My Big Book of Outdoors

 

Bibliography
Hopgood, Tim, 2021. MY BIG BOOK OF OUTDOORS. Somerville, MA. ISBN 9781536215335.

Plot Summary
The outdoors truly give us a sight of how wonderful nature can be. Capturing nature in all four seasons through very detailed art with short, free verse poems, readers will be given a chance to discover the different wonders of nature. In each season, animals, insects, plants, life cycles, and weather are observed and brief, true facts are shared about each subject. An added bonus, there are engaging, hands on activities for young learners to take part in and connect more with nature and the great outdoors.
 
Critical Analysis
Readers of all ages will enjoy this beautiful book. Nature is already magical, but to be recaptured and shared so vividly is a special experience. The illustrations are beautiful and cover the pages with the many shades of watercolors, encouraging readers to look closely at the information shared. Hopgood has captured nature in all four seasons and shared true information about what can be found during this time such as animals, insects, plants, and weather.  Each subject goes into detail their role in the outdoors, how they adapt in the environment, and serve a purpose. There are even definitions or brief introductions provided for each subject. A unique feature in this book is the opportunity for learners to complete activities to learn more about the outdoors and spend time together as a family. There are activities such as creating a bird's nest or bug's hotel, planting seeds, sifting through a pond for observation, etc. The learning opportunities are endless in this engaging, informative read. 

Review Excerpt(s)
- Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "A handy, comprehensive, and delightful look at the wonders of nature throughout the seasons, this is a recommended purchase for every collection." 
- Starred review in BOOKLIST: "If children had coffee tables of their own, this would be the book they'd leave out, dipping in and out to marvel at nature's beauty all year long." 

Connections
- Young readers will enjoy the beautiful, colorful illustrations of nature, prompting them to go outside and discover for themselves.
- Nature lovers will enjoy not only the eye capturing art, but also reading the short poems, making them feel as though they are experiencing nature wherever they are reading. 
- For families with young learners in need of engaging ideas of hands on activities outside. 
- Similar book recommendations:
Fogliano, Julie & Morstad, Julie. WHEN GREEN BECOMES TOMATOES: POEMS FOR ALL SEASONS. ISBN 9781596438521
Hopgood, Tim. WONDERFUL WORLD ABC. ISBN 9781250238818

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