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 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="5" size="medium" ids="452115,452119,452116,452118,452114"]   Shaunna Fretwell, from the North Fulton branch Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children by Angela J. Hanscom This book is a fantastic read for parents and teachers alike on the importance of unrestricted play and how it makes for strong, confident and capable children. This author very effectively explains the benefits of unrestrained movement and outdoor play, and how we as parents can make this happen for our kids. Angela Hanscom is a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of TimberNook. She brings her medical and personal experience to the table, providing thought provoking and sound advice. Definitely worth checking out! Amanda Wedvik Curb, from the Tacoma branch Slugs in Love by Susan Pearson "Slugs in Love" is a very cute picture book about two slugs. Marylou writes love poems to Herbie, but he can't figure out which slug she is. His reply poems keep missing Marylou. Will they keep having missed connections? This is a great book that portrays slugs as cute and not gross, with the added bonuses of a garden setting and poetry. Jennifer Camhi, from the Long Island branch 3D Explorer: BUGS by Laszlo Veres (illustrator) This is a gorgeous book truly suitable for all bug lovers! The basic layout details general information on bugs and insects, and then provides multiple sections divided up by the different habitats and environments that bugs and insects are found in. Each habitat section has a gorgeous two-page intricate 3D pop-up that shows all the bugs, and then more information on the different types of bugs. The language is definitely for older readers (it says 1st grade and up). But my toddler loves to look at the pictures and find the bugs in the pop-up scene. There is a lot to look at and talk about, which we love. The illustrations are beautiful and very life-like, but maintain an element of softness to them that makes even the more intimidating bugs enjoyable to look at. Heather Olins, from the South Shore branch Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv This is a hugely important book for any parent or educator. It details the growing disconnect between children and nature, as well as how that disconnect is bad for children and our world. It definitely inspired me to make connecting kids with nature a priority in my life. Kimberly Giffen, from the Tacoma branch Babes in the Woods by Jennifer Aist "Babes in the Woods" was my latest find on my last library trip. It is pretty recent (2010) and addresses all the things you should think about to be prepared for when hiking/camping/boating with children 5 and under. In general it's a good reference. It also covers issues that may not pertain to my local wilderness adventures. We don't have huge issues with bugs, but that doesn't mean that will be the case on every hike. 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: Gretchen Brown, from the Kingston, Ontario branch, has reviewed these four children's books for us! [gallery link="file" columns="4" size="medium" ids="446681,446686,446697,446704"] The Beeman by Laurie Krebs and Valerie Cis A young boy shares his grandpa's story of being a bee keeper and watches as his grandfather prepares honey. It also provides details about the different kinds of bees in a hive as well as the process for making honey. A recipe is included too, for the child who likes getting into the kitchen! I Took the Moon for a Walk by Carolyn Curtis Join a young boy as he takes an adventure in the evening and brings along the moon. Simple things of the evening are celebrated, such as night animals, changing clouds, and the stars. Elusive Moose by Joan Gannij This book introduces children to all kinds of outdoor wildlife that are often seen while hiking and others who are not easily spotted but can be identified by their footprints. But where does the moose hide, I wonder? The Barefoot Book of Earth Poems by Judith Nicholls This is a beautifully illustrated collection of poems that celebrates our wonderful planet. Some poem themes include respecting nature, conservation, and how to celebrate its beauty. 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 members love to spend time outdoors but also love to read about nature! These book reviews are some of our members' favorite books that are hiking or outdoors related. From infant board books to adult page turners, these books can help inspire the family to love being outside. Jenn Haunold, Corvallis Bringing the Outside In by Mary McKenna Siddals This rhyming book takes the reader through each season, describing the things you see, feel, touch, taste, smell, take back inside with you, and last but not least- cleaning up after coming back inside.  My 3 year old loves how we sing instead of speak it to him, as the rhymes are just begging to be sung.  The pictures and words spark memories for him from our own adventures outside, for example talking about the time we ate the icicles that had formed on our rhododendron bush.  As a bonus, the book includes children from different racial backgrounds and both genders. Carmyn Juntunen, Casper Mama Built a Little Nest by Jennifer Ward Illustrated by Steve Jenkins As spring blows in to Casper, WY I am seeing birds' nests popping up all over town. We have three in our backyard alone and if the crows come back this year we'll have a nice stinky one high up in the tree in our yard. My one and a half year old son is just starting to discover that more animals exist beyond kitty and puppy who live at our house. We marvel at the squirrels jumping from tree to tree and the ducks down by the river and now he's discovered birds! This charming book teaches us in rhyming verse about 14 different kinds of nests and the birds that build them. Each of the author's choices are unique and interesting even for adults--some nests are made from bird spit. Did you know that? We learn about the nests of tiny birds like the hummingbird and giant nests built by eagles.  Spoiler alert--the emperor penguin build's a living nest! Each page has the main text and then in more detailed smaller print there's a explanation of the nesting habits of that particular bird. We found this book at our local library, but I think it's one we need as part of our permanent collection. It's charming, informative, and perfect for helping my wild child understand our wonderful, wild world. Kate Humphrys, Kingston, ON That Chickadee Feeling by Frank Glew Feeding chickadees is a magical experience for all ages. This book is the perfect companion to capture the feeling and adds a bit of context for those interested in learning more about these cute & curious  little birds! Best enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate! Monica Amman, Des Moines Up: A Mother and Daughter's Peakbagging Adventure by Patricia Ellis Herr What a refreshing read! This book is a fairly quick read, mainly because it's so good you don't want to put it down for even a second. The story of Patricia and her young daughter hiking the highest mountains in New Hampshire is inspiring. As I read through I found myself happy that I've already been hiking with my son which has contributed to his love of the outdoors, excited to set goals and hike some more, and daydreaming of going on even more, bigger adventures. A point made throughout the book is that yes, children can do more than we sometimes give them credit for. Patricia and her daughter are great examples of this. Their relationship with each other and the outdoors is amazing. Reading about their journey was a lot of fun. When reading you find yourself in the moment, right alongside them, hiking your way up a mountain. You feel the enthusiasm to take on the next challenge just as her daughter does as she's ready to climb the next mountain. I found myself setting more goals, excited and ready to get outdoors and on the trail more regularly. If you get the chance to read this book, do it! You won't regret it for a second. Tara Rittenhouse, Snohomish The Berenstain Bears: Blaze a Trail by Stan Berenstain This is a very cute and fun picture book to read with your kids! Brother Bear, Sister Bear, and Cousin Fred go out on a Bear Scouts hike to earn their trail blazing merit badge, but Papa Bear wants to help and show them how.  Papa Bear gets himself in trouble, while the cubs follow behind. The story is written in a fun, rhyming style that keeps kids attention and lets them feel the ups and downs of the bears' Trail Blazing adventure! Very silly and cute!  A perfect story for your outdoorsy little one! 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!