From experiments and observation to conservation and mindfulness, this appealing, activity-packed book stimulates curious minds and encourages children to relate to the natural world around them. Written by an expert museum educator, its beautifully illustrated pages develop budding research skills, awareness of the environment, and understanding of the natural world.

All sorts of learning styles are recognised here, with each activity being open to children who like to draw and those who like to write. The book’s journal-like format and activities that range across the seasons make it a long-term and much treasured companion.

Mātauranga Māori concepts and the themes present in Te Papa’s award-winning Te Taiao | Nature natural history galleries are an integral part of the content.

About the author

Rachel Haydon is a qualified primary school teacher and scientist with a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology and a Master’s in Marine Science. She has more than 15 years’ experience of teaching science to children of all ages in schools, museums, zoos and aquariums in Australia, South Korea, the United Kingdom and Aotearoa New Zealand. She has been lucky enough to work at the Natural History Museum (London), the Zoological Society of London, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and the National Aquarium of New Zealand.

Rachel is committed to motivating children of all ages to get outside and explore, and to enjoy and protect the natural world and all that lives within it.

About the illustrator

Pippa Keel is an award-winning illustration designer, who has an Honours degree in illustration and a huge love of the outdoors. From her small studio in Wellington, Pippa has worked with a variety of New Zealand-based companies and publishers, including Zealandia Ecosanctuary and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Getting outside into nature to camp, tramp and explore has been a part of Pippa’s life since before she could walk, so she was stoked to help create this book and encourage others to do the same.

Publication date: August 2020
Extent: 176 pages
Format: Limpbound