The “Gumboot Kids” series, is an incredible series by Tara Hungerford and Eric Hogan that follows Scout and Daisy as they mindfully explore the wonders of nature! Sometimes they’re solving nature mysteries, sometimes they’re making art, sometimes they’re singing songs - there’s something for everyone! Maybe you’ve had the joy of reading this series, watching the TV Series on CBC Kids, or you’ve checked out the Play & Learn section on their website - and if you haven’t, we recommend that you do!
Cover showing what we’ll be learning about whales!
We could go on and on about this wonderful series of books, but I’ll highlight one in particular, “Singing Ocean” as it’s one of our favs - and you’ll get a good idea of what these INCREDIBLE books are all about!
I think the first thing we have to mention is how informative these books are! Starting right on the cover, they showcase what you’ll be learning in the bottom right in a magnifying glass.
An example of Scout’s “Field Notes”
Each story follows a mystery - and in this case, it’s how the ocean is singing to Scout and Daisy! Throughout the story Scout uses his “Field Notes,” to give clues to the mystery, and helps the reader to piece together what’s happening - so great!
The books are long enough to make it a good read, but short enough to keep your little one’s attention, and there’s great extras in the back of the book to extend the reader’s learning if you have more time! Including more in-depth “Field Notes” about the subject, and an example of a nature craft you can do related to the story! In this case, the craft with Daisy is Sand Art!
We would be amiss if we didn’t point out the mindfulness aspect of these stories. As Scout and Daisy reflect on their day and the mystery solved, they encourage the reader to listen for other sounds in nature that they might notice next time they are outside. This is a practice that we encourage in our own classes, and love that it’s just a little reminder to be in nature and to be present in nature!
Daisy’s Nature Craft - Sand Art!
We are so excited to showcase this series as our July Appleseed Recommended as these stories are rooted in nature and connection - two things we are so passionate about in our own mission and values at Appleseed. We love that the Gumboot Kids Series brings those two priorities to the forefront. So if you haven’t already checked out the books, the tv series, or the resources online, we encourage you to do so today! Also, don’t forget to download our Appleseed Recommended booklist here too!
You can add this series to your family library by ordering it online here - you will be so happy you did!
Rooted in nature and connection.
For the love of our families and community,
Sara