Playing in a Patch of Dirt

Eleven Picture Books and a Plug for Nearby Nature

Anna Jennerjohn

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/cle.v1i1.5236

Keywords: Nearby nature, nature play, picturebooks


Abstract

Children bring a natural curiosity to outdoor exploration that allows them to notice the small details of natural spaces around them. Often, adults must relearn this skill. A nearby nature mindset can help. The author shares a personal story of children teaching her about nearby nature and offers eleven picture books that can help adults and children alike to notice the nature that they encounter on a daily basis in their own neighborhoods.