SYNOPSIS: This sketchbook helps kids look more closely at nature and capture what they discover with pencil, pen, and paint. The Nature Explorer’s Sketchbook inspires exploration, creativity and observation, with beautiful sketchbook illustrations, ideas and tips, and plenty of space for kids to draw. 28 pages of instruction and color illustrations followed by blank pages, with more hints and examples every ten pages. A perfect tool for home schoolers, environmental education programs, STEAM programs, or to give as a gift to young artists and nature lovers.

MY TAKE

Nature and art have always been a perfect match. Ones who bring the outdoors to life in drawings and paintings have a skill for discovering the beauty in nature. THE NATURE AND EXPLORER’S SKETCHBOOK is the perfect introduction toward planting this passion in young readers.

The paperback pages use a thicker style paper that is easy to draw on. The first sections give us a view of what it takes to be an explorer along with the many choices for producing art. It might be a paint brush, pencil, or marker. Once through these initial 27 pages it’s time to sketch.

Eight “Try this” activities with plenty of blank pages encourage young artists to practice. A few include tips for drawing insects and birds, a fun task to sketch a map of your nature walk, and adding fun elements to your work.

A resource sure to please those already passionate about the outdoors and motivate others to join in the fun.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Artist and educator Jean Mackay has been exploring and sketching nature for more than 25 years. Working in all kinds of settings, from tide pools to farm fields to her own backyard in Upstate 

New York. Jean’s journals reflect a keen eye for detail and profound sense of wonder. Jean teaches each summer at the Hog Island Audubon Camp in Maine.

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