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Perfect for ages 8+, readers are invited to explore, learn, and play in harmony with nature—no matter what season we’re in!
Filled with bespoke crafts and seasonal activities for readers young and old, The Nature of Play is the perfect resource for exploring and engaging with nature and your creative side—whether you’re at home, in your backyard, or a local park.
Discover seasonal recipes, hands-on projects, and detailed guides to plants and animals, including:
- How to find your way using nature's signs
- How to create a leaf mask
- How to stargaze and discover solar constellations
- How to create seasonal mobiles that celebrate the seasons
- How to plant a terrarium, and so much more!
The perfect book for families, forest schools, educators, and anyone looking to connect with the outdoors, The Nature of Play inspires curiosity and hands-on learning, making it easy to enjoy and appreciate nature—wherever you are, all year round.
From the author:
“Many children don't know how to play without a screen—this book is a small inoculation against that state of being. It requires children to challenge themselves, find solutions and rely on their skills and imaginations. Most of all, it asks them to slow their pace enough to really observe, to examine, to contemplate and to wonder.”
—Delfina Aguilar
"The current move to reduce screen time opens opportunities for rediscovering the fun and wonder of play. And this book provides a source of ideas for things to explore, from star watching to making seed bombs.”
—Archimedes Notebook
“Essential…Thoughtfully organized by the four seasons, Aguilar and Aitken show that nature is full of fun and adventure. This isn't about supervising play; it’s about facilitating it. With stunning photography and a clean layout…makes nature feel accessible…The perfect gift for a new parent."
—Kiss the Book
"The perfect book for families, forest schools, educators, and anyone looking to connect with the outdoors, "The Nature of Play" inspires curiosity and hands-on learning, making it easy to enjoy and appreciate nature -- wherever you are, all year round."
—Midwest Book Review
"Very attractive...filled with creative hands-on activities for every season. A nice resource to have around to counter complaints of boredom. A good recommendation for elementary school-aged kids who love reading how-to books and putting plans into action. Families home-schooling their children or those looking for a less screen-centric lifestyle may find this aspirational book of particular interest."
—Youth Services Book Review
“Brimming with crafts, recipes, poetry, encyclopedialike facts, and games … A welcome rallying cry to get outdoors and explore."
—Kirkus Reviews
Delfina Aguilar is the founder of Fanny & Alexander, a brand devoted to analogue toys and books that invite children—and the adults who love them—to play more thoughtfully, encouraging imagination, curiosity, and screen-free wonder. She is the co-author of The Nature of Play, Hiccup Makes a Leap, and The Acorn Who Hung On.
Clare Aitken is an author of books for children. She is passionate about nature, community and food and has co-written several books including The Nature of Play.
Introduction
Before we Begin
Spring
Eat/Do/Look/Read
Poem: “Today” by Billy Collins
Recipe: Drinking shrub
Make seed bombs
Get to know a tree
Create a scene
Make a paper plane
Interview: John Collins, AKA the Paper Airplane Guy
Craft a pop-up card
Plan a picnic
Recipe: Grilled vegetables with whipped ricotta dip
Recipe: Summer rolls
River races
Summer
Eat/Do/Look/Read
Poem: “Summer Stars” by Carl Sandburg
Recipe: Ice pops
Skipping stones
Make petal paper
Create a time capsule
Weave a simple basket
Games for journeys
Plan a midsummer party
Recipe: Barbecued corn with flavored butter
Recipe: Butternut squash salad
Navigate with nature
Interview: Tristan Gooley, natural navigator
Write a letter
Autumn
Eat/Do/Look/Read
Poem: “Willow Poem” by William Carlos Williams
Recipe: Figs with ricotta, honey, thyme and almonds
Build a den
Create a seasonal mobile
Create a leaf mask
Fly a kite
Build a bug hotel
Make a flip-book
Take leaf rubbings
Make your own pinhole camera
Go stargazing
Interview: Dr. Anna Lisa Varri, theoretical astrophysicist
Map your neighborhood
Winter
Eat/Do/Look/Read
Poem: “Picture-Books in Winter” by Robert Louis Stevenson
Recipe: Alfajores
Freeze ice ornaments
Wrap your gifts
Make a snowman
Send a secret message
Interview: Anna Gram, spy
Memory game
Shadow animals
Plant a terrarium
Rainy day games
Acknowledgments
Index