate her upcoming U.S. citizenship, she embarked on a solo hike up the Northern Presidential Range in the White Mountain National Forest on Presidents' Day weekend. This hike would be her last. The book questions her decision making, analyzing the risks she faced as a terrible cold front moved in and winds were just over 100 mph. It highlights how treacherous the conditions were for Search and Rescue and the dangers they faced as they headed out in search for her. I'm from New Hampshire and hike in the Whites frequently. I remember the severe cold we had that weekend with hikers in Facebook groups posting that they had cancelled hikes, urging others to do the same. I remember reading the news reports over the next few days as Search and Rescue teams tried to locate Kate. This book is very educational and should be a must-read for anyone who likes to hike, yet has not stopped to evaluate the risks involved. I know after reading this cautionary tale that it has changed how I prepare and what I carry in my pack to help minimize the risks. Hike it Baby now has a Goodreads Group! Join today and add books to our bookshelf! Looking for more member reviews? Search our blog for other Book Review posts! Want to share a book that you love about the outdoors? Submit your review here to be included in an upcoming blog post! 

Recreating memories from the trail Have you ever taken a hike that changed your thinking, your attitude or perhaps even changed your life? Have you wished you could bottle those memories and feelings and relive them day after day? That's what Hike it Baby Madison Branch Ambassador Dineo Dowd did with her new book, Adventure Day. Adventure Day takes the reader on a journey to recreate a hike Dineo and her daughter, Armani, took with Hike it Baby. What starts out as an ordinary hike ends at a beautiful waterfall with new friends. The reader joins Dineo and Armani as they prepare for their hike and travel to meet new friends. Their story is told through bold, colorful illustrations. "She [Armani] also picked colors on the illustrations to be used," Dineo said. Sharing adventures with readers of all ages Adventure Day will have a familiar feel to readers who frequently hike with young children. From the excited child, to getting everyone in carriers and on trail, readers will feel comforted as they imagine taking their own children on trail. And young hikers will connect with Armani and the other kids on the hike as they read. Dineo, who had just moved from Utah, was inspired to write her book based on her experience on this hike. "This trail seriously changed our minds about this new state we just recently moved to from Utah. We fell in love and this trail was a hidden gem, so we wanted to get this in a book and share our adventure day," Dineo explained. "We read a lot of books every day, but we couldn’t find any outdoor children’s books that were related to our lifestyle," Dineo said. "I knew it right there that we should get a picture book done and tell our story from our adventure day in a new city with new friends we met through Hike it Baby." Read More Book Reviews 15 Minutes Outside 10 Children’s Picture Books to Jump-start Themed Hikes with Kids Do you have a hike that left a lasting impression on you? Share your experience with us below.

It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it is definitely the hardest time of the year to get outside for my family. Children eager to hike in other seasons turn into curmudgeons at the very mention of going outside, even if the sun is shining. Whining commences and no one moves no matter how enthusiastic I force myself to sound. I weigh how much energy it will take to rally against resistance and then get three children and myself dressed in cold weather gear and out the door, and I give up more often than I’d like to admit. I know I won’t regret it once we’re out there, but still, it’s just hard to get motivated some seasons. Anyone else in the same boat? This is the time I like to grab Rebecca Cohen’s book "15 Minutes Outside" for inspiration. Sometimes all we need is variety, a mission or something that sounds more fun than “Let’s walk” to rally the troops and get them moving when it’s cold and gray. I appreciate her creative ideas for getting outside in the heart of winter when I’m at a loss, because while 15 minutes doesn’t sound like much, it can still be just enough. Ideas for Getting Outside in the Winter Here are some of Cohen's simple yet fun ideas to get out of the house and connect with your kids. Have a sunrise breakfast Grab a blanket, bundle the family up and head to the yard for an early morning picnic. The fare should be hot and filling, such as warm muffins, oatmeal, hot chocolate or tea. Go on a scavenger hunt Give the kids some magazines and have them cut out five things they think they could find outside this time of year. Glue the pictures into a list, then send them out searching. Check off items as you find them, or take a picture of them, as to leave the nature items in nature. Stargaze Early sunsets make stargazing an option for even the littlest family members. If no stars are visible, saving a family walk for after dark can be exotic enough to entice them out - especially with flashlights or glowsticks! Create with pinecones If your kids love crafts, then give them a mission. The purpose of this walk is to find and collect different kinds of pinecones. Bring your finds inside and use them to decorate with, make pine cone critters, make a mobile, or dip them in paint to make interesting art designs. (Just make sure to follow Leave No Trace guidelines and collect pinecones from your yard, etc.) Related: 4 Easy Winter Crafts for Kids Play tag Here’s a chance to get crazy with your kids and eliminate time for thinking about whether you really want to go outside or not. Shout “Let’s play tag!” and race for the door, seeing how fast everyone can get outdoors and start chasing each other around the yard. Set up an indoor campsite When all else fails, and the day is really just too crummy, bring the outside in. Make a tent out of blankets or set up your own, make a campfire with blocks, and bring in microwave S’mores (put the assembled S’mores in for 10 seconds on high). Talk about places you’d like to camp next summer, or bring out the photos and relive a trip from the previous one. Need more inspiration? Check out all 365 ideas in "15 Minutes Outside." Read more 10 Children's Picture Books to Jump-start Themed Hikes with Kids There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather - Author Interview 10 Reasons to Brave Winter Hiking with Your Family What are your tips for getting outside with your kids in the winter? Leave a comment or question below!

Have you been reading any good books lately? We like to share reviews on books that our members have read that are hiking- or outdoors-related. From infant board books to adult page-turners, we love to hear about what you are reading! I’ll include a review of my own in each blog post, but Hike it Baby would love to hear from you! Share a book review with us on this form and we may feature it in an upcoming blog post! DISCOVER THE LIFE CYCLE OF A FLOWER! The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle Our seed's journey begins in the fall. As the wind blows the flower seeds high and low, some survive and some perish. Those that survive the long winter and cold will sprout to flowers in the spring and summer before the cycle begins again in fall. In The Tiny Seed, readers follow the journey of one seed in particular as it escapes being eaten by a bird and burned by the sun. Illustrated in classic Eric Carle fashion, children will love hearing about the seed's journey and enjoy the colorful illustrations. Besides making a good bedtime story, reading this book before a hike may inspire young readers to look for the stages of a seed's life cycle while on trail! No matter the season, the life of a new flower is taking place. Parents or hike hosts may also wish to plant seeds with young hikers and watch the life cycle take shape at home. There are a few versions of this book. Mine is a board book that can fit in my hand, so it's more suited for a small audience than a classroom full of children. There is also a version available that comes with seeds that your young reader can plant! HIKE IT BABY COMMUNITY BOOK REVIEWS             HEIDI SCHERTZ, OF THE MILWAUKEE BRANCH, REVIEWED THESE BOOKS FOR US!  Pond by Jim LaMarche From the striking illustrations to the lyrical text, this book covers all the bases for me as a reader. The young boy, Matt, and his friends, Pablo and Katie, restore a pond that had a lot of garbage in it. The book speaks to the power of the young to change the world in a positive way. It also shows how the connections we have with nature deepen when we care for it. This book does have a lot of text, so it's great for our preschool-age group. The illustrations are simply breathtaking. The Raft by Jim LaMarche The illustrations alone make this book worth it. It's so gorgeous to look at. The text is a bit long, so it's better for the preschool-age group. A young boy stays with his Grandma for the summer and discovers the wonders of nature along with the help of a raft. This book really shows how much nature we can see when we are patient and allow the animals to become comfortable in our presence. You can see the young boy become more and more excited about his adventures on the river as the summer progresses. It's a special book about relationships, nature and personal growth. Beach Baby by Laurie Elmquist This board book is perfect for the youngest Hike it Baby reader. The illustrations are vivid and realistic. The text is short and sweet. It's a bit magical, especially for those who have experienced the beach at sunset. Hike it Baby now has a Goodreads Group! Join today and add books to our bookshelf! Looking for more member reviews? Search our blog for other Book Review posts! Want to share a book that you love about the outdoors? Submit your review here to be included in an upcoming blog post! 

Hike it Baby Blog Team recently had the opportunity to interview Linda McGurk, author of There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather, which is publishing October 3rd. The book looks at the Scandinavian way of raising nature-loving, eco-conscious children through outdoor play and adventure. It focuses on connecting children to nature, something very dear to Hike it Baby. Giveaway Closed:September 25-27th, 2017 comment below for a chance to win a copy of Linda's new book. What inspires you to get outside? To me, getting outside every day is a primal need that I can feel in every cell of my body. My work requires me to spend a lot of time in front of screens, writing and engaging on social media, which leaves me feeling really drained and stressed. Nature is my antidote to all of that. It’s exercise, recreation and therapy all baked into one. That’s also why I’m so insistent on my kids getting outside every day. As they get older, chances are they’ll be even more consumed by screens and social media than I am, and I hope that they’ll feel that nature is a constant that they can rely on and turn to when they’re under pressure or feeling down. I’ll go as far as saying that being in nature is a spiritual experience to me. What was the inspiration that sparked writing this book? When I moved to the U.S. from Sweden, I didn’t have children and didn’t think much about differences in parenting cultures or attitudes toward the outdoors, but after I became a mom I was struggling to give them the same kind of childhood I had. It struck me that many children in the U.S. seemed to live very sedentary, indoor lives and as I was standing in yet another deserted playground one snowy winter day I decided to find out if the Scandinavian parenting culture could help me and others raise children who are healthy, resilient and connected with nature. What advice do you have for parents who might be apprehensive about taking their kids outside? I always encourage parents to think back to the best memories of their own childhood, because we know that many of those moments happened outside. Unfortunately, there seems to be a lot more fear surrounding outdoor play today than when we were kids, even though it’s statistically just as safe now as it was then. I think the best way to fight that fear is by familiarizing yourself with nature, your neighborhood and the opportunities for outdoor play that exist for your child. Read up on the benefits of outdoor play and know that they far outweigh the risks. Find out what the specific risks are in your area and how to best protect your child while giving her the freedom to play outside. And seek out other parents for support! I’m a big believer in family nature clubs and groups like Hike it Baby, especially here in the US, where there is less access to forest schools and other nature-based preschool programs. This Hike it Baby group isn't letting the clouds dampen their spirits!   Your book talks about how Scandinavian parents encourage their children to love the outdoors, how is that different from other cultures? I think what’s unique about Scandinavia is that parents don’t let the weather become a barrier to outdoor play; instead they insist that kids dress for the weather and go outside every day. They look at it as an opportunity to really experience the elements and the changing of the seasons, and engage differently with nature than you would on a day when it’s 70 degrees and sunny. Which is rarely the case in Scandinavia! And it’s not just the parents who will tell their kids that “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” Educators are on board too, which means kids are expected to be fully equipped to play in rain and snow at preschool and at school as well. Do you think Scandinavian children play differently than American children? Kids are wired to play regardless of where they were born and raised, but one big difference is that young children in Scandinavia seem to have more freedom to decide when, where, what and how to play than their American peers. Scandinavian parents and early childhood educators generally tend to interfere very little when children play, and give them a lot of time to do so. I also see a lot of American children who almost don’t seem to know how to play outside, because they haven’t had much opportunity to do it. Unstructured outdoor play takes a lot more creativity and imaginative thinking than a video game or a toy that does everything for you, so if a child is not used to it, it takes a while for them to catch on. I don’t see this as much in Scandinavia, maybe partially because most children over there play outside every day at preschool as well as at home. How do your children feel about No Such Thing as Bad Weather? There have been times when I’ve worried about their reaction to this book when they get older, because their lives are at the front and center of it. But when I saw their reactions when the first galley copies of the book arrived in the mail, I knew that I had nothing to fear. They’re extremely excited about No Such Thing as Bad Weather and quite proud to see their names in it, and I feel fortunate to have been able to document a chapter of their childhood in such a meaningful way. Do you have a bigger plan for No Such Thing as Bad Weather other than the book? Camps around the book? Products? Honestly, I’ve had all kinds of crazy ideas, ranging from starting my own line of outdoor clothing for children to organizing a forest school retreat or conference. But when it comes down to it, I’m a writer at heart and that’s probably what I’ll stick to. Right now, I’m fully focused on this book and trying to get it into the hands of not only those who are already a part of the movement to get kids back outside, but also those who are new to these ideas. I would love for it to go big, so that I’ll have the opportunity to travel and speak about connecting children with nature and write more books in the future. Photos Courtesy of Kendra Reeder Have you ever let bad weather keep you from playing outside? Or has there been a time that you went outside to play and had a great time, even though the weather wasn't the greatest? Share with us in the comments below and have a chance to win the new book. Giveaway will run September 25th-27th, 2017. Comments will close on the 27th at midnight PST. Giveaway closed! Winners will be notified by email. 

Have you been reading any good books lately? We like to share reviews on books that our members have read that are hiking- or outdoors-related. From infant board books to adult page-turners, we love to hear about what you are reading! I'll include a review of my own in each blog post, but Hike it Baby would love to hear from you! Share a book review with us on this form and we may feature it in an upcoming blog post! Take a Seasonal Journey with Maple Maple by Lori Nichols Meet Maple. She is a spirited girl named after a tree. Maple's parents plant a tree before she is born, and the tree becomes inspiration for her name when she enters the world. Maple shares many adventures with her tree, which vary depending on the season. As Maple grows, so does her tree. Seasons go by. Maple is presented with a surprise. Her life is enriched by its new addition and Maple uses her tree to practice sharing. Maple is a great book that connects childhood to becoming an older sibling. Try reading the book and planting a tree and observing its growth to bring the book to life! Hike it Baby Community Book Reviews                            CHRISTINA MERHAR, OF THE SNOHOMISH (WASHINGTON) BRANCH, REVIEWED THESE BOOKS FOR US!  A Little Bit of Dirt: 55+ Science and Art Activities to Reconnect Children with Nature by Asia Citro Need inspiration to go play outside or to get your little ones excited about a hike? Try an activity from this awesome book! From mud faces to rain drums, this book provides easy, inexpensive and fun activities to do with your kids in nature. One thing I love about this resource is that they offer simple ideas (great for toddler and preschoolers) with ways to add on to the activity for older kids. Additionally, we've used this resource for our Hike it Baby hikes. We have also found fun ways to explore our own backyard. Rain! by Linda Ashman In this charming and colorful book about the rain, we're reminded that our positive attitudes (about the weather - and anything in life) can have a big impact on others. This is a fun book to read before you go out and play in the rain - something we do a lot of in the Pacific Northwest. RACHEL DISNEY, OF THE JUNEAU (ALASKA) BRANCH, REVIEWED THIS BOOK FOR US!  The Table Where Rich People Sit by Byrd Baylor There is a necessary and beautiful conversation that takes place between a girl and her family. She insists that her parents need to make more money. Her parents inform her that they are "paid" in other ways, and they would never dream of giving up their millions of "dollars" in mountains and oceans and freedoms for a few thousand paper notes. The illustrations are unique and blend beautifully not only with the story but with the page as well. Byrd Baylor and Peter Parnall are a classic children's book team. Anyone who loves nature can appreciate this book. Hike it Baby now has a Goodreads Group! Join today and add books to our bookshelf! Looking for more member reviews? Search our blog for other Book Review posts! Want to share a book that you love about the outdoors? Submit your review here to be included in an upcoming blog post! 

Have you read any good books lately? We like to share reviews on books that our members have read that are hiking - or outdoors- related. From infant board books to adult page-turners, we love to hear about what you are reading! I'll include a review of my own in each blog post, but Hike it Baby would love to hear from you! Share a book review with us on this form and we may feature it in an upcoming blog post! Looking for a new Bedtime book? Little Owl's Night by Divya Srinivasan Has your child ever asked what animals do at night? Little Owl's Night helps answer this question as readers follow Little Owl through his evening of visiting friends before the morning sun shines and he heads back home to go to sleep. Different from your typical bedtime story, Little Owl's Night does not feature rhyming or any human characters. Instead, the story takes the reader through a journey in the night forest as Little Owl observes plants and animals in the night. The story winds down as Little Owl returns to his mother and he falls asleep as she tells him a story as the sun is coming up for the day. Children will love the cute illustrations on each page, and older children can have conversations with you about how the night forest is different from the day forest they are accustomed to hiking. Readers can also compare their bedtime routine to how Little Owl prepares for bed. Little Owl's Night is available as a board book, e-book, or hardcover book. Author Divya Srinivasan also has a companion book, Little Owl's Day, if your reader wants to travel through the forest with Little Owl again!   Hike it Baby Community Book Reviews [gallery columns="2" ids="698240,698247"] KATHERYN SHECHET, OF THE COLORADO SPRINGS BRANCH, REVIEWED THIS BOOK FOR US!  Up: A Mother and Daughter's Peakbagging Adventure by Patricia Ellis Herr Inspiring read for mothers and good read aloud for little girls. Shows that being little doesn't mean you can't accomplish great things in the face of those who doubt you. HEIDI SCHERTZ, OF THE MILWAUKEE BRANCH, REVIEWED THIS BOOK FOR US! Night Animals by Gianna Marino This book is a humorous look at things that go bump in the night. While not a realistic portrayal of nocturnal animals, the antics are quite humorous. Plus, it helped start a discussion about what we hear when we are out camping. We talked about how animals are usually just as scared of us as we are of them. My three year old was laughing non-stop and immediately asked to read it again. Hike it Baby now has a Goodreads Group! Join today and add books to our bookshelf! Looking for more member reviews? Search our blog for other Book Review posts! Want to share a book that you love about the outdoors? Submit your review here to be included in an upcoming blog post!

Have you read any good books lately? We like to share reviews on books that our members have read that are hiking- or outdoors-related. From infants board books to adult page-turners, we love to hear about what you are reading! Share a book review with us on this form and we may feature it in an upcoming blog post! Reviews: [gallery link="file" ids="650976,650974,650973"] Shannon McDonald, from the Baltimore branch, reviewed these three books for us! Miss Maple's Seeds by Eliza Wheeler Miss Maple nurtures seeds that haven't been planted in spring and cares and prepares them for the following spring. Will You Carry Me? by Helene Van Rossum This is the perfect book for kids age 2+. When it's time to leave the playground, this mom creatively motivates her child to get home without being carried. Dirty Gert by Tedd Arnold Making mud pies and dirt french fries! Gert makes herself at home in mud as an infant. As she grows, she remains fascinated. One fateful rain shower turns Gert into a plant ... her family still loves their Gert! [gallery link="file" columns="2" ids="650972,650971"] Kristi Field, from the Salt Lake City branch, reviewed this book for us! A Camping Spree With Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen This book is a favorite in our house. It's witty, hilarious and will get the kiddos laughing. It's not just for the young ones either. Our 9-year-old LOVES this book! There are two others by this author that are just as good as well! Moriah Butler, from the Milwaukee branch, reviewed this book for us! Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis A stick is a stick ... until you use your imagination. Anything can happen when a stick is discovered, from fishing poles to battle swords. This book is short and to the point. An easy read for preschoolers. After reading, head to the trails to find out what else a stick can be. Hike it Baby now has a Goodreads Group! Join today and add books to our bookshelf! Looking for more member reviews? Search our blog for other Book Review posts! Want to share a book that you love about the outdoors? Submit your review here to be included in an upcoming blog post!

Have you read any good books lately? We like to share reviews on books that our members have read that are hiking or outdoors related. From infants board books to adult page-turners, we love to hear about what you are reading! Share a book review with us on this form and we may feature it in an upcoming blog post! Reviews: [gallery link="file" columns="3" ids="602982,589522,589520"] Colette Clarke, from the Harrisburg branch, reviewed this book for us! Thousand Star Hotel by The Okee Dokee Brothers “Thousand Star Hotel” is about a muskrat couple who live near a river. Mr. Muskrat dreams of becoming rich, while Mrs. Muskrat is happy with their simple life together. One day they catch a giant fish, who promises to grant them a wish, if they release him. He grants their wish in a rather unexpected way. I love that this book combines one of my toddler’s favorite book subjects, animals, with the lesson that you can find happiness with fewer material possessions. It shows that the best things in life aren’t things. The text of this book is a little longer than what my two-year-old is used to (it is written for ages 4+), so it will grow with her and be appropriate for years. However, I was surprised that it holds her attention the entire time we spend reading it, despite the length. This is a very rare accomplishment, indeed! The binding of the hard cover edition is lovely, with glossy areas and raised lettering for the title. It makes the book feel very special. Last but certainly not least, this book comes with a CD that includes an audio version of the story, as well as 11 Okee Dokee Brothers songs! Bailey Ludlam, from the Indianapolis branch, reviewed this book for us! My Woodland Wish by Kate Endle & Casper Babypants Nature, colorful images, and sing-song text. The story takes you through a walk in the woods where the main character comes across her favorite animals. This is a book that your child can grow into from just pointing out the different animals on each page to singing the text (you can go online to get the actual song). It's a fun read before bedtime, or even better, before a hike. Maybe even ask your little one to keep an eye out during the hike for the animals from the book! Mandy Kazura, from the Nashville branch, reviewed this book for us! Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots? by Carmela Lavigna Coyle They say don't buy a book by its cover, but when we read the title of this book, we were sold. We love that this book acknowledges that our little girl can be rough and tough, and also still has to do all the normal every day things, like cleaning their room and eating their vegetables. Adorable illustrations and rhyming for young ones. [gallery link="file" columns="2" ids="589521,589519"] Shannon McDonald, from the Baltimore branch, reviewed these two books for us! The Branch by Mirelle Messier Young child attaches herself to a branch of a tree–it's her castle, her pirate ship–but after an ice storm her branch is broken. A friendly neighbor offers condolences by illustrating how we can re-purpose and reuse! All is not lost! Outside by Deirdre Gill The snow beckons the boy. He tries in vain to have his brother (playing video games) to join. The boy gains fantasy snow friends...eventually the brother joins outside. Hike it Baby now has a Goodreads Group! Join today and add books to our bookshelf! Looking for more member reviews? Search our blog for other Book Review posts! Want to share a book that you love about the outdoors? Submit your review here to be included in an upcoming blog post!

Have you read any good books lately? We like to share reviews on books that our members have read that are hiking or outdoors related. From infants board books to adult page-turners, we love to hear about what you are reading! Share a book review with us on this form and we may feature it in an upcoming blog post! Reviews: [gallery link="file" columns="3" size="medium" ids="550656,550655,550654&"] Michael D. Barton, from the Portland, OR branch, reviewed the following three books for us! Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Disappearing Caterpillar by Rick DeDonato A big fan of nature. A good friend. And a mystery. Sounds like the recipe for a fun story! And it is. Pipsie is a young naturalist who, with her little friend Alfred the turtle, finds herself in the role of a nature detective. Soon after meeting a young caterpillar, Frannie goes missing. Decked out in her outdoor boots and backpack, with a magnifying glass in hand, Pipsie searches for clues around her home and backyard to Frannie’s whereabouts. Her and Alfred even seek out information about one clue at their local zoo’s insect garden, and gain another piece of advice from an educator there. Will Pipsie and Alfred solve the mystery of the disappearing caterpillar? Worm Weather by Jean Taft This book, from first-time children’s author Jean Taft, for ages 3-5, is a delight. Its premise is simple: kids and earthworms love the rain. A brother and sister gear up for play time during a rain shower (“Coat. Hat. Rain goes splat!”), only to head inside when the weather gets a bit too ominous (“Bright flash. THUNDER, CRASH!”). When the thunderstorm moves on and the sun appears, they head back outside (“Birds fly, rainbow sky!”). Worm Weather, with minimal rhyming text and fantastic illustrations by Matt Hunt, treats young readers to the wonderful world of weather by encouraging them to experience it. The Specific Ocean by Kyo Maclear The Specific Ocean is a favorite in recent books that show how fun spending time outside really can be for kids. For some, the idea of going on a family vacation that does not include a theme park or some kind of flashy screens is scary. The young girl here has created for herself a daily moping schedule (while her older brother happily heads to the beach), which includes time allotted for watching dust, playing chess alone, pulling loose thread, and staring at the wall. Horrible vacation, indeed! But she soon has a revelation, and her brother has to catch up with her on the way to the ocean. This “specific ocean” becomes a magical place for her, and she becomes reluctant to head home. While the author titles her book The Specific Ocean because of how some kids might say “Pacific,” the word “specific” for me gives the sense that there is no single experience of a place in nature. Everyone will experience a beach or forest differently from others, and that experience is specific to them on an individual level. [gallery link="file" columns="2" size="medium" ids="550657,550658"] Kristen Griggs, from the Austin, TX branch, reviewed this book for us! Into the Outdoors by Susan Gall This is a fun picture book about a family going camping and hiking. It's great for practicing nature words and preposition. The artwork is cool and engaging and there are lots of cute critters to spot on every page. My toddler loves this book. Erin Pennings, from the Anchorage, AK branch, reviewed this book for us! Beauty and the Bees by Aaron Burakoff First and foremost, I can see why "Beauty and the Bees" has been called a "buzz-worthy" fairy tale! It's so incredibly timely with the issues our world seems to be facing with bees. And, in our home, even though some of us *ahem* (me) *ahem* have an unnatural bee phobia, we are big into gardening, so we ultimately love bees and want their populations to remain healthy. As a HiB Branch Ambassador, I appreciate the bee lessons, and I can see building some incredibly fun hikes around the book - do story time, and then explore a field of flowers, a honey "farm," or even botanical gardens. I'd love to get one on the calendar in celebration of National Honey Bee Day and perhaps other areas will want to as well. I have never been so excited to receive a children's book in the mail. It came while my almost 3-year old came was napping, so I started to read on my own. He must have heard the box open, because he shot out of his room, and saw the beautifully illustrated book. "New book!" he shouted! We have read "bee book" 3 times now in the space of 90 minutes. Which is really telling, I think. We count the bees on every page as we read. And, I think it will be good for kids quite a bit older than mine as well. The illustrations do a wonderful job of balancing the message of the story with something engaging for younger kids. All in all, I really love this book and its message. And since so many HiB families are like-minded in terms of nature, bee status, and conservation, I think that many will enjoy it as well. But the fun is not just limited to our own budding naturalists... it provides a strong lesson for kids of all ages. Hike it Baby now has a Goodreads Group! Join today and add books to our bookshelf! Looking for more member reviews? Search our blog for other Book Review posts! Want to share a book that you love about the outdoors? Submit your review here to be included in an upcoming blog post!

Have you read a good book lately? We like to share reviews on books that our members have read that are hiking or outdoors related. From infants board books to adult page-turners, we love to hear about what you are reading! Share a review with us on this form and we may feature it in an upcoming blog post! Reviews: [gallery link="file" columns="3" size="medium" ids="505612,505613,505614"] Kendra Reeder, from the Harrisburg, PA branch: UP - A Mother and Daughter's Peakbagging Adventure by Patricia Ellis Herr "Up" was a great read about a mother and her 5 year old daughter climbing all 48 of New Hampshire's 4,000+ foot mountains. I really enjoyed this book, because of how much I could identify with it. Her journey started out with her instilling a love of nature in her children and by doing so, her daughter was able to accomplish something extraordinary! Reading about their different experiences and the people they met along the way was interesting and delightful. I loved how she handled different scenarios and was ready to support her daughter if she ever wanted to stop. Her daughter continuing to have an appreciation for nature was more important than making sure she completed this quest in a certain time frame. "Up" is an easy and quick read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who also enjoys the outdoors and spending time with their children outside. Kaitlyn, from the Antelope Valley branch: Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson This book came out in the 90s, but I read it every year. They just recently made a movie out of it with Robert Redford. The story is about an American expat that returns to the States to live, only to realize a section of the Appalachian trail is in his backyard. With no previous hiking or camping experience he decides he's going to conquer the trail. He finds a companion to accompany the journey. Someone he hasn't spoken with in years. His odd partner, a novice hiker, and all the challenges the AT has to offer written with wit, makes this a great read! Michael Barton, from the Portland, OR branch: Whatever the Weather: Science Experiments and Art Activities that Explore the Wonders of Weather by Annie Riechmann and Dawn Suzette Smith I am delighted to see this book come to fruition. For perhaps a year now, I have been following the authors’ blog, Twitter, and Facebook page/group "Mud Puddles to Meteors." They sure do inspire everyday nature connection with their photographs and suggestions for things to do outside with kids. It only seemed natural that they’d publish a book such as "Whatever the Weather". Most nature activity books are organized by season, their authors suggesting particular activities for spring, summer, fall, and winter. And while "Whatever the Weather" is set up this way too, the emphasis is on the type of weather one is experiencing and how that can guide the choice of outdoor activity. So, chapters are defined by the type of weather: “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” (ice and snow); “Saving for a Rainy day;” “Let the Sun Shine In;” and “Where the Wind Blows.” But, while these follow a seasonal chronology, if one is experiencing a very windy and dry day in the spring, they can take a look at the fourth chapter, or find an activity in the second chapter on a particular rainy fall day. Each chapter contains between 6 and 8 activities, and for each activity the authors provide a list of needed materials, the steps for the activity, and suggestions for more things to do to explore the topic. But the best part of each activity, for me at least, is “The Science Behind the Scenes.” The authors give detailed information about the scientific processes at work – and the text in these bits show that they really know their stuff! The photography throughout the book is a delight, too. The book also includes over a dozen “Wondering About Our World,” where the authors delve a little deeper into topics related to the activities. And each chapter includes a suggestion for a discovery walk. Overall, "Whatever the Weather" is a beautifully produced activity book that is a pleasure to simply flip through. Hike it Baby now has a Goodreads Group! Join today and add books to our bookshelf! Looking for more member reviews? Search our blog for other Book Review posts! Want to share a book that you love about the outdoors? Submit your review here to be included in an upcoming blog post!

Have you read any good books lately? We like to share reviews on books that our members have read that are hiking or outdoors related. From infants board books to adult page-turners, we love to hear about what you are reading! Share a review with us on this form and we may feature it in an upcoming blog post! Reviews: Brandi Akerberg, from the Fredericksburg, VA branch, has reviewed these six children's books for us! [gallery link="file" columns="3" size="medium" ids="482821,482826,482825"] Finding Wild by Megan Wagner Lloyd This enchanting picture book explores the question, "What is wild"? With bright and lively illustrations, the author takes us on a journey of all things wild and entices us to find it for ourselves. This book is perfect to bring on any outdoor exploration of your own with your little wild-lings. A Tale of Two Beasts by Fiona Roberton This delightful picture book takes us on two tales from slightly different points of view. A little girl takes a walk in the woods to discover a small beast who she rescues and takes home. The beast is not happy and escapes back to the deep dark woods. Vibrant illustrations make this a great read aloud for any storytime hike and teaches a little lesson about seeing something from BOTH sides. The River: An Epic Journey to the Sea by Hanako Clulow Stunning artwork in this picture book allows children to follow a little fish's journey down river. This book features a migration story through snow-capped mountains, frozen rivers, woodland forests to reach the sea. Follow the magical holographic fish on every page until he reaches his destination. Allows children to explore how migration works and what other animals migrate. Perfect for a hike along a river! [gallery link="file" columns="3" size="medium" ids="482823,482824,482820"] Do Princesses Make Happy Campers? by Carmela LaVigna Coyle This adorable question and answer themed book shows us all the things even a Princess can do! Join the little Princess and her family on a camping adventure. Fun, whimsical illustrations with easy to read aloud text. Great for a quick pre-hike story or picnic at the park. Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots? by Carmela LaVigna Coyle A high-spirited little girl asks her mother about what it means to be a Princess. A question and answer themed picture book with vivid and fun illustrations leads us to beg the question, "Do Princesses seem at all like me?"...."Look inside yourself and see..." The last page of the book encourages your little reader to look into the mirror to find their inner Princess. Fancy Nancy Explorer Extraordinaire! by Jane O'Connor Join the fanciest girl around Fancy Nancy and her friend in this explorers guide to all things nature. Written more like a child's nature scrapbook intertwined with the story of how or IF they are going to allow new members join their explorers club. Fun bite-sized facts and projects are inserted within the story. Makes for a fun book to read together on a rainy day! Hike it Baby now has a Goodreads Group! Join today and add books to our bookshelf! Looking for more member reviews? Search our blog for other Book Review posts! Want to share a book that you love about the outdoors? Submit your review here to be included in an upcoming blog post!