A Year with Nature: An Almanac

People will be challenged to think more deeply about the world around them every day while reading this book. In brief entries, Crump (biology, Utah State and Northern Arizona Univ.; Eye of Newt and Toe of Frog, Adder's Fork and Lizard's Leg) offers food-for-thought as each day highlights a significant event in history or thought-provoking facts we often take for granted. Some of the dates mark occasions that have possibilities, such as the introduction of cricket flour as the perfect source of protein. Crump also includes morals at the end of each section, such as encouraging people to become more educated about animals they're afraid of or ideas for helping children cultivate a love of nature. Whimsical illustrations add charm, and readers will appreciate this volume more as a type of daily devotional than a straight read-through since it's easier to notice the overlap when reading without pause (i.e., repetitive entries on turtle or shark appreciation). The bibliography is sorted by date, making it easy to find more information on topics of particular interest.