Outside, You Notice

Children all around notice the gifts and wonders nature provides. They observe how in the aftermath of rain, everything smells greener and how handpicked strawberries just seem to taste a little sweeter. They discover that seeds appear itty-bitty in their hands and that the deeper they prod into microbe-filled soil, the more rocks they unearth. As some camouflage in a field of flowers, the master pollinators – buzzing bumblebees, hummingbirds with industrious tongues, and butterflies with wings of elegance – surround them. These native things bring them closer to themselves, enabling them to experience the simplest sensations and to view life in its purest, most authentic form.

This is a thoughtful, reflective story about the healing power of spending time outdoors. Playing in the vibrant sunshine, picking fruit from ripened vines, and exploring in the moist dirt enables children to receive a plethora of benefits Mother Earth has to offer. Their senses are heightened, bodies exercised, and immune responses boosted. An array of other fascinating facts are shared by the author in colorful text boxes. Vibrant watercolor illustrations that are full of detail and allure are in plentiful supply. This light-hearted, relatable, and timely text will bring youth new enlightenments each time they sift through its pages.