Small Fry: Outdoors

The Sunday Age

Sunday October 5, 2008

Lucy Sussex

SMALL FRY: OUTDOORS

Susie Cameron, Katrina Crook, Caroline Webster

ABC Books, $24.95

This heavily illustrated guide introduces children to the big outdoors - from the backyard to camping, the authors provide loads of tips to reveal "Mother Nature's secrets" to the very young. Practical but never dull, it begins by advising parents to relax a little, let their children take a break from busy schedules and just kick back in the dirt. Independence and unstructured fun, say the authors, can play a big part in combating obesity, stress and depression. It's divided into activities - ant farm, nature journals, planting, fishing, puddle-jumping - and seasons. Central to the book is the idea that children are already natural explorers just waiting for a bit of guidance. Don't worry if you don't have a trip around Australia all planned out, the backyard is a great place to start. A great resource for parents and children.

© 2008 The Sunday Age

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