Review Detail

Backpack Explorer: On the Nature Trail makes the perfect gift for littles getting into explorations.

There is a lot of information is packed into On the Nature Trail, but it is expertly condensed making it an easy to follow guide for children.
There is so much to be learned, from different types of leaves on the path to different clouds in the sky, there is something different for each step of the journey. I really like the introduction, 'Are You Ready for a Backpack Adventure?' There is a nice little beginners guide to preparing for a hike and its wonderful to get kids thinking about that kind of stuff!
Some of the plants and animals featured in this book look to be focused in the North Eastern region of the US, so keep that in mind when purchasing guides like this one!

I love the creative and interactive activities. The Animal Copycat movement game was my children's favorite! There are also activities to encourage kids to use all five sense:
Listen Up! - close your eyes and list of things to listen for with space to add your own things
Touch it! - examples of textures to find and feel, i.e. rough, wet, soft, etc.
Smell it! - list of thing to smell with space to add your own things

The illustrations are colorful and imaginative. There is a ton of detail on each spread, whether it be a photograph or an artist rendering.

The end of the book includes a special grid paper foldout to make your own trail map as well as stickers to use.