John Muir: My Life with Nature

by Joseph Bharat Cornell, John Muir, Elizabeth Ann Kelley (Illustrations)

This unique "autobiography" of John Muir is told in his own words, brimming with his spirit and his adventures. The text was selected and retold by naturalist Joseph Cornell, author of Sharing Nature with Children, who is well loved for his ability to help others experience the joyous quality of nature. The result is a book with an aliveness, a presence of goodness, adventure, enthusiasm, and sensitive love of each animal and plant that will give young adults an experience of a true hero unlike any found today.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Nature, Science, Biography Memoir, Childrens

84 pages, ebook

First published July 3, 2000

About the author

Joseph Bharat Cornell is a famous nature educator in the United States. He wrote the book "Sharing Nature with Children" in the early 1970s to promote outdoor learning.

He founded the "Sharing Nature Foundation" in 1979 to promote nature education.

(adapted from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[June Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This informative book is chock full of information about the inspiring naturalist, John Muir. This book gives an in-depth view into this unique man and his impact on conservation in our nation.

The majority of the chapters are a biography of John Muir taken from the naturalist's own writings. The author mentions in his 'Note From the Author' preceding the text of the book informs readers:

"To stay true to the spirit of Muir as clearly and fully as possible, I have told his story as if he were alive, using his own words and colorful expressions as often as possible." (pg.4)

The book also includes many of Muir's sketches and journal entries. There are a lot of historical photographs of the naturalist on his many adventures as well as photographs of Yosemite and Mt. Shasta, his wife and daughters, and members of the Sierra Club which he co-founded in 1892.

The back matter of the book entitled, 'Explore More', includes extension activities to get youngsters motivated to examine nature and think like John Muir did regarding nature and conservation. There is a list of his longer journeys around the world along with a world map that plots out these trips. There is a chronology of John Muir's life and a Further Reading list.

Highly-recommended! I borrowed this book from the children's collection at the local public library.

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[Laura Sluder · Rating 3 out of 5]

John Muir was an amazing character. I bought this book when i went to see the Giant Sequoia trees in California, which he wrote about at length.

Quotes i loved:
“Happy is the man to whom every tree is a friend, and so also with the small flower that dwell beneath them.”

“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, and places where nature can heal and cheer us.”

“The sun shines not on us, but in us. The rivers flow not past, but through us. Whoever gains the blessings of one mountain day is rich forever.”

[Gail Sacharski · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Muir has been one of my heroes & this book was wonderful. The author told his story in the first person using the words of Muir from his many publications. It was full of adventures & explorations told in the most lyrical writing. The story was beautiful & magical & totally expressed Muir's love of Nature & all its creatures. Every plant was a miracle, a little being to watch & get to know; every tree was a friend to admire & protect; every stream was musical, every mountain full of majesty & challenge. Muir spent his life traveling the world just to get to know it & see all the wonders God made. He loved life & all it brought him & his mission was to share it with others, encourage them to enjoy Nature, & to treat every plant, stream, mountain & animal with respect as a fellow being on this planet & to protect & preserve it. He was the happiest person I've ever heard of & so appreciative of everything he saw. An amazing man! I want to read more of his writings because he makes you feel so good. I loved this book. It also had several activities for readers to try as the author teaches classes about conservation around the world.

[Alycia Mcleod · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely book. John Muir was quite an amazing man. We could all learn so much from nature if we'd only take the time to listen. This was a "children's book", but I believe this could be great for some adults as well, as a stepping stone into the wonderful world of John Muir's other writings. I just picked up a few more books from the library today because I want to read more stories of the beauty that surrounds us all. Great read!

[Anna Mock · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is great for kids. And by "great for kids," what I mean is that I think kids should like it, but will they? I'm not sure. The writing style is kind of dry. It is definitely not terribly exemplary of his writing as far as the poetic side of it goes. But as far as a short biography and to get a feel of what kind of man John Muir was, I think this is great. late elementary, early middle school level.

[Alison Lake · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like that this book is meant to be read by children, but contains a fairly accurate representation of John Muir's words. I think it's a great introduction to kids about this important man's life and his connection to the beautiful nature around us. It's a quick read and would be easy to read aloud to a small child or to give to an elementary school or older child to read independently.

[Crystal Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for kids! It’s a fun, entertaining, and inspirational read about the joys of nature.

[Anne Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book to read with a child (age 6-8) over a week or two. Interesting illustrations and short chapters. Loved learning about his life.

[Rachael (Siebers) Gosda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring in every way! 5/5!

[Katie Winkler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for teaching kids about this famous conservationist.

[Jason Finta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shoutout John Muir #bookmaxxing

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and delightful read. Must have been difficult for Mr. Cornell to choose what to put in, what to leave out. He chose well - now I want to read some more of Muir's books. (especially the one about his dog friend in Alaska, Stickeen.

[Candi]

10+

[Gianetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable and endearing.

[Jonwillum Duurnenbol · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice book, though especially for children (young adults). I'ld like it deeper.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to this great naturalist. Great for children.

[Dev S · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating introduction to one of America's best naturalists

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book for kids, I just didn't research it enough to realize I ordered a juvenile book from the library.