‘The Children’s Forest’ A Delightful Book For All Nature Lovers
When I first saw a picture of the beautiful cover of ‘The Children’s Forest’ by Dawn Casey, Anna Richardson and Helen d’Ascoli I was entranced. When the book arrived and I started reading it, it didn’t disappoint and the content was just as bewitching and engaging as the front cover.
With traditional stories, songs, poems, crafts and delightful illustrations it truly is a wonderful book for any nature loving parent, teacher or Forest School leader. It has been designed to offer outdoor inspiration throughout the seasons and is divided into the eight Celtic seasons of Imbolc, Spring, Beltane, Summer, Lughnasa, Autumn, Samhain and Winter. The book also includes woodland games, recipes for wild food and natural remedies.
As a Forest School leader myself I have particularly enjoyed reading about the various native trees like Hawthorn, Hazel and Alder about their ancient folklore and what their wood was once used for. I have been able to share the information with parents at my preschool forest group and also look forward to making many of the woodland crafts included in the pages too. The book is presented in a very accessible way and is easy to dip in and out off. The book also contains an extensive, informative reference list which has information about Forest School good practice, tool safety, useful resources and background information about the stories included in the book.
If you’re interested in nature, woodlands and wildlife you’ll love this book, its a joy to read and you can get lost in its pages with the stunning designs and illustrations. Although it is aimed at 5-12 year olds it will also be appreciated and enjoyed by adults, families and younger children. ‘This book entices us to go outside, to play and interact with the natural world and to celebrate different times of the year’ Jon Cree (ecological educator and Forest School Association Director)
The Children’s Forest is published by Hawthorn Press and can be ordered via their website here.
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