Why did I buy this book?

This book was recommended by Gwen, the manager of Drury Lane Books in Grand Marais, Minnesota, one of my favorite bookstores. (Although, I have to say any independent bookstore I go into becomes one of my favorites! And, once I’m inside a bookstore, I don’t like to leave.)

What is this book about?

Backyard Almanac: 365 Days of Northern Nature covers plants, insects, and animals that can be found in northern Minnesota and northern Wisconsin. One day and one page at a time, readers can learn about birds, butterflies, mosses, mushrooms, berries, wild flowers, amphibians, and trees, among other amazing plants and creatures.

What do I love about this book?

I started reading this book on October 10 because that is when I bought it. I read one page a day, so today I will read the entry for November 6, titled “Jiggly Jelly Fungi of Fall.” I love that I can read about nature one page a day, and it only takes a few minutes. It satisfies my urge to learn about the natural world around me, and it leaves me with time to read other books.

Each page is beautifully laid out. Larry Weber writes clear, concise descriptions with interesting details about each plant, insect, or animal. Photographer Sparky Stensaas provides beautiful photographs and informative captions. And illustrator Judy Gibbs’s enchanting sketches grace every page. It’s fascinating how much life can be found on the forest floor, in low-growing vegetation, and in trees if a person knows where to look.

At the end of each month’s section, is a blank page where a person can record notes about nature. An index at the back of the book makes it easy to look up entries. Because of the book’s thick, glossy, high-quality paper, the photographs are sharp with great color reproduction. Also, the book is heavy — good for doing some arm-toning reps, which I actually do if no one is watching.

What makes this book important?

The more people understand about nature and its interconnectedness, the more they will respect and treasure all of its plants, insects, and animals.