Nature Books to inspire spring reading
Today in the world of Nature Links, we were joined by librarian Kendall Chapman from the Blue Hill Public Library. Kendall shared recommendations for nature-themed books that may just inspire us all to head outside to a favorite sunny spot (isn’t it great to enjoy being outside without mosquitoes this time of year?) and spend a few hours digging into a good read. Here are a few of the books she recommended to us today.
World of Wonders by Amiee Nezhukumatathil
Written by award-winning poet Aimee Nezhukumatathil this collection of essays features writing about the natural world, and the way its inhabitants can teach, support, and inspire us.
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
As a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers. In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer teaches readers about plants and botany as seen through both Native American and Western scientific traditions.
The Photo Ark by Joel Sartore
The lush and unique photography in this book represents National Geographic's Photo Ark, a major initiative and lifelong project by photographer Joel Sartore to make portraits of the world's animals—especially those that are endangered. His powerful message, conveyed with humor, compassion, and art: to know these animals is to save them.
Nature’s Art Box by Laura C. Martin
Originally created for kids, this book of craft ideas using natural materials should surely inspire adults too! This book includes 65 art projects using materials found right in our backyards. Mix paints from colorful flower blossoms, dig clay for molding elf-sized furniture, and craft functional twig baskets. Nature’s Art Box calls itself “an inspiring handbook for the next generation of expressive and conscientious stewards of the earth’s resources.”
In Search of Meadowlarks by John M. Marzluff
This last book bills itself as “an ornithologist’s personal look at farming practices that finds practical solutions for sustainable food production compatible with bird and wildlife conservation.” Perfect reading as we begin to hear birdsong we’ve missed so dearly this winter.
