I’ve been in awe at God’s creation ever since I was a child. Frankly, I don’t know how anyone can look at the stars, or a bird in flight, or even a wolf, without praising the Lord of creation. Here are three books that would be suitable for the nature lover on your shopping list this Christmas season.
Mike Lynch. Michigan Starwatch. Voyageur Press. 2005.
This book is specifically written for those of us living in Michigan. It presents star charts for each month of the year. Lynch starts the first chapter by asking us to go to the woods, lie on our backs and look up into the night sky. Obviously, you must get away from city lights to fully see everything.
Lynch is a master at teaching us where to look and what to expect in the sky based on seasons, and month. He writes in a way that every one can understand – amateur or professional. The pictures in this book are outstanding.
If you live in Michigan, or have a friend or relative in Michigan, I strongly recommend this book to you for any gift giving reason—birthdays, Christmas, or “just because”. It belongs in every Michigan Public and School library.
Connie Toops. Bluebirds Forever. Voyageur Press. 1994.
Humans have destroyed bluebird habitat, thus reducing their numbers. We have also restored habitat by turning roadways into bluebird territory and attaching nest boxes to fence posts. I’ve loved bluebirds ever since catching my first flash of that famous blue and red bird along rural roads.
Bluebirds Forever is an older book that is timeless in its information. It provides full details about the life of bluebirds and teaches us humans what to do to help restore their territory, thereby increasing their numbers.
The photos and pictures in this book are delightful. It is easy to read by everyone from about middle-school and up. Toops love for these birds shines through this book.
If you have a young person in your family, why not present him or her with this book this gift-giving season. It just might start them down the road to a lifetime love of Bluebirds. Youth may get involved in scouting groups that are putting up blue bird trails. Many retirees first became interested in this bird as a youth, wondered where they had gone, and decided to put up nest boxes and provide the meadows that bluebirds love so much. A human getting involved in meeting the needs of these birds is a win-win situation for everyone.
L. David Mech. The Way of the Wolf. Voyageur Press. 1991.
People often believe myths about the wolf but take little time to actually learn the facts. This book is written for the amateur or even professional naturist that wants to learn the facts. It is written by a group of professionals who have spent decades researching wolves.
Wolf populations have decreased thanks to man’s actions. Now, they are slowly being returned to their natural habitats under the watchful eye of wildlife biologists. Sometimes, the humans surrounding the areas where wolves are being reintroduced have to be educated.
The Way of the Wolf is a well written and illustrated book. It seems most suited for older youth and adults. The text is accompanied by wonderful photographs (some may offend because they show wolf carcasses and kills) and maps.
This is another book that may be suited for the budding naturalist in your family! It will encourage them to learn the facts instead of the myths about this animal
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