»Shop: Curious Kids Nature Journal

»Shop: Curious Kids Nature Journal

by CHERYL MURFIN

The Pacific Northwest is a world of wonder and wondrous detail when it comes to the great outdoors. Seattle writer Fiona Cohen and illustrator Marni Fylling have created the perfect place for kids ages 6-11 to document what they see and learn in nature, whether at a park near home, in a forest, or along a beach.

“Curious Kids Nature Journal: 100 Ways to Explore the Outdoor Wonders of the Pacific Northwest,” published by Seattle-based Sasquatch Books, hit bookshelves in March.

In it, Cohen, a long-time contributor to Seattle’s Child, delivers fascinating facts and descriptions of animals, plants and sea life common in the Pacific Northwest. At the same time, she invites young people to look for, observe and record what they see by writing or drawing in the 176-page journal. Spot a black-tailed deer? When? What time? Where? What was the deer doing? Were there any fawns nearby? Get the details! The author also encourages kids to be “citizen scientists” by sharing their observations with science groups like the Bumble Bee Watch project.

Fylling’s more than 100 gorgeous, scientifically accurate illustrations make identifying species easy. Together with Cohen’s writing, drawing and activity prompts, they promise to keep kids looking and discovering. And who knows? Perhaps it will inspire your young nature lover toward a career in natural science. It sure made this mama want to hit the trails with budding explorers.

Join Fiona Cohen in conversation with Seatte’s Child Things to Do editor Jasmin Thankachen on March 15 at Seattle’s Third Place Books Ravenna starting at 7 p.m. Or join them at Redmond’s Brick and Mortar Books, Redmond, on April 23 at 2 p.m.