Backpack Explorer: Discovering Plants and Flowers is the perfect companion for anyone looking to introduce young people to exploring nature right outside their front door. This book introduces kids to a wide variety of plants, from grasses to cacti to water plants, and shares important information about how plants grow, such as their life cycle and photosynthesis, all through the lens of encouraging them to explore the world around them and observe the plants that they see. In addition, it includes activities, like sensory scavenger hunts and painting with flowers, that kids can try using the plants they find. This book is an excellent companion for a family looking to explore or a school, nature center, or library organizing nature backpacks.

Adding this to the tall pile of books I wish I had when I was a kid.

I would certainly consider buying this book for a future child of mine, or for the classes I teach - especially since learning this is a series with many nature topics. I quite enjoyed how simplistic this book was. At first glance, I was initially expecting it to be a resource book for educators, but was pleasantly surprised to see this was written for kids to utilize on their own. I highly enjoyed the addition of sticker badges for readers to use as they read the sections and complete the selected tasks. I enjoyed how each section can with a simple, yet engaging, task that young readers could conduct with help or on their own.

I highly recommend this series of books for any kids that enjoy the outdoors.

Thanks NetGalley for an ARC of the book.

This book is a great addition to any nature walks with young children. The facts within this book are age appropriate for children 6+, though this book would still be great for children younger than that. The activities throughout are very creative and seem easy to replicate for parents or educators.
The sticker pages in the back and the task to stick it on the pages when you find that plant is an amazing idea, a great way to reward children for focusing on what they are seeing in their environments. I'm sure the satisfaction of completing all the patches will keep children excited and motivated to go for more nature walks to find more.
This is my first experience with a Backpack Explorer book and I'm very keen to check out more of their work.
In the proof version that I have read there were quite a few visual errors or watermarks that were quite distracting when trying to read, however I believe this will be rectified in the final version.
4.5 Stars

This is an exceptional book. I plan to purchase a copy and use it for my son’s education once he is able to learn to read. The activities are perfect for 6-9 age ranges, and I do plan to adapt some of them for preschoolers.

My only gripe is that the US edition should note when plants (ex wineberry) are invasive. It does not include this, and I saw a few invasive species on there.

The drawings are excellent, and I feel it is a large variety of materials.

What a brilliant book. I'll be buying the hardback copy when it comes out to take with me on my nature walks with my little girl. It is comprehensive in its topics and engaging for children. It is also useful for parents who may have forgotten some plant basics.

This beautiful, colorful, interactive book is designed to get kids outside playing with Mother Nature. This title will appeal to 1st-4th grade students most. There is a combination of facts, activities, and personal reflection via questions posed by the book that will interest young people.

An accessible and informative guide to backyard and everyday plants and flowers, this book was lovely! Not only did it help with identification, it also broke down plants by categories AND included interactive scavenger hunts, Do-it-yourself crafts and activities and art guides. Such a fun gift for any nature-loving kid, or that parent trying to encourage more outside time.

I can’t wait to buy this for my twins! They have all of these Backyard Explorer books and have been asking if there are any new ones. They get my kids reading and writing while exploring. I think this is my favorite one so far!

This is a lovely, child friendly guide on plants we regularly see. The book is divided into types of plants such as grass, pond and berries and has beautiful pictures and explanations. There are diagrams that are labelled and easy to read and little 'closer look' signs to focus on some plants in more detail. There.are stickers at the back and activity ideas to engage children with nature. A wonderful read.

Backpack Explorer, Discovering Plants and Flowers will really get the children interested in learning about plants, flowers and nature.

Discovering their senses in nature with a good clear guide aimed stimulating and keeping their interest.