Keeping a Nature Journal is an updated and reformated third edition of Clare Walker Leslie's first edition from 1997. Due out 30th March 2021 from Storey, it's 224 pages (print version) and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

This edition follows the layout and format of the previous additions with updated and expanded content (including new pages from the author's current nature journal - her 55th!). The introductory chapters include the hows and whys of setting up and developing the habit of keeping a journal and using (and improving) it. The second section includes accessible art instruction tutorials for rendering sky, flowering plants and trees, birds, mammals, insects and spiders, and landscapes. The entire book is full of beautiful colorful art and good takeaways about mindfulness, training ourselves to actually *look* and *see* our subjects, and some good tips on slowing down and allowing ourselves the space to learn and grow.

The appendices are also useful and well laid out: teaching and interacting in a group setting with different age groups, with some standard examples of recording data/location/etc, and tips on what to expect from different age groups, curricula, recognizing progress and learning and much more. There is an abbreviated links and bibliography list as well as a cross referenced index.

This is an information dense, accessible, and useful resource. I would highly recommend it to journalers, readers in search of more nature-based mindfulness exercises, as well as in classroom settings, painting and nature groups, and the like. This would make a nice addition to the artist's home studio or makers' group library as well.

Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

In this third edition of Keeping a Nature Journal, Clare Walker Leslie makes her incredibly user-friendly approach even more accessible. I have the 2000 version, and I appreciate that she has used more and larger images, made more use of color, and has totally rearranged the format. Whether you are a seasoned nature drawer or a beginner, you will find her advice and encouragement-along with her detailed and whimsical drawings-inspiring. With a forward by E.O. Wilson and a bit of background on the hows and whys of keeping a nature journal, Clare will inspire you to get in touch with your inner child, awaken your senses, gather your notebook and drawing pencils, and take yourself outside.

I whole-heartily recommend this book to anyone who works with children or young adults; teaches science, English, or art; naturalists who would like to augment their work by keeping a drawing journal, or anyone who just wants to reconnect with the natural world. If you are a fan of nature drawing and have enjoyed Claire Walker Leslie's earlier books, this will not disappoint!

Keeping a Nature Journal is an uncovered gem for me! I truly love how the book outlines the steps of keeping a nature journal, and incorporates beautiful images to illustrate the various examples and ways of setting up your journal. This book covers why to keep a nature journal, how to do it, benefits of keeping one, tips for conducting nature observations, and so much more!
This is a book that makes me happy and excited about getting out into nature just by flipping through it, so I know I will need to purchase my own hard copy! In addition to being motivated by its content, I was able to learn so much more about journaling in nature and incorporating it into my life.

I absolutely loved this book. I started drawing again a short time ago, having not picked up a pencil since childhood, and this book has been a real inspiration. Not only does my drawing now have a purpose (I started my own nature journal a few days ago), but I've also been given confidence. There are a whole heap of tips, tricks, and exercises included that are absolutely perfect for anyone wanting to dip a toe into nature journalling - and I can almost guarantee you will soon be diving in head-first!

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advance copy to review. This review is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.

This is an instruction manual on how to keep a nature diary with elements of mindfulness incorporated into the process. It’s a beautifully illustrated book, full of examples of the author’s and some of her students’ sketches. If you have any drawing ability whatsoever, Clare Leslie’s step by step guides on how to draw everything from a leaf to a landscape will, I’m sure, be very helpful and rewarding. I’ll be sticking to my camera however, as I have less than no ability! Essentially this teaches you how to spend time outdoors, taking time to notice, recognise and record every little thing around you which is definitely time well spent. An ideal gift for the next lockdown (probably inevitable), I’m giving this 4 stars only because it’s largely aimed at teachers and because so much of the wildlife and natural features aren’t relevant to the UK. Having said that, I learned a great deal and the illustrations are beautiful, as I’ve said.

This book is a treasure! It provides such an easy to follow guide for creating and maintaining a nature journal. It really inspires you to venture out into nature and appreciate the world all around us.

A treasure! I have always loved the outdoors and have longed to release the artist hidden within. I have often been self-conscious and frustrated by my lack of abilities. I love the voice of freedom and instruction Clare offers in this guide. I read this just before heading into the mountains for my annual fall drive and I could hear so many pointers along the way, urging me on to just enjoy and be free. I appreciate the practical instruction as well the graphics and examples. I will certainly be returning to this guide, repeatedly as I learn to develop my own nature journals. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own and freely given.

My first NetGalley ARC and what a treat! This book has inspired me to keep a nature journal and have a go at journalling through sketches, paintings and notes. I especially love the mushrooms/fungi. Really helpful tips and advice on setting up a journal and a good introduction to drawing to get you going. Lovely book to read, keep and flick back through. Thank you Clare Walker Leslie and Storey Publishing for this experience.

There is lots in this book on keeping a Nature Journal. It shows you don’t have to be an artist to keep an artistic journal. There are many styles and lots of example of just what constitutes a Nature Journal. The thing to remember is that this is something for YOU. Nobody is going to see what you put in your journal you unless you decide to share it. So it doesn’t matter if your bird looks like it was draw by a five year old. This book is a great example of “just do it and love it”.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storey Publishing and Clare Walker Leslie for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am a big fan of nature journaling so I was immediately drawn to this topic. The book is organized into two parts. Part one of the book addresses why keep a nature journal, how to set up a nature journal, an introduction to drawing and keeping the journal going. Part two of the book goes into more details about exploring nature. She covers seasons and sky, flowers, plants, tree, birds, mammals, reptiles, insects and landscapes. The appendix contain useful information on how to teach nature journaling, additional resources and recommended readings.

The book is filled with nature sketches and journal entires. I really appreciated the visuals for a few reasons: 1. I like to take a peak at someone’s journal to see how they approach an entry 2. The sketch examples relieved pressure of having to be good at drawing. The quality of the sketch is not as important as observing nature, drawing what you see and capturing your observations. When I take my own children out in nature, my older children worry too much about the quality of their drawing.

The value of nature journaling is underscored throughout. What resonates most with me is the mental, spiritual and physical benefits of unplugging and getting outside. Technology tends to create anxiety and tension, nature helps to unravel all of that.

I would definitely recommend this book to all parents, teachers, homeschoolers etc. Especially during this time of unprecedented stress and worry- starting and keeping a nature journal is a wonderful way for children and adults to manage stress and of course, learn about nature!

The author has presented an easy to follow guide to creating your own nature journal. This is the 3rd addition, so many remarks about past issues, but that is fine. This one builds on and makes it more contemporary. I like the excuse of taking 20 minutes a day to just enjoy nature, even from my window, just to get a different perspective. In today's society, where we are on gadgets all the time, it is nice to find a way to slow down and just take time to explore the world around us. Highly recommend this book. Would make a wonderful gift too.

I love how this book makes nature journaling feel so accessible. No matter what you're drawing ability (or lack thereof) and no matter where you view nature (from countryside to city street), this book makes nature journaling an option for all.

Loved this book. I’ve been keeping a written nature diary for a few months during Covid lockdown but wanted to start to include more drawings and detail, the problem was I didn’t have a clue where to begin. This book has been fantastic as it discusses what makes up a nature book, what you need, where to start and most helpful for me (as someone who doesn’t consider themselves artistic) how to start thinking about drawing. What really stood out for me was how accessible this book is. You don’t need to have expensive equipment, you don’t need to have access to great parks and landscapes, you don’t need to be able to draw- anyone can do it, with what resources and surroundings they already have. A book for everyone!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A descriptive read about how to keep a nature journal. I love nature and constantly follow what is happening, but somehow I have never kept a journal. Maybe now its the time? In this books there are detailed listings of what to include in your diary and different ways of doing it. It's good for both youth and adults, and can easily be used by teachers.

My favourite part is the drawings. I am impossible bad at drawing ad painting. This books explains in detail how to draw nature to highlight your journal. This is so useful to me, and maybe after a lot of practice I'll be able to draw something.

This is a fast and easy read that will hopefully motivate you to start your own nature journal.

With everything going on in 2020 I’ve come to love being out in nature again and have been wanting to start a nature journal for awhile now. So when I saw this book I knew I had to read it, and I’m so glad I did. This book is absolutely amazing. It not only convinces you, that yes everyone needs a nature journal but it goes on to tell you how you can set it up, the tools you need, and has tons of drawing tips, so that everyone can draw in their journal and not just the artists. I also love how there are so many examples pages of journals that could give you an idea of how you want yours to be. This is a great book to have or to give to someone you know, who loves being in nature.

This is a lovely book. My son adores nature, especially bugs and drawing. He loves this book. It has lots of great drawings and tips and encourages people of all ages and abilities to have a go. It’s great and very well written too.