Outdoor Secrets Question

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  • February 26, 2011 at 11:26 am
    AussieMummy
    Participant

    Is this book country/hemisphere specific? It looks like a lot of fun, but living in the Southern Hemisphere and another country we often find that some of these books don’t work as well for us. I’d love any input you could give about it.

    February 26, 2011 at 2:40 pm
    Karen Smith
    Moderator

    I’m not sure if Outdoor Secrets would cover plants and animals in your area. But here is a list of the plants, animals, and topics in Outdoor Secrets that may help you decide if it would work for you.

    Apple trees

    Century plant

    Earthworms

    Goldenrod and plant growth

    Differences between different types of trees comparing Horse Chestnut, maples, oaks, pines, and lindens

    Robins

    Salvia and pollination

    Flickers

    Cherry trees and tree growth

    Dragonflies

    Chamomile and gardening

    Pussy willows and seed dispersion by wind

    Overwintering of seeds and water cycle

    Digger wasp and paper wasp

    Chipmunks

    Mistletoe

    February 26, 2011 at 2:40 pm
    Sonya Shafer
    Moderator

    It was written by an American author, so the plants and animals are common to the US. Here are several that are covered; maybe they’re common for you too.

    • Apple tree

    • Century plant

    • Earthworm

    • Goldenrod

    • Horse Chestnut tree

    • Robin

    • Salvia

    • Woodpecker

    • Cherry tree

    • Bumblebee and dragonfly

    • Chamomile

    • Catkins

    • Fern

    • Wasp

    • Chipmunk

    I would be curious to hear how these would work in your region of the world, AussieMummy.

    February 26, 2011 at 2:44 pm
    Sonya Shafer
    Moderator

    Oops! See what happens when Karen and I are in the same house? When we’re living 800 miles apart, as usual, we don’t post on top of each other. But when they come to visit for a few weeks, we think too much alike! Wink

    February 26, 2011 at 9:08 pm
    AussieMummy
    Participant

    Thank you both. I’m still considering that this book might work. Hmm.. See, we own a book that is designed as an Australian Nature Study and while it’s nice I think it’s a bit flat in regards to covering things specific to Australia. I feel, honestly, that what it covers could be used anywhere.

    As for the topics you’ve mentioned. I think the trees would be okay because we have an Arboretum near by which has trees in it from just about every continent! My children were able to help plant a beautiful tree from South America upon our last visit there. We also happen to live in the middle of a big Apple and Cherry growing area.

    We wouldn’t have chipmunks here though, all though I use to live in America and often tell my children about the cute little animals as we had several living near us and use to enjoy watching them. Woodpecker would also be out, but they know what one is. I also suspect the robin would be based on an American Robin which is nothing like an Australian Robin.  However, it sounds like lots of very cool topics and I think my child who is desperate for more animal/outside information would really eat this up. 

    I’m also thinking it would give us specific things to be looking for on our Nature Walks. Oh, so may choices! hehe Thank you again for the replies!

    February 27, 2011 at 5:33 am
    Mum In Zion
    Participant

    G’day AussieMummy,

    Have you checked out The Wonderland of Nature by Nuri Mass, from Downunder Literature. It covers a lot of common Australian insects, as well as a few small animals, plants, the seashore… There is also a Nature Journal to accompany the book. The book is recommended for children ages 5-12. My kids are 7 & 9 and we have used it a lot, and enjoy the story book style.

    Blessings,

    Michelle

    February 27, 2011 at 10:40 am
    AussieMummy
    Participant

    Mum in Zion, yes I own that book and was slightly disappointed in it. A great read and a terrific little book indeed!! Unfortunately, I was disappointed it didn’t cover things like marsupials and plants and birds native to Australia. Alas.. That said it’s a terrific little book and we have the little cd that goes with it. 🙂

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