Key Selling Points

• This STEM book defines nature, why it's good for us, how access to nature isn't equal, how nature is viewed around the world, ideas for reconnecting with nature and, finally, how we can learn from nature.
• It addresses topical themes, including climate change, environmental racism, Indigenous knowledge of nature, extreme heat, urban tree coverage and inequality in access to nature.
• Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more people have found solace in spending time in nature, and outdoor activities are surging in popularity. For example, people visited parks more often, went camping and hiking, and took up birding.
• The book provides fun ideas and actions young people can take to reconnect with nature in their everyday lives (like nature-based hobbies or ideas for outdoor projects).
• The author regularly writes about conservation, sustainability and the environment.

Leah Payne is a writer, editor and mother. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Simon Fraser University and a master’s degree in library and information studies (MLIS) from the University of British Columbia. She is the author of Less Is More: Join the Low-Waste Movement in the Orca Footprints series. Leah lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she loves spending time in nature with her family.

Leah Payne's profile page

“Payne argues that humans are part of nature and should be engaging with the natural world more often and more effectively…Informative and likely to spur readers to forge a stronger bond with the natural world.”

Kirkus Reviews

“Emphasizes the importance of connecting with nature and the many benefits of doing so. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“The text is visually striking…This book should appeal to readers interested in or curious about the outdoors and could lead to deeper engagement or activism.”

School Library Journal (SLJ)