Staff Picks Category: Nature

How Far the Light Reaches: A Life in Ten Sea Creatures by Sabrina Imbler [Book]

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If you are a fan of science writing and personal essays, and want to hear from young, queer folx, this book is a must-read. Imbler expertly blends their experiences with sea life and their own identity in these ten braided essays, each exploring a different creature from the deep. From feral goldfish to mother octopuses, these essays explore the complexity and beauty of animals that live in an otherworldly plain, whose inner lives we can only guess at.

The Hawk’s Way: Encounters With Fierce Beauty by Sy Montgomery [Book]

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In this short book, the author, Sy Montgomery, takes the reader through her journey with learning falconry, an ancient practice where humans and hawks join together to hunt. This partnership is unlike any Montgomery (or most of us) has encountered and calls her to question her relationship with the predators who, unable to be anthropomorphized, operate on instinct and care nothing for human companionship. Yet we are held in such thrall by their wildness. A wonderful, reflective piece of nonfiction.

Cultivating Delight: A Natural History of My Garden by Diane Ackerman [Book]

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Ackerman’s award winner (NY Times Notable Books) is an exploration of the pleasures of her Ithaca, New York garden over the course of a year. While many gardeners may be quite jealous, (she clearly has LOTS of paid assistance in maintenance and renovations), her descriptions and historical asides are in her trademark lush, sensory-oriented language.

High Tide in Tucson: Essays From Now or Never by Barbara Kingsolver [Book]

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Written in the 1990s but still every bit as pertinent and fresh, this series of essays from the novelist is about nature, single motherhood, and musings about cultures and politics (oddly prescient). Most of the essays were previously published in magazines, but were revised for inclusion in the book. Kingsolver pays close attention to her natural and human surroundings whether she is in Africa or her home turf of Kentucky, or her current abode in the desert. Some essays are funny, some lump-in-the-throat poignant; all are highly recommended.

You Are Stardust by Elin Kelsey [Book]

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This book will definitely spark a child’s curiosity about the world around them. Elin Kelsey explores topics of the universe and nature through simple and lighthearted text complimented by beautiful artwork. Soyeon Kim captivates her audience with magical three dimensional dioramas that jump off the page.

Like this book? Try Infinity and Me by Kate Hosford

When the Moon is Full: A Lunar Year by Penny Pollock; illustrations by Mary Azarian [Book]

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Full moons come,

full moons go,

softening nights

with their silver glow.

This book has amazing illustrations by Vermont woodcut artist, Mary Azarian. Pollock tells the story of the lunar calendar. Each month has a verse describing the twelve moons according to Native American tradition and a hand-colored woodcut illustration.

In the Small, Small Pond by Denise Fleming [Book]

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In the small, small pond a frog encounters tadpoles, geese, dragonflies, turtles, herons, minnow, and many other animals. All of a sudden there is a chill in the air and winter is here.

Birds of the Gods [DVD]

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This 2011 DVD release of the latest beautiful and informative documentary from the BBC/Nature series captures the spectacular beauty of the native birds of New Guinea. In the 16^th century European explorers named the gorgeous and elusive birds of the island “Birds of Paradise”. The local indigenous people have revered them for centuries and honor them as sacred ancestors by wearing their feathers as status symbols in elaborate headdresses during tribal ceremonies. This tradition, however, has made the more exotic and colorful birds’ feathers highly prized and, together with loss of habitat, has threatened the species’ survival and made them vulnerable to extinction. The ever-present BBC narrator David Attenborough introduces us to local biologists and conservationists, Miriam Supuma and Paul Igog, whose knowledge of the area and expertise guides us through the dense forests to document the elusive birds. The film does a good job of conveying the difficulty and challenges posed to researchers in the area, who must face incredibly difficult terrain, elusive and skittish subjects and are faced with centuries of local tradition and customs in their efforts to research and protect the birds of New Guinea. The joy of the researchers, when they do witness one of the elusive birds mating displays and dances, is palpable and infectious. The birds of New Guinea have evolved in relative isolation for thousands of years and have developed a wide variety of plumage, some with vivid iridescent blue and green coloring while others have tail feathers up the three times the length of their body. Overall, the film offers a satisfying, informative and visually captivating look at a corner of the world the viewer might not be familiar with and is a sure hit for birdwatchers and fans of nature docs alike.

Last Child in the Woods by Richard LouvLouv [Book]

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Richard LouvLouv’s book discusses a ‘nature-deficit disorder’ and ways to counteract it. He cites a 2002 British study which reported that eight-year-olds could identify Pokémon characters far more easily than they could name “otter, beetle, and oak tree.” Gathering thoughts from parents, teachers, researchers, environmentalists and other concerned parties, Louv argues for a return to an awareness of and appreciation for the natural world.

The Botany of Desire : A Plant’s-eye View of the World by Michael Pollan [Book]

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Do we choose what to plant in our gardens? Or do the plants choose us? Learn about four common plants and the human desires they inspire: the apple and sweetness; the tulip and beauty; marijuana and intoxication; and the potato and control. Pollan weaves an interesting tale with observations from philosophy, natural history, botany, and his own gardening experience.