Welcome to New Zealand: a Nature Journal

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2015

Review

Nature journals often contain information for a specific area and might provide some graphics for further study. Many add environmental facts or suggest nature projects. Welcome to New Zealand covers the north and south of the country completely, including garden, beach, mountain, wetland, city, country side and forest zones. Text and informational blocks provide background. Each two page spread offers ways to enhance reader's own journal entries with drawings and often offer a science project for continued learning.

The art work contained within this nature journal is superb. Morris has employed several types of art supplies from her arsenal; including pencils (colored and drawing), felt tip pens, watercolors, charcoal and crayons. The seasonal colour wheel is beyond fantastic as it provides lots of information in a colorful presentation. Each mini science study is outlined briefly and illustrated brilliantly rendering this book useful in both the science and art class. Although the focus is on New Zealand most children will be interested in the various animals and the science projects will work in the US. Add this to libraries where there is a budding interest in nature and gift to youngsters who appreciate the connection of art and science.

Overall Book Score: very good