A rollicking book that reminds young readers to go outside and play! “We’re bringing the outside in, oh, bringing the outside in. . . .” Nothing takes the place of splashing in a puddle or jumping into a pile of autumn leaves. Along with the mud and sand that gets tracked indoors come memories that live forever! Mary McKenna Siddals has written a joyous anthem that encourages children to play in the dirt. It will surely resonate with today’s overscheduled as well as sedentary kids, and their parents.

Offers nature-based experiences to encourage educators and young children to bring the natural world into the early childhood classroom. Each hands-on, open-ended, and sensory oriented experience is designed to spark discovery and imagination; encourage conversations and collaborations; allow young children to develop a sense of wonder and get to know the natural world inch-by-inch and bit-by-bit; and preserve the joys of childhood.

The reading that we value in school is becoming further and further distanced from the literacy students experience in their outside lives. Inside the classroom, we ask our students to immerse themselves in print texts and write purposefully. Once out the door, they are text-messaging, blogging, engaging in online multi-player games, and expertly integrating words, images, and music to create original texts. Can we import these textual spaces and literacies into English class to help re-connect students who don't see themselves as readers and writers? English educator Sara Kajder's answer is an emphatic "yes," and in Bringing the Outside In she demonstrates myriad ways to employ students' outside talents in the classroom. Drawing on multiple examples of student work, she shows how she adapts the curriculum to incorporate an expanded definition of literacy and literacy tools. Sara offers teachers guidance on how to extend their repertoire of teaching strategies, and help kids connect their natural curiosity and skills as readers and writers of both print and electronic texts, while keeping reading and writing at the center of the curriculum. Keying in on the visual aspects of literacy, and building upon students' growing interest in using words and images from their lives to read and write for authentic reasons and authentic audiences--integrating such strategies as digital storytelling, visual think-alouds, visual literature circles, and others into English class--Sara and her kids redefine what it means to be literate in today's world. By adding visual components to class activities and projects integrating tools ranging from pencils and paper to "weblogs" and "wikis," even reluctant students can become engaged and see themselves as readers and writers for the first time.

Rewild Your Home offers ways to improve both your home space and headspace using elements and inspiration from the natural world. By using simple biophilic design tips and weaving natural elements into your home, you can make your indoor living, sleeping and working areas more healthy, happy and relaxing. From wild swimming to forest bathing and wildlife gardening, being outside in nature can lift our spirits, refresh our minds and soothe our souls. And that essential connection to the wild can also be brought into your home. From maximising natural views, greening up windowsills and balconies and inviting wildlife up close, to the use of wild colours, materials and patterns, interiors expert Victoria Harrison looks at creative ways to link your living spaces to the outdoors. There are quick and fun projects sprinkled throughout, and plenty of practical ideas to inspire, whether you live in a rented urban apartment or a family home.

“With the twinned calamities of climate change and mass extinction weighing heavier and heavier on my nature-besotted soul, here were concrete, affordable actions that I could take, that anyone could take, to help our wild neighbors thrive in the built human environment. And it all starts with nothing more than a seed. Bringing Nature Home is a miracle: a book that summons butterflies." —Margaret Renkl, The Washington Post As development and habitat destruction accelerate, there are increasing pressures on wildlife populations. In his groundbreaking book Bringing Nature Home, Douglas W. Tallamy reveals the unbreakable link between native plant species and native wildlife—native insects cannot, or will not, eat alien plants. When native plants disappear, the insects disappear, impoverishing the food source for birds and other animals. Luckily, there is an important and simple step we can all take to help reverse this alarming trend: everyone with access to a patch of earth can make a significant contribution toward sustaining biodiversity by simply choosing native plants. By acting on Douglas Tallamy's practical and achievable recommendations, we can all make a difference.

_____________ "Everything you need to know about keeping plants in your house... lovely pictures, tips, tricks... I love it." (Zoe Sugg a.k.a Zoella) Love plants, but short on outdoor space? Keen to fill your home with greenery but don't know where to start? Or perhaps you've been labelled a house-plant serial killer? Then this is the book for you. With stunning photography and expert step-by-step tips, Bring The Outside In reveals everything you need to know to help your plants thrive, from dramatic statement foliage and miniature citrus trees to table-top terrariums and hanging planters. With chapters on orchids, cacti, herb gardens and chilli plants, your home will be flourishing in no time.

Knitting sensations Arne and Carlos present 36 gorgeous patterns that evoke the simple joy of gardens no matter the time of year or location. Hydrangeas, roses, violets, and fluttering critters are among the countryside delights that are transformed into knit and crochet projects in this image-laden book, ranging from the small and decorative to the larger and more practical, including afghans and throws. Arne and Carlos go out of their way to share their imagination and inspiration, once again providing unique and diverse ideas for handmade décor in their characteristic style, which honors traditional Scandinavian knitting while ensuring every crafter's amusement, comfort, and all-around happiness.