By Sue Wise
One of the many benefits of membership in SFBG is the 1550-volume library located in the SFBG office on Museum Hill.
Photo: Peter Hraber
This is the time of year when some members may have children asking questions about gardening, insects, flowers and other aspects of the natural world.
Although our bookshelves of children’s books are limited, we do have some great books which members could check out for children or grandchildren.
Some suggestions are:
Wildflowers, Bloom and Blossoms by Diane L. Burns describes common wildflowers which children may encounter in their everyday experience. A take-along guide, it includes colorful illustrations, tells where one might find it, what it looks like and who eats it.
The Smithsonian Bug Hunter by David Burnie is geared toward children ages 8-12. It includes detailed photos of common insects as well as more than 30 fun activities (making a moth trap) for interested readers. Each activity shows where the insects live as well as special aspects of their species.
Teaching Kids to Love the Earth by Marina Lachecki, et al. shares a sense of wonder through 186 outdoor activities for and parents and teachers to do with children of all ages. Mainly written for adults to interpret, it is a terrific guide for imaginative ideas pertaining to nature.
50 Gardening Projects for Kids by Clare Bradley is written for children, ages 6-ll. Filled with beautiful photographs of children actually engaged in gardening activities, it makes one want to go outside with a child and immediately start digging!
Wading into Wetlands is published by the National Wildlife Federation as part of the Ranger Rick’s NatureScope series. It includes graphic descriptions of various types of wetlands as well as ample information on “little green marshes” and activities such as making cattails.
One Small Square Pond by Donald M. Silver is another example of all the information available to young readers on ponds and their inhabitants. Beautifully illustrated, readers can learn and engage in scientific activities at pond sites or at home.
There are many more books and pamphlets in our library. Come in and take a look at our collection!
