Brilliant new books for younger readers to explore
Three inspiring new books written especially for younger readers explore the wonders of rewilding, the issue of climate change, and the magical arrival of spring.
All posts filed under: Reviews
Books about wildlife to inspire young minds
Braveling Saves a Snow Leopard By Mabel Hewitt & Matt Henderdson. Illustrated by Jenny Wren The Tingalings are five loveable characters from Jupiter – Braveling, Sparkling, Darling, Smartling and Bumbling – who promote kindness and climate change awareness through a series of stories written especially for younger readers. Following on from the first book, Darling […]
Review: Build your own eco-friendly microscope
If you are looking for a fun activity to keep your nature-loving kids occupied why not introduce them to the new eco-friendly Build Your Own Microscope from the Build Your Own range. Made using sustainable cardboards and minimal plastics, the fully functioning microscope offers a great way for the whole family to spend time together – and […]
Two inspirational new books for young readers to enjoy
Poppy Goes Wild An enchanting new children’s book about a young girl on a mission to rewild her grandad’s farm offers inspiration at a time when connecting with nature has never been more important. In Poppy Goes Wild, we follow the title character as she embarks on a journey to return the countryside to how […]
*WIN* This Planet Buddies kids’ accessories range!
If your kids are mad about animals and conservation, they will LOVE the new Planet Buddies accessories range! Based on a variety of colourful characters – each representing endangered, vulnerable, and threatened species of animals from around the world – the Planet Buddies collection features a family of headphones, wireless speakers and tablet cushions. Planet Buddies […]
*WIN* A Let’s Explore VR Oceans Mega Pack!
Would you like to go on a deep-sea virtual reality adventure? Dive into an immersive world of discovery and swim with sharks, humpback whales, polar bears and other marine wildlife with the Let’s Explore Oceans Mega Pack. Suitable for ages 7+, the family-friendly educational experience offers a thrilling underwater adventure where users can immerse themselves in […]
Review: What Cats Want + WIN a copy of the book!
Have you ever wondered what your cat is trying to tell you when they behave in a certain way? Do you want to know what makes a cat happy and how to tell if they are ok? Written by Japan’s leading cat doctor, Dr. Yuki Hattori, What Cats Want combines clear, practical advice with charming […]
Beautiful books for bird lovers
Birds in the Ancient World by Jeremy Mynott Published by Oxford University Press – £16.99 (new to paperback) Jeremy Mynott’s fascinating book explores the many different roles birds played in ancient Greek and Roman civilisations and how they impressed upon the imagination to influence the literature and art of the time. Using quotations from the […]
Review: On the Trail of Wolves + WIN a copy of the book!
On the Trail of Wolves by Philippa Forrester Author and TV presenter Philippa Forrester became fascinated with wolves after relocating to the wilds of Wyoming with her nature-loving family. While settling into her new home, the call of the wolves surrounding her cabin ignited a lifelong interest in these beautiful and elusive wild creatures, and […]
Help hedgehogs in your garden + WIN! A Seedball collection
It’s Hedgehog Awareness Week and to mark the occasion Seedball has collaborated with People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) to bring you their new Hedgehog Mix – specially created to produce a hedgehog friendly wildflower patch in your garden. All flowers in the mix – a blend of Birdsfoot Trefoil, Poppy, Red Clover, Self Heal, […]
Garden activities for the whole family to enjoy
The Pocket Book of Garden Experiments by Helen Pilcher Looking for fun activities to keep the kids amused while staying at home? The Pocket Book of Garden Experiments by Helen Pilcher is packed full of ideas and perfect for families wanting to spend some quality time together. Bring out your inner-scientist, stretch your imagination and […]
Discover a secret world beyond our senses
Invisible Nature: A secret world beyond our senses By Catherine Barr Illustrated by Anne Wilson If your little ones have inquisitive minds and a love for all things nature, the fascinating new book by Catherine Barr will light up their imaginations. Ever wondered how dolphins find friends and vampire bats locate prey, or why reindeer […]
Book review: Max the Miracle Dog
Max the Miracle Dog by Kerry Irving When a chance encounter with a dog named Max turned Kerry Irving’s life around, things never looked the same again. A traumatic car accident years before had left Kerry with serious injuries, housebound and depressed. But with the help of his new best friend, a future full of hope […]
Discover a world of bats in bold new book from DK
If your child has a keen interest in the natural world and conservation, they will love this new book by author and illustrator Charlotte Milner. Packed full with fascinating facts about our only flying mammal, The Bat Book contains bold, charming illustrations exploring the amazing upside world of bats. With over 1,300 species found around […]
Vote for Wildlife Photographer of the Year + WIN! the book
Online voting is now open for the public to choose their favourite image from this year’s Natural History Museum Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Fans of wildlife photography can choose their favourite from 25 images, pre-selected by the Natural History Museum from over 48,000 entries from 100 countries. Shortlisted images are currently on display […]
Review: Through the Animal Kingdom + WIN! DK Books collection
Through the Animal Kingdom invites young readers on a journey that spans every corner of our planet. From frozen mountain peaks, vast deserts, lush forests, and the deepest, darkest oceans, explore 13 diverse habitats to discover the secret lives of the animals that live there. Track a bald eagle as it soars majestically over the […]
Axel Scheffler & Friends 2020 Calendar *Competition + Interview*
If you would like a gift for the cat lover in your life – or simply crazy about cats yourself – the 2020 calendar by Cat in a Flat would be just purrfect for you… The beautifully illustrated cat-themed calendar is a collaboration between cat-sitting community Cat in a Flat and Axel Scheffler (illustrator of […]
Take a walk on the wild side for Marwell
Marwell Zoo in Hampshire has teamed up with Dorset-based Backdoorshoes to create leopard print gardening clogs which not only look good but also raise money for a great cause. Inspired by Marwell’s very own Amur leopard, Kaia, international conservation charity Marwell Wildlife, which operates Marwell Zoo, receives a donation for every pair sold of these super […]
How wildlife photography helped heal a broken mind
Wildlife photography pulled Paul Williams back from the brink. After years struggling with mental illness, triggered by PTSD while serving as a police officer, Paul discovered the power of photography to improve wellbeing. Finding solace in the natural world, Paul created this enchanting book of beautiful photographs to tell the story of how nature helped […]
The Wonders of Nature proves to be the perfect follow-up
Following on from the best-selling An Anthology of Intriguing Animals, author and wildlife journalist Ben Hoare brings us The Wonders of Nature, a beautifully illustrated compendium that, alongside a selection of amazing animals, features plants, rocks, minerals and microorganisms. The hardback book features wonderful designs, photography and imagery to draw children into a world of fascinating facts. […]
Sensory play with animal Dooballs
The youngest member of the Discover Animals team at two years old had great fun testing out the new ‘Dooballs’ from French brand BabyToLove. The company has specialised in the creation of original and innovative baby products for over 10 years, and the Dooballs aim to stimulate babies and toddlers’ curiosity to catch, manipulate, shake […]
Extraordinary Insects: Weird, Wonderful & Indispensable
It was a pleasure to review one of HarperCollins recent nature releases, ‘Extraordinary Insects’, by Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson. Published on the Mudlark imprint, the book is wonderfully written and packed with facts about how insects keep the world going. The passion and enthusiasm for the topic that Anne has jumps off the page, and really brings […]
A book of rather strange animals
Our world is inhabited by some remarkable creatures. Millions of different species populate every corner of the Earth, each having cleverly adapted to their surroundings over millennia. From the hugely popular Twitter account – @StrangeAnimals – author and bio-scientist Caleb Compton has celebrated these wonders of evolution and marvelled at their extraordinary diversity. Following on […]
Bringing the forest to life through sound
Forests are found all over the world in many different climates. From the rainforests of South America to the evergreen in Germany, the mangrove forest in India to the redwood in the USA, a huge variety of animals call the forest their home. In this wonderful hardback book by Robert Hunter, little readers are introduced […]
Wonderful bird photography from a remarkable young man
Oliver Hellowell is a celebrated young wildlife photographer, and quite rightly so because the images he takes of his passion – birds – are stunning. Oliver’s work is sold around the world, winning awards, TV appearances and praise from other professionals. However, what sets Oliver apart from others is that he has Down Syndrome. Having […]