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What Do Barbara Cooney and Nature Study Have In Common?

Beautifully written and illustrated picture books are the perfect inspiration for nature study! In this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, we explore “Barbara Cooney nature study” while learning a little about the biography of this famous author and illustrator of beloved children’s books.

If you’re looking for a fun way to combine literature and science, this episode is just what you need. Learn how Ms. Cooney’s childhood surroundings, love of the outdoors, and attention to seasonal details made their way into her pictures and stories.

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Barbara Cooney Nature Study

Parents can use these questions to spur discussion about the Barbara Cooney podcast episode. Luckily, the questions are also a great way to gently test listening comprehension!

  1. Can you remember any of the three Barbara Cooney books mentioned at the beginning of the episode? (The three books mentioned are Island Boy, Hattie and the Wild Waves, and Miss Rumphius.)
  2. What is a biography? (A biography is the story of a real person’s life, whether alive or from history.)
  3. Where did Barbara Cooney spend her childhood summers? (She spent her summers in Maine.)
  4. What two states did Barbara Cooney live in as a child? (She lived in New York and Maine.)
  5. What kind of places from Maine appeared in Barbara Cooney’s books? (Her books featured Maine’s cliffs, beaches, and fields.)
  6. What flower did Miss Rumphius plant to make the world more beautiful? (She planted lupines.)
  7. How old was Barbara Cooney when she passed away? (She was 82 years old.)
  8. What did Barbara Cooney say about nature that showed how much she valued it? (She said, “Everything in nature is perfect in its own way, and we should take the time to notice it.”)
purple blooming lupines in a field.

Barbara Cooney Nature Study Video Class

If your family enjoyed learning about Barbara Cooney’s love for nature in this podcast episode, you won’t want to miss the upcoming No Sweat Nature Study Video Class! In this interactive lesson, compare her breathtaking illustrations and create a nature journal page inspired by her artistic style. It’s the perfect opportunity for young learners to connect literature, science, and art!

Purple lupine flowers with text as an advertisement for a video class about Barbara Cooney

Free Nature Observation Printable Packet for All Seasons

No matter what time of year you’re listening to this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, here’s a printable pack of nature observation activities for every season of the year!

Would you like to record a voicemail to answer this season’s nature study question?

At the end of each No Sweat Nature Study Podcast episode, Mrs. Cindy includes messages from a few of her friends. You can record a message that she might use on an upcoming episode!

All children must have their parent’s permission before leaving a recording. Parents are welcome to record an answer, too! 

You can see the current question below. Think about your answer first, and then follow these simple directions:

  1. Click the button that says “Start recording”.
  2. Tell me your first name. (If you want to tell your age and/or where you live, feel free to do that.)
  3. You will have 60 seconds to answer the question, but try to be concise.
  4. Push the play button to listen to your recording before sending it to be sure it is recorded correctly. If not, record it again.

Please leave a rating or a review on your podcast app! It helps the podcast to show up for more people…which means more families can enjoy science through the wonderful lens of nature study! Thank you!

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