A Year in Nature: Explore the Countryside, Month by Month
Standalone title Series
What’s inside...
This richly illustrated nonfiction title invites children to journey through an entire calendar year in the European countryside. Each spread focuses on a different month and unveils changes in weather, plant life, and animal behaviour, helping readers notice tracks in January snow, buzzing pollinators in June meadows, and migrating birds in October skies. Layer-by-layer cut-outs encourage hands-on exploration while concise factual paragraphs explain how plants and wildlife adapt to seasonal cycles. The book nurtures a sense of wonder for the natural world and shows practical ways young readers can care for local habitats.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which month’s scene looks most familiar to you and why?
How do animals prepare differently for winter and summer?
What small change can we make at home to help local wildlife?
Why is leaving some fallen leaves helpful in autumn?
How do you feel when you spend time outdoors?
Tip: Role play these questions
Pair each month with a family nature walk.
Create a backyard logbook for observed species.
Compare illustrations to photos taken on outings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Interconnectedness of ecosystems
Explanation: Monthly spreads show how plants, insects, and birds rely on each other.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value even tiny creatures like worms or bees.
Example Lesson: Seasonal patience
Explanation: Waiting to see blooms or migrations teaches delayed gratification.
Real-World Application: Helps kids understand gradual growth in personal goals.
Example Lesson: Environmental stewardship
Explanation: Tips urge readers to leave leaf piles or set up bird feeders.
Real-World Application: Kids take concrete actions to help local wildlife.
Example Lesson: Curiosity drives learning
Explanation: Questions in sidebars model scientific inquiry.
Real-World Application: Children practice asking why and seeking answers.
