“Let’s go for a walk.” “Do you want to go for a walk?”
I am forever suggesting walks to my children. And I’m lucky that they, mostly, say yes. I love a walk. Not a fast–paced Kath–and–Kel–style power session. More a wander, really. Those long, ambling, meanders where you point out landmarks and discuss this and that. Lately, more than ever before, I have felt a pull towards nature, and, as a family, towards developing a more meaningful connection with our surroundings. I’m not sure why, perhaps it’s that my children are getting older and it’s more doable than it has been in recent years, perhaps Covid lock downs have reminded us all how lucky we are, here on the Central Coast and in greater Australia. Or maybe as I get older, I’m realising how beneficial it is to consume less and experience more. Whatever the catalyst for the shift, I’m here for it. After one of our mini adventures, we always come home feeling more connected to each other, we’ve almost always learnt something about nature or local history, and we are more content.
With that in mind, it was with great joy that I recently discovered this month’s book, Rewilding Kids Australia, by Melissa Mylchreest. This book is a great guide to get you and your children outdoors, exploring and reconnecting with nature. It is an activity book that you can take with you on holidays or learn about Australia’s wildlife in your own backyard.
“It offers a unique combination of fun facts on Australia’s flora and fauna with nature–based activities, organised like a travel guide with state and territory chapters. Although organised like a travel guide, this book doesn’t require kids to visit any of the places – you can still complete all the activities and learn about places around Australia along the way. But it’s also a great companion for kids who do get to travel as well.”
The book includes advice for watching and learning about wildlife, including a handy list of what to pack in your explorer’s bag, it includes a birdwatching guide and places to record the animals you spot. Colouring pages, tips on exploring, and beautiful images and facts on Australia’s flora and fauna.
The activity book is aimed at children aged about 7–12, but during these upcoming school holidays I plan to use it with kiddos who are younger. We will all read it and work on it together, learning and having fun as a family.
How to raise outdoor kids, By Linda Drummond
While we are on the topic of outdoor activities, I recently came across another wonderful book, Australian Geographic’s How to Raise Outdoor Kids. I usually balk at “how to…” books, but this one is fantastic. Jam–packed with achievable, eco–friendly and fun projects ideas that you and your kids can do together outside.
Jessica Sanford (AKA Jessica Anscombe) is a librarian and writer living on the Central Coast. She has a passion for literature and writes fiction and non–fiction. Jessica was the winner of the Wyong Writers’ 2021 Short Story Competition and has also been longlisted for the Furious Fiction prize. You can read her short stories on her website jessicasanfordwriter.com. You’ll also find her over on Instagram @jessicasanford_