the usborne outdoor book

"Hmm... how about sand darts? that looks fun.... oooh, twig rafts! or made some wild art, like Andy Goldsworthy? Aww, or build a bird bath? WHOA, marshmallow cookie sandwiches!" That's my inner dialogue as I flip through The Usborne Outdoor Book, trying to decide which activity I want to try first with my boys this summer.

This book makes my heart happy. First of all, it's so beautiful: a hardcover book filled with detailed, full-spread color-saturated illustrations and simple handwriting-style fonts. Right off the bat, I want to pore over every page, soaking in the drawings and reading every caption. 

But beyond the design, every page contains a thoughtful, creative outdoor activity I am itching to go outside and try! ​​As with all of the Usborne non-fiction books I have seen so far, The Outdoor Book (written by Alice James and Emily Bone) is an impressive balance of creativity and fascinating information. It starts with a couple pages on how to be safe when playing outside (dressing properly for the weather, drinking water, bringing a map, etc), then jumps into a compendium of ideas organized by surroundings (see pictures below of the table of contents).

And what are these magical activities I keep alluding to? Things like tracking the tide along the ocean, damming a stream, (and then breaking it up when you leave), making a hiding hole for a frog, examining leaves and seeds, tying knots, drawing a map, sending encoded messages... and did I mention making marshmallow cookie sandwiches over a campfire? 

​One thing I love about this book is that it really is adaptable for kids of varying ages. My kiddos are toddlers, but there are already a bunch of activities within these pages I know they'll have fun with this summer. The activities are also well-suited to elementary school kids to do with families - but really, I can see middle school kids getting excited about so many of the ideas in The Outdoor Book. Heck, I would do them myself even if I didn't have kids!

And you're going to learn skills and interesting facts with each activity, which is even better. Talk about meaningful play! Ok, and one more thing: the book naturally will encourage interaction and collaboration, which is so important for kids. And adults. So many layers of goodness! Pick up a copy for you and your family... and get outside. :)

It's that book that will ignite a love for the outdoors wherever you are in life and in the world.

 Book benefits:

• Outdoor activities will tug at your kids to get out of the house and engage in meaningful play!
• Activities are organized by type and varied by location - so you're bound to find multiple ways to play, wherever you are
• Illustrations and captions give detailed instructions for how to make and do whatever you're trying out
• Activities are supplemented by helpful facts that will teach as well as entertain
• Tips for safety and environmental thoughtfulness are sprinkled throughout (never look at the sun, wear an oven mitt when handling hot food, don't pick leaves while they're still on a tree, etc.)
• The glossary and index at the back of the book help build educational processes with your kids
• This book would make a fantastic gift! It's well-made, beautifully designed, and filled with thoughtful activities kids and parents will love.

Buy The Usborne Outdoor Book​ here and get ready to play! (hardcover, $9.99)

Better yet - want a free copy? Schedule a book party with me! I'll send you a copy of The Outdoor Book when your party reaches $200 in sales - on top of all the rewards books you'll earn. :)