Watching and Waiting: What Hatches from Nature's Nurseries
Nature’s Secrets (unconfirmed) Series
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
Sara Levine invites young readers on a global tour to discover how animals protect and hatch their eggs. From sandy seashores where sea turtles bury their nests to swaying backyard branches holding robin eggs, each vividly illustrated spread explores a different natural "nursery." The narrative combines simple scientific explanations with a gentle sense of wonder, encouraging children to observe, predict, and celebrate the moment new life breaks free from an egg.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which habitat surprised you the most and why?
How do different parents keep their eggs safe?
What might happen if a habitat changes or disappears?
Why is patience important when observing nature?
Tip: Role play these questions
Pause on each spread to guess the animal before turning the page.
Start a nature journal where children draw any eggs or nests they find.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Patience yields discoveries
Explanation: Readers must wait with each spread to see the hatchling.
Real-World Application: Children practice waiting quietly while observing nature.
Example Lesson: Every habitat matters
Explanation: Sea-turtle success depends on dark beaches.
Real-World Application: Turning off porch lights during nesting season.
Example Lesson: Small creatures need protection
Explanation: Alligator mothers guard nests from predators.
Real-World Application: Teaching careful behavior around nests in parks.