Smithsonian’s Backyard

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to review the Smithsonian’s Backyard and Oceanic Collections. This wasn’t the first time I’d enjoyed picture books from the Smithsonian Institution as many of them had previously visited our home from the library. Whether reading titles to tie into nature study topics, or just wanting well-written books full of facts about a vast array of animals and insects, I highly recommend any from these two collections!

Chipmunk at Hollow Tree Lane - a Smithsonian's Backyard BookSea Turtle Journey - a Smithsonian Oceanic Collection Book (Mini book)

 

That being said, I’m rather sure the Smithsonian Institution doesn’t always hold to a creation-based philosophy. I’m not recommending every product they might sell, but I can safely and happily recommend each of the books listed below.

Written for children ages 4-10, each book focuses on a day in the life of a particular animal or insect. There’s a hint of fiction to the stories as you walk (or swim) alongside the critter through his or her day, but the books are also bursting with factual information tied into the storyline. Bright, colorful illustrations aren’t perfectly life-like, but they’re very close.

My children and I enjoyed each and every one. A few of them even came with read-along CD’s, which made my preschooler extra happy! We’ve also added appropriate titles to some of our NaturExplorers recommended literature lists. Click on the links below to read more about each of the books I reviewed. You might note that other titles in the series are available on the Soundprints website.

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From the Backyard Collection:

From the Oceanic Collection:

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