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Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life
From the author of the New York Times bestseller that defined nature-deficit disorder and launched the international children-and-nature movement, Vitamin N (for nature) is a complete prescription for connecting with the power and joy of the natural world right now, with 500 activities for children and adults Dozens of inspiring and thought-provoking essays Scores of informational websites Down-to-earth advice Vitamin N is a one-of-a-kind, comprehensive, and practical guidebook for the whole family and the wider community, including tips not only for parents eager to share nature with their kids but also for those seeking nature-smart schools, medical professionals, and even careers. It is a dose of pure inspiration, reminding us that looking up at the stars or taking a walk in the woods is as exhilarating as it is essential, at any age.
Audio CD
First published April 12, 2016
204 people are currently reading
3459 people want to read
About the author
Richard Louv
43 books269 followersRichard Louv, recipient of the 2008 Audubon Medal, is the author of seven books, including Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle. The chairman of the Children & Nature Network (www.cnaturenet.org), he is also honorary co-chair of the National Forum on Children and Nature. He has written for the San Diego Union-Tribune, the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Christian Science Monitor, and other newspapers and magazines. He has appeared on The Early Show, Good Morning America, Today, CBS Evening News, NBC Nightly News, NPRs Morning Edition, Fresh Air, Talk of the Nation, and many other programs. For more information, visit www.lastchildinthewoods.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
July 25, 2025
I have led a fairly healthy lifestyle for several years, even if I have been derailed by cancer recently. I believe it is because of this healthy influence and experience, that I have been able to appreciate the value of what nature brings to the richness of our lives. I also believe it is what helped me through my greatest health challenge.
This book was recommended in one of my recent local library newsletters. Along with “Earth Medicines” by Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz. The sub-title for this book definitely attracted me…
‘The essential guide to a nature-rich life – 500 ways to enrich the health & happiness of your family & Community* - *and combat Nature-Deficit Disorder.
So, what is nature-deficit disorder?
Well, it isn’t a medical diagnosis. It just is a clever term to describe what could possibly happen to you or I when we make a choice not to spend time in nature. Because in many ways there is a perception that there actually can be negative impacts on our physical, psychological and mental well-being when we have less interaction with the natural world. I wouldn’t be surprised if there have been many scientific studies on this, as well. But to be clear, that is not the intended premise or discussion of this book.
This book just wants to showcase how to avoid this type of ‘disorder.’
Interestingly enough, the author shared an example of a keynote speech offered at a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service event in 2009 by Janet Ady. As their employee, she held before the crowd of participants an oversized pharmacy bottle for children. Simply stated on the bottle was the word: PRESCRIPTION.
“The label read: DIRECTIONS: Use daily, outdoors in nature. Go on a nature walk, watch birds, and observe trees. Practice respectful outdoor behavior in solitude or take with friends and family. REFILLS: Unlimited. EXPIRES: Never.”
Wouldn’t it be nice if all medication could be administered in such an easy and effective way?
This book is just the beginning of at least 500 suggestions on many different activities that can be done throughout one’s life to choose to be with nature. This delightfully easy-to-read book is filled with positivity and no good reasons, not to befriend the outdoors.
This would be a great book as a resource in libraries, schools or personal homes that is both inspirational and (could be considered) beneficial for all ages.
This book was recommended in one of my recent local library newsletters. Along with “Earth Medicines” by Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz. The sub-title for this book definitely attracted me…
‘The essential guide to a nature-rich life – 500 ways to enrich the health & happiness of your family & Community* - *and combat Nature-Deficit Disorder.
So, what is nature-deficit disorder?
Well, it isn’t a medical diagnosis. It just is a clever term to describe what could possibly happen to you or I when we make a choice not to spend time in nature. Because in many ways there is a perception that there actually can be negative impacts on our physical, psychological and mental well-being when we have less interaction with the natural world. I wouldn’t be surprised if there have been many scientific studies on this, as well. But to be clear, that is not the intended premise or discussion of this book.
This book just wants to showcase how to avoid this type of ‘disorder.’
Interestingly enough, the author shared an example of a keynote speech offered at a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service event in 2009 by Janet Ady. As their employee, she held before the crowd of participants an oversized pharmacy bottle for children. Simply stated on the bottle was the word: PRESCRIPTION.
“The label read: DIRECTIONS: Use daily, outdoors in nature. Go on a nature walk, watch birds, and observe trees. Practice respectful outdoor behavior in solitude or take with friends and family. REFILLS: Unlimited. EXPIRES: Never.”
Wouldn’t it be nice if all medication could be administered in such an easy and effective way?
This book is just the beginning of at least 500 suggestions on many different activities that can be done throughout one’s life to choose to be with nature. This delightfully easy-to-read book is filled with positivity and no good reasons, not to befriend the outdoors.
This would be a great book as a resource in libraries, schools or personal homes that is both inspirational and (could be considered) beneficial for all ages.
July 25, 2016
If hearing the term nature-deficit disorder concerns you, then this brainstorm book of solutions for integrating more of the outdoors into your life is easy to read for those suggestions that apply to your life, and skim over those sections that don't.
If you want to know more about the research behind nature-deficit disorder, then check out the Research Library at the Children & Nature Network.
Richard Louv has written two other books on this subject as well. Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder focuses on readers concerned with the impact of nature-deficit disorder on children, while The Nature Principle: Human Restoration and the End of Nature-Deficit Disorder is geared toward helping adults.
As a child-free minimalist, I found many inspiring ideas and stories here.
Create a G.O. Bag
One of his first suggestions to make a G.O. Bag made me smile. As someone who enjoys The Walking Dead and dystopian stories, I am somewhat familiar with prepping. Usually, a GO bag consists of emergency supplies to help someone survive a natural disaster or some other tragedy.
His twist was to make the duffel bag a Get Outside Bag filled with days packs, nature guides, maps, clothes, comfy footwear, granola bars, sunglasses, and water. Throw the duffel into your car trunk and you're ready to get outside whenever inspiration hits.
What a great way to use older items that may be taking up space in your closet, but they're not ready to be recycled yet.
Organize a Photo Scavenger Hunt
Make a list of natural items that you want to take pictures of over time. As you head outdoors, look for and photograph those items. You could set this activity up as a competition or a cooperative activity.
I like this idea for vacations too. If I'm planning a trip to someplace new, as I do my research, I could make a list of photos to find. What a great way to prepare for a trip and have some fun focus as I travel.
Paint Snow Angels for a Fashion Show
Living in Arizona, I don't see snow often, but my nieces and nephew do. One of the fun activities I'm going to be sure to tell my sister about involves filling plastic squirt bottles with water and adding a few drops of food coloring. When the kids make snow angels, have them paint faces and clothes.
But why stop there? Paint your snow person. Paint your snow fort. Make beautiful pictures in the snow and paint a frame around them. You could create a gallery of images all along your side walk.
Landscape From the Inside Out
People often spend time and effort creating yards with curb appeal. Louv advocates designing your landscaping to look good from inside your house. It is your view, after all.
Take Advantage of Crowd-Sourcing Opportunities
Throughout the book, Louv lists numerous organizations that appreciate people signing up and offering to record observations about weather, wildlife, plant growth, and environmental changes.
Other Cool Programs
I had not heard of Every Kid in a Park, which started in the U.S. in September 2015. Students who are in fourth grade get free admission along with their family to our national parks and other federal lands and waters.
I love this idea! As a kid, I was lucky enough to travel extensively through many of our national and state parks. I also always had an expansive backyard and nearby school playgrounds where I could run around. Reading a CDC statistic that "fewer than half of all kids in the United States can safely walk to a park from their home" just makes my heart sink. Knowing that there are programs that try to give all kids an opportunity to explore gives me some hope.
And then there's the First-Time Camper program in Georgia. Never been camping before? No problem! You can borrow the vast majority of the gear and have a state park ranger help you set up camp. They'll even give you an emergency number you can call in the middle of the night. There's no extra fee for these services. You just have to be a first-time camper. I wish every state had a program like this one!
In each chapter, Louv creates a balance of inspired ideas and various pieces of research. One of the pieces of research that struck me involved patients in hospitals.
Louv writes, "Pennsylvania researchers have found that patients in rooms with tree views had shorter hospitalization so, less need for pain medications, and fewer negative comments in the nurses' notes, compared to patients with views of brick." If someone you love is ill, make sure they can see nature, even if you're hanging pictures on the wall or showing videos.
Two other points also affected me. First, Louv shares how "Stephen Pont, MD, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Obesity, is particularly concerned about what he and other health officials now call the pandemic of inactivity."
Basically, he makes a strong argument that sitting is the new smoking.
And then there's our culture's constant need to be faster, better, more productive. But as we increase our screen time, we also seem to be suffering from more memory problems.
Louv writes, "Getting more music, art, yoga, meditation, weight-lifting—whatever—into our lives can help. But technology fasting while spending time in the natural world may be the most effective antidote."
Louv offers a variety of ideas for technology fasting, but my favorite was Camp Grounded: Summer Camps for Adults.
The camps are located in Northern California, New York, North Carolina, and Texas. I checked prices for the three sessions that are coming up and each four day camp session is $645 plus a $29.53 fee. Transportation is not included, but seven gourmet meals are along with activities, live music, daily yoga, campfires with S'mores, and even more! For about $225/night, that's not bad pricing at all. Plus they have scholarships and low-income tickets.
Yes, I just signed up for their newsletter!
I guess what I love about this book the most is how it made me rethink how much time I spend not only outdoors, but also disconnected from the myriad of screens around me. Am I really taking advantage of what nature has to offer if I've got headphones plugged in? Do I need to watch CNN every day? Do I even need to check email every day?
Many, if not most, of the suggested activities have recommended sources listed. Books and organizations. At the end of the book, there's a nine page bibliography and recommended reading list as well.
If you know that you need to disconnect more, but you're making excuses, then this book may hold just the right amount of inspiration to get you outside.
If you want to know more about the research behind nature-deficit disorder, then check out the Research Library at the Children & Nature Network.
Richard Louv has written two other books on this subject as well. Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder focuses on readers concerned with the impact of nature-deficit disorder on children, while The Nature Principle: Human Restoration and the End of Nature-Deficit Disorder is geared toward helping adults.
As a child-free minimalist, I found many inspiring ideas and stories here.
Create a G.O. Bag
One of his first suggestions to make a G.O. Bag made me smile. As someone who enjoys The Walking Dead and dystopian stories, I am somewhat familiar with prepping. Usually, a GO bag consists of emergency supplies to help someone survive a natural disaster or some other tragedy.
His twist was to make the duffel bag a Get Outside Bag filled with days packs, nature guides, maps, clothes, comfy footwear, granola bars, sunglasses, and water. Throw the duffel into your car trunk and you're ready to get outside whenever inspiration hits.
What a great way to use older items that may be taking up space in your closet, but they're not ready to be recycled yet.
Organize a Photo Scavenger Hunt
Make a list of natural items that you want to take pictures of over time. As you head outdoors, look for and photograph those items. You could set this activity up as a competition or a cooperative activity.
I like this idea for vacations too. If I'm planning a trip to someplace new, as I do my research, I could make a list of photos to find. What a great way to prepare for a trip and have some fun focus as I travel.
Paint Snow Angels for a Fashion Show
Living in Arizona, I don't see snow often, but my nieces and nephew do. One of the fun activities I'm going to be sure to tell my sister about involves filling plastic squirt bottles with water and adding a few drops of food coloring. When the kids make snow angels, have them paint faces and clothes.
But why stop there? Paint your snow person. Paint your snow fort. Make beautiful pictures in the snow and paint a frame around them. You could create a gallery of images all along your side walk.
Landscape From the Inside Out
People often spend time and effort creating yards with curb appeal. Louv advocates designing your landscaping to look good from inside your house. It is your view, after all.
Take Advantage of Crowd-Sourcing Opportunities
Throughout the book, Louv lists numerous organizations that appreciate people signing up and offering to record observations about weather, wildlife, plant growth, and environmental changes.
Other Cool Programs
I had not heard of Every Kid in a Park, which started in the U.S. in September 2015. Students who are in fourth grade get free admission along with their family to our national parks and other federal lands and waters.
I love this idea! As a kid, I was lucky enough to travel extensively through many of our national and state parks. I also always had an expansive backyard and nearby school playgrounds where I could run around. Reading a CDC statistic that "fewer than half of all kids in the United States can safely walk to a park from their home" just makes my heart sink. Knowing that there are programs that try to give all kids an opportunity to explore gives me some hope.
And then there's the First-Time Camper program in Georgia. Never been camping before? No problem! You can borrow the vast majority of the gear and have a state park ranger help you set up camp. They'll even give you an emergency number you can call in the middle of the night. There's no extra fee for these services. You just have to be a first-time camper. I wish every state had a program like this one!
In each chapter, Louv creates a balance of inspired ideas and various pieces of research. One of the pieces of research that struck me involved patients in hospitals.
Louv writes, "Pennsylvania researchers have found that patients in rooms with tree views had shorter hospitalization so, less need for pain medications, and fewer negative comments in the nurses' notes, compared to patients with views of brick." If someone you love is ill, make sure they can see nature, even if you're hanging pictures on the wall or showing videos.
Two other points also affected me. First, Louv shares how "Stephen Pont, MD, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Obesity, is particularly concerned about what he and other health officials now call the pandemic of inactivity."
Basically, he makes a strong argument that sitting is the new smoking.
And then there's our culture's constant need to be faster, better, more productive. But as we increase our screen time, we also seem to be suffering from more memory problems.
Louv writes, "Getting more music, art, yoga, meditation, weight-lifting—whatever—into our lives can help. But technology fasting while spending time in the natural world may be the most effective antidote."
Louv offers a variety of ideas for technology fasting, but my favorite was Camp Grounded: Summer Camps for Adults.
The camps are located in Northern California, New York, North Carolina, and Texas. I checked prices for the three sessions that are coming up and each four day camp session is $645 plus a $29.53 fee. Transportation is not included, but seven gourmet meals are along with activities, live music, daily yoga, campfires with S'mores, and even more! For about $225/night, that's not bad pricing at all. Plus they have scholarships and low-income tickets.
Yes, I just signed up for their newsletter!
I guess what I love about this book the most is how it made me rethink how much time I spend not only outdoors, but also disconnected from the myriad of screens around me. Am I really taking advantage of what nature has to offer if I've got headphones plugged in? Do I need to watch CNN every day? Do I even need to check email every day?
Many, if not most, of the suggested activities have recommended sources listed. Books and organizations. At the end of the book, there's a nine page bibliography and recommended reading list as well.
If you know that you need to disconnect more, but you're making excuses, then this book may hold just the right amount of inspiration to get you outside.
September 5, 2022
Some great ideas; not all as useful or applicable depending on your lifestyle. I appreciated the ideas for family and kid-friendly activities. I will be considering some of these ideas for my own life as well as for my neighborhood/community. All in all, worth the read 👍🏻
January 10, 2021
This has so many great varied (and practical) ideas for getting involved and in touch with the natural world around us. One of my favorite reads on this topic so far.
August 1, 2018
Vitamin N is common sense that has been forgotten or not taken. Great ideas, activities, and organizations shared. Definitely using/going to use some their suggestions. Great ideas for kids & families in this new technological age.
February 6, 2017
A really wonderful resource.
June 3, 2024
I made full page list of ideas from this book to keep getting us outside and enjoying Creation. Great resource for any parent.
December 19, 2019
Excellent Excellent Excellent! My family loves being outside. We go camping once or twice a year and we are in the woods almost every month (sometimes more, sometimes less)... not to mention all of the outdoor activities in our own backyard. My friend gave me this book as a gift and there are so many great ideas here that I had never heard of. Every family... even those who are fairly active outdoors... can benefit from this book. Not only will you be motivated to go outside with your own kids, but there are easy ways to integrate a nature-rich life into your church, your school, and your community.
I need to read Richard Louv's Last Child in the Woods next (probably should have read it first).
5 full stars!
I need to read Richard Louv's Last Child in the Woods next (probably should have read it first).
5 full stars!
April 25, 2018
This book gives the reader a set of different ideas of how to become engaged with nature. Louv gives multiple examples and ideas but if you have read his book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder, much of this book is repetitive. I would say if you are just looking for a resource to spark your imagination, this is a good book. He also supplies a multitude of further reading resources to expand his suggestions, which are a great addition.
I took my time with this book because he did repeat a lot of what he has written previously.
I took my time with this book because he did repeat a lot of what he has written previously.
November 18, 2018
Great ways to get outside and enjoy each and every bit of nature! 🍃🌾🌲
June 4, 2019
Reasons I love this book:
- Ideas. It is full of ideas to incorporate nature in child's lives.
- Benefits. It is full of reasons why it is benefit to children to be in nature, and these are
-Guilt free. No one can do all the ideas in this book. But you can pick one idea that feels doable and implement it.
-Easy read. You can jump in anywhere in the book and find ideas that fit your situation.
-For all ages. While it is geared to the benefits for kids, it becomes apparent that all ages benefit from time in nature.
- Ideas. It is full of ideas to incorporate nature in child's lives.
- Benefits. It is full of reasons why it is benefit to children to be in nature, and these are
-Guilt free. No one can do all the ideas in this book. But you can pick one idea that feels doable and implement it.
-Easy read. You can jump in anywhere in the book and find ideas that fit your situation.
-For all ages. While it is geared to the benefits for kids, it becomes apparent that all ages benefit from time in nature.
March 5, 2021
Fajnie systematyzuje wszystkie rzeczy, które planuję dla bombelka w nowym ogrodzie. Już zaczęłam projektować wiejski ogródek (fuck yeah biodiversity) i mam OGROMNĄ ochotę wskoczyć do kałuży, by zobaczyć jak rozbryzguje się wiosenne błotko. Super też, że autor zachęca do wyjścia z inicjatywą poza swoje podwórko i do organizacji klubów przyrodnika, spotkań w szkołach oraz grup nacisku na lokalnych włodarzy. Czuję to!
Równolegle czytam Patyki i badyle Urszuli Zajączkowskiej. Dobrze się uzupełniają, polecam ten dwupak.
Równolegle czytam Patyki i badyle Urszuli Zajączkowskiej. Dobrze się uzupełniają, polecam ten dwupak.
August 1, 2025
I feel so inspired after reading this book! Chock full of applicable ideas to make nature accessible and engaging in the home, education, and community circles, I am all fired up to try them out!
This definitely is more of a resource book that pairs well with more research dense texts about the need to live a nature-rich life but it’s extremely valuable in understanding how to put what the data is saying into practice.
Seriously so glad I bought this one and know I will utilize it often as a parent, educator, and citizen.
This definitely is more of a resource book that pairs well with more research dense texts about the need to live a nature-rich life but it’s extremely valuable in understanding how to put what the data is saying into practice.
Seriously so glad I bought this one and know I will utilize it often as a parent, educator, and citizen.
May 6, 2025
This book was so rich with information and ideas and wisdom. I just love this author who has a clear passion for children, families, communities, and nature. This book is importsnt to read and share-specifically within the educational communities where are children are impacted. I would say that schools and universities and libraries would greatly benefit from truly understanding the importance of being outside.
Also-I appreciate the authors consistent nod throughout the entire book to homeschoolers. He acknowledges that they have already jumped on board the nature wagon!
This author is intelligent, knowledgeable and absolutely trustworthy as a source of wisdom.
Also-I appreciate the authors consistent nod throughout the entire book to homeschoolers. He acknowledges that they have already jumped on board the nature wagon!
This author is intelligent, knowledgeable and absolutely trustworthy as a source of wisdom.
May 6, 2020
Full of great activities and ideas related to experiencing nature, with or without kids. Some of my favorite concepts/ideas included starting a community hiking club; the Norwegian concept of "friluftsliv"; and ideas about exploration of the natural world with young children and sharing their sense of wonder.
-read in quarantine-
-read in quarantine-
May 17, 2024
This is more of a “companion handbook” to a favorite book (Last Child in the Woods) & it is full of nature-time “possibilities”. It begins with a great quote by Rachel Carson, “ If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder… He (or she) needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.”
April 13, 2022
accessible and practical. We are already a pretty nature-loving family but I still wish I had this when my kids were small! Still plenty of good ideas for the older-kid years and beyond though and there is always room in life for MORE NATURE and MORE OUTSIDE. I want to buy a copy for every person on our city's planning commission and tell them to knock off all the development.
February 6, 2025
Some really good information & ideas - especially for administrators, teachers, and parents - about how to incorporate nature in play and learning. However, I also felt like there was a lot of filler information (Listened as an audiobook)
April 5, 2016
I received this book through a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
“Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life” was a great read. There are “500 Ways to Enrich Your Family's Health & Happiness,” as stated on the cover. There are ideas in this book for all ages, from infant to adult.
The premise of the book is that we live in a society that has grown away from nature, that we are suffering from what the author has coined “nature-deficit disorder.” The book is full of facts that support the idea that nature is beneficial to humans by relieving stress, anxiety, and depression; helping increase concentration and assisting with ADHD symptoms in children; improving mental and physical health; and aiding creativity and learning. The author encourages time in nature for everyone, including children and adults with special needs. The author suggests joining local outdoor groups to decrease isolation and to build stronger bonds with local people and other families. Though the point of the book is to get outside and into nature, away from the TV, electronic gadgets, and advertising, electronic devices can sometimes be used in tandem with nature to enhance the experience, as with geocaching, which is similar to a treasure hunt that uses GPS. He suggests taking an inexpensive camera and taking photos for older children.
The book discusses the exciting increase in popularity of nature kindergartens and nature preschools. These types of programs take place outside, rain or shine.
I like how the book is formatted. There are text areas, then there are set-apart bolded sections that are part of the 500 suggestions. I also like the fact that there are quotes from regular people and professionals who are involved in this “forward to nature” movement in a section called Other Voices. The book is broken up into manageable chunks, so it's great to read in doctor's offices, for example.
The author also includes suggestions for grandparents to get involved.
Some of the ideas included are gardening in the backyard, helping researchers by collecting data about local wildlife, going bird-watching, catching fireflies, hiking, mountain climbing, playing in the mud, camping or renting a cabin in the woods at a state park, wildcrafting, go on a picnic in the park, independent outdoor play, cloud-spotting (there's a group devoted to this!), record outdoor sounds like birds singing or the river and listen inside, storytelling, outdoor experiments like a sun oven, nature writing such as keeping a nature journal, writing about the beauty of something ugly, haiku poetry, rock art, making handmade books about your adventures outside and using outdoor treasures in them, tree-houses, going star-gazing, building forts, learn navigation skills, roll down grassy hills, fly a kite, and many, many other suggestions. Do these sound like activities that you might have done as a child? I remember doing many of them; they were normal parts of play years ago. This is not the case anymore. Some of these activities sound so simple, but they are wonderful experiences!
There is one thing I would like to note about a specific activity. The author suggests taking your child's toys and stuffed animals and hiding them outside in different areas, then letting your child find them and have a blast playing with them in a different environment. The author says that kids will love this, but I want to state that you know your child best. If my mom would have taken my stuffed animals outside and hid them, I would have freaked out and cried. An Easter egg hunt is one thing, but this is quite another. There are plenty of other suggestions, though.
The book also includes suggestions on how to get the community involved in the Forward to Nature movement, using local schools and teachers, libraries, and other organizations. Some of these ideas seem to be out of reach and unrealistic, but the point of this book is to initiate change. What is unrealistic today might be common in the future.
There are safety tips included, many resources including a bibliography and recommended reading, and ideas for people who live in urban areas. The book discusses healing gardens in hospitals and includes suggestions for renovations of buildings to include more elements of nature.
Overall, this was a great book chock full of wonderful ideas to get back in touch with nature and regain balance. Even though I am not a parent, there are plenty of good ideas in here that I would like to try myself, and I plan to lend the book to my mother so that she might include some of these activities as she plays with and babysits my niece and nephew. While nature-deficit disorder is not a recognized medical diagnosis, I believe that there is credibility in the claims made about it. I would want the future generation to have good, positive memories of playing outside, and not just a childhood of memories that are just watching TV, playing video games, taking selfies, and surfing the internet. This book is a great place to start to enact change for the betterment of ourselves and our children.
“Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life” was a great read. There are “500 Ways to Enrich Your Family's Health & Happiness,” as stated on the cover. There are ideas in this book for all ages, from infant to adult.
The premise of the book is that we live in a society that has grown away from nature, that we are suffering from what the author has coined “nature-deficit disorder.” The book is full of facts that support the idea that nature is beneficial to humans by relieving stress, anxiety, and depression; helping increase concentration and assisting with ADHD symptoms in children; improving mental and physical health; and aiding creativity and learning. The author encourages time in nature for everyone, including children and adults with special needs. The author suggests joining local outdoor groups to decrease isolation and to build stronger bonds with local people and other families. Though the point of the book is to get outside and into nature, away from the TV, electronic gadgets, and advertising, electronic devices can sometimes be used in tandem with nature to enhance the experience, as with geocaching, which is similar to a treasure hunt that uses GPS. He suggests taking an inexpensive camera and taking photos for older children.
The book discusses the exciting increase in popularity of nature kindergartens and nature preschools. These types of programs take place outside, rain or shine.
I like how the book is formatted. There are text areas, then there are set-apart bolded sections that are part of the 500 suggestions. I also like the fact that there are quotes from regular people and professionals who are involved in this “forward to nature” movement in a section called Other Voices. The book is broken up into manageable chunks, so it's great to read in doctor's offices, for example.
The author also includes suggestions for grandparents to get involved.
Some of the ideas included are gardening in the backyard, helping researchers by collecting data about local wildlife, going bird-watching, catching fireflies, hiking, mountain climbing, playing in the mud, camping or renting a cabin in the woods at a state park, wildcrafting, go on a picnic in the park, independent outdoor play, cloud-spotting (there's a group devoted to this!), record outdoor sounds like birds singing or the river and listen inside, storytelling, outdoor experiments like a sun oven, nature writing such as keeping a nature journal, writing about the beauty of something ugly, haiku poetry, rock art, making handmade books about your adventures outside and using outdoor treasures in them, tree-houses, going star-gazing, building forts, learn navigation skills, roll down grassy hills, fly a kite, and many, many other suggestions. Do these sound like activities that you might have done as a child? I remember doing many of them; they were normal parts of play years ago. This is not the case anymore. Some of these activities sound so simple, but they are wonderful experiences!
There is one thing I would like to note about a specific activity. The author suggests taking your child's toys and stuffed animals and hiding them outside in different areas, then letting your child find them and have a blast playing with them in a different environment. The author says that kids will love this, but I want to state that you know your child best. If my mom would have taken my stuffed animals outside and hid them, I would have freaked out and cried. An Easter egg hunt is one thing, but this is quite another. There are plenty of other suggestions, though.
The book also includes suggestions on how to get the community involved in the Forward to Nature movement, using local schools and teachers, libraries, and other organizations. Some of these ideas seem to be out of reach and unrealistic, but the point of this book is to initiate change. What is unrealistic today might be common in the future.
There are safety tips included, many resources including a bibliography and recommended reading, and ideas for people who live in urban areas. The book discusses healing gardens in hospitals and includes suggestions for renovations of buildings to include more elements of nature.
Overall, this was a great book chock full of wonderful ideas to get back in touch with nature and regain balance. Even though I am not a parent, there are plenty of good ideas in here that I would like to try myself, and I plan to lend the book to my mother so that she might include some of these activities as she plays with and babysits my niece and nephew. While nature-deficit disorder is not a recognized medical diagnosis, I believe that there is credibility in the claims made about it. I would want the future generation to have good, positive memories of playing outside, and not just a childhood of memories that are just watching TV, playing video games, taking selfies, and surfing the internet. This book is a great place to start to enact change for the betterment of ourselves and our children.
June 10, 2019
Chalk full of suggestions to get outdoors and increase appreciation of nature. As a Charlotte Mason educator, I found it helpful since so much of the early years and afternoons are supposed to be spent out of doors. I suggest taking notes as you read.
February 10, 2020
Quick read. Great resource and inspiration to get outdoors!
October 21, 2019
A fabulous guide to incorporating more nature into your everyday life. My only complain is that I didn’t enjoy the voices and accents that the narrator did while quoting people.
January 3, 2016
Brilliant book full of suggestion to help your kids and your family in general, not to loose contact with nature with a lot of activities and tips to make nature a concrete part of your life even if you don't have a garden and live in the city.
Libro veramente ben scritto e pieno di suggerimenti per insegnare ai bambini e alla famiglia, in generale, a non perdere il contatto con la natura, con un sacco di attivitá e "trucchi" per fare sí che le piante e gli animale e tutto il mondo naturale facciano concretamente parte della nostra esistenza, anche se viviamo in cittá e non abbiamo un giardino.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND ALGONQUIN BOOKS FOR THE PREVIEW!
Libro veramente ben scritto e pieno di suggerimenti per insegnare ai bambini e alla famiglia, in generale, a non perdere il contatto con la natura, con un sacco di attivitá e "trucchi" per fare sí che le piante e gli animale e tutto il mondo naturale facciano concretamente parte della nostra esistenza, anche se viviamo in cittá e non abbiamo un giardino.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND ALGONQUIN BOOKS FOR THE PREVIEW!
March 1, 2017
This is a great book discussing the importance of nature and everything natural in our lives. It explores how we interact with the living world and why it is so beneficial to our health. Although it is mainly aimed at children it can just as easily be applied to adults who are possible lacking vitamin N. I do believe, as touched on in the book, we have an innate desire to be in nature, we are a product of nature and we are amazed by everything natural. A good resource to have for every health practitioner who should be looking at taking a leaf from this book and start prescribing, advising and supporting nature to all their clients.
November 5, 2016
Great collection of ideas for getting more connected to nature. I read the UK edition, which had a strange mixture of US- and UK-centric recommendations, which at times felt a bit disjointed. If not for that slight criticism, I would have awarded this 5 stars. I am now going to get some highlighters out and highlight the things I do now, and pick out my next steps for action. As a parent (of teenagers, so a lot of the tips were a little late for me) and a teacher, there is much that I can adopt.
June 16, 2016
Richard Louv's Last Child in the Woods coined the term "nature-deficit disorder" to describe kids (and adults) who are increasingly prone to screens and staying inside. It painted a dismal picture, but was relatively short on antidotes. This long-awaited companion book makes up for that with 500 (!) ideas for connecting your kids, and yourself, to the natural world. This is a book I'll be recommending to parents.
April 25, 2016
This is great book for anyone who wants to get kids involved in the outdoors; through school, worship, or community. Written by Richard Louv, bestselling author of "Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder", this book systematically explores all aspects of nature, the outdoors, and children in one comprehensive format. I especially love the section dedicated to libraries and their importance to nature and the community.
July 24, 2016
Everyone should read this book--parents, teachers, librarians, workers in all industries, young and old, healthy and sickly, seriously, everyone. A thorough explanation of why everyone needs to connect with nature, why it is essential for our spiritual, emotional, and physical health. LOTS of ideas for getting outside, especially with children. Lots of resources. Sometimes the lists of things to do can be a bit tedious, but they make for great references as well as jumping off points.
November 18, 2016
This is an excellent and practical follow-up to "Last Child in the Woods." Here, Louv skips the philosophy and goes right to ideas the reader can use. It doesn't matter whether you are a parent, a teacher, a community member, or play any other role -- you will find some ideas to make getting out into nature. There are over 500 ideas listed and described, ideas that can be used in any setting from urban, to suburban, to rural.
March 15, 2017
This isn't a traditional book as much as it's an extensively annotated suggestion list designed to accompany Louv's better known "Last Child in the Woods". If that book spoke to you on a personal level, this is a great companion piece. You'll find here a wide range of suggestions for a huge variety of living situations which is always nice. I especially liked his flat refusal to vilify technology. He even includes a bunch of ideas for incorporating digital tech in nature-focused explorations.
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