Monday, October 25, 2010

Last Child in the Woods

by Richard Louv

This is the first book to bring together a new and growing body of research indicating that direct exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood development and for the physical and emotional health of children and adults. It is a comprehensive exploration of the issue, so it has much to offer to help us reflect about family time and our environment.


We have a challenge as modern “city” folk relating to the Australian bush, and this compares closely with the author’s concerns for his woods in America. A great deal has been written recently about the problems of over-protecting children. When I was at school we had a nature table on which many interesting items could be displayed. I wonder what would happen if we allowed nature tables in classrooms again?


There are suggested actions you can take to create change in your community, school, and family and discussion points to inspire people of all ages to talk about the importance of nature in their lives. This book is primarily of interest to parents and educators.


Reviewed by Helen Sillar

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