Classic Nature and Outdoor Adventure Fiction for Kids and Families by Sara L. Ambarian Copyright 2011 http://www.condortales.com/bridestouch.html Ah, summer! Every season provides us with its own joys and opportunities, but for most of us, summer invites us outdoors for some leisurely fun and/or active adventure. With the weather warming up, homework winding down, and family trips in the planning stages, what better time than now to start getting in the mood with great nature and outdoor adventure fiction choices for all ages. When I was growing up, many of our family’s favorite books were classic books that were nature-oriented or took place largely in outdoor settings. They were great books to set the pace for the low-key wholesome adventures we had in the summertime. Our children have also enjoyed these books, and they served as a pleasant counterpoint to the more high-tech pursuits they also enjoyed. I assume that there are some more contemporary titles that are inspiring, but I personally like the old-fashioned ones which are low-tech, innocent and wholesome. They foster the kind of happy restless feeling Richard Hovey expressed in his work, “I Have Need of the Sky”: I have need of the sky, I have business with the grass; I will up and get me away where the hawk is wheeling Lone and high, And the slow clouds go by. I will get me away to the waters that glass The clouds as they pass. I will get me away to the woods. That is what summer feels like to me. If that is what it feels like to you and your family (or what you would LIKE it to feel like), perhaps some of the following works will entertain and/or inspire you. Most of these authors and titles are available at your local library. I also include links where you can access some of them on-line for free. I list them generally by age of interest, starting with young children first. However, what books are appropriate and appealing for different aged children is a rather subjective and individual matter; so I suggest you preview any title you are not familiar with before recommending it to any specific child. It should also be noted that many older fiction books contain comments and themes which may not meet current standards of “political correctness”. Every author is a product of their time, to some extent; so sometimes it takes an appreciation of historical perspective in order to understand them. Again, please preview these books if you are not familiar with them, to determine what you feel is appropriate. Enjoy! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Beatrix Potter, various works (1902-1930)-As most of you know, Beatrix Potter was a very accomplished English author, illustrator, and conservationist. In her 20s, she was also recognized by the scientific community for research she did with fungi and lichens, and studied both archeology and geology. In her later years, she continued her lifelong love of animals with sheep breeding and an expansion of her farm property. Potter told engaging stories based on actual animal behaviors, which appeal to both young and old. http://www.peterrabbit.com Robert Louis Stevenson, A Child’s Garden of Verses (1885)-Whether it’s make-believe in the nursery, an expedition in the garden, or a trip to the shore, Robert Louis Stevenson’s poems capture the magic and adventure of childhood with true understanding and pleasing cadence. Many of the poems are very short, too, encouraging children to remember and recite them. I especially think The Flowers is great for garden explorers, but view all the poems at The Poet’s Corner: http://www.theotherpages.org/poems/rls01.html Thornton Waldo Burgess, various works (1910-1965)-Many of us remember the tales of Peter Rabbit (another one, not Potter’s, which I always found confusing), Reddy Fox, Grandfather Frog and Mother West Wind. The inspiration for these characters came from this Massachusetts native’s childhood outdoor jobs and lifelong love of nature. These simple, fun stories are appropriate for the whole family. For more on Burgess and information about the Thornton W. Burgess Society sites and activities, visit: http://www.thorntonburgess.org/ Read his stories on-line at: http://www.online-literature.com/thornton-burgess A.A. Milne, World of Pooh/When We Were Very Young (1924-1928)-Winnie-the-Pooh, Christopher Robin’s “silly old bear” and his friends know a thing or two about enjoying the countryside and one another. “Don't underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering.” That’s just about the essence of summer sometimes, isn’t it?. Maybe it is time to head out and play some Poohsticks, and to make your song “more hummy” with “a few tiddely poms”. For miscellaneous Pooh fun, visit: http://www.just-pooh.com You might want to make some of these Honey Gingerbread Cookies to take along on your next adventure in case you get “rumbly in your tumbly”! http://www.just-pooh.com/pooh-news.html?id=208 Robert McCloskey, Blueberries for Sal (1948)-Two “mothers” and two “children” head out to the blueberry pastures to pick some summer snacks, but everyone is surprised with how the afternoon turns out. If you have ever been out wild blueberry picking– swinging your pail and eating as many as you put in– you will be enchanted by this book, if you don’t already know it. If you have never had this summertime pleasure, the illustrations are amazingly accurate and engaging. This sweet picture book is priceless. Rudyard Kipling, Just So Stories for Little Children (1902)-Our family’s favorite read-aloud from Just So Stories is “The Elephant’s Child”. I haven’t read it aloud in more than a decade, but everyone in our family can still tell you it’s about going to “the banks of the great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River, all set about with fever-trees” to satisfy the little elephant’s “'satiable curtiosity”. Even very, very young children find it funny just from the way it is told. Find your favorite Just So Story at your local library or on-line with lovely illustrations here: http://www.boop.org/jan/justso For The Jungle Book (1894), Captain’s Courageous (1896), Kim (1901), a lot of other novels, plus “If”, one of my favorite poems, from Kipling’s Rewards and Fairies, check Gutenberg.org. http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks For more about Kipling, see: http://www.kipling.org.uk Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden (1911)-This charming book is suitable as a read-aloud for fairly young children, as well as a great freereading book for elementary school readers. The Secret Garden has beautiful nature descriptions and powerful message about the benefits of the outdoors. Life in the open helps to strengthen Mary and Colin, both physically and emotionally; and Dickon has amazing skills with plants and animals. The children’s secret outdoor project eventually rubs off on the adults and improves the lives of everyone at Misselthwaite Manor. Read online at: http://www.online-literature.com/burnett/secretgarden Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows (1908)-What could be better for summer reading than making new friends, having unusual adventures, and “messing about in boats”? This entertaining story has a little more “attitude” and humor, and seems less tame, than some of its time; so it can be a good choice for kids with spunkier personalities. It is also well-beloved by many grown-ups for its memorable characters and highspirited action. For more information: http://www.edocere.org/book_summaries/wind_in_the_willows.htm L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables (1908)– Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery’s memorable heroine Anne’s sense of curiosity, adventure, and kindness, set in a scenic and quiet turn-of-the-century setting, make her an appealing summer heroine. I am sure many of you are fans of this series from the book, movie or television versions already. If you have not read any of them yet, you have a treat in store. http://www.foreveranne.com/ http://www.lmmontgomery.ca/ Ernest Seton-Thompson, various titles (1886-1945)– For “real boy” fiction, practical woodcraft information, and a feast for the eyes as well as the ears/mind, the books of Ernest Seton-Thompson fill the bill. This naturalist, artist, environmentalist and author was prolific in both fiction and non-fiction. For more information about the author’s life and works: http://www.etsetoninstitute.org For works by Seton-Thompson, search Hathi Trust using the far-left field with his name and “author” as the field. Read on-line by clicking “Full View”: http://www.hathitrust.org Robb White, The Lion’s Paw (1946) /The Secret Sea (1947)-This is another great “real boy” (and “girl”) outdoor adventure fiction author. Unfortunately, his work is sometimes hard to find, except at used bookstores and in libraries; but it’s worth the hunt, especially if you like boats. (There is another Robb White who wrote some boat books and articles, who is a boat builder. That is a different man, however, and may have contributed to confusion about the author in question.) The Lion’s Paw was re-released for publication several years ago, so that is probably the easiest to find. The Secret Sea is less-famous, but equally worthy of your time, if you can find a copy. I have never read a Robb White book I didn’t love. However, be aware that Up Periscope (1956), The Survivor (1964), Deathwatch (1972), and a number of his other books are definitely for older kids (and probably usually for boys more than girls), due to realistic adventure, wartime situations, etc. Johann D. Wyss, et al, The Swiss Family Robinson (1812- 1879)— This active and entertaining novel of a shipwrecked family has evidently become more and more outlandish in its array of plants and animals through many revisions; but suspend disbelief about the denizens of so many continents being serendipitously represented, and enjoy the fun and family adventures. The story is full of great outdoor life themes – danger, survival, bravery, selfreliance, cooperation, creativity, spontaneity, etc. – and although unrealistic in its specifics, it does provide a positive perspective on the wonders and resources nature offers. City and suburban students may never have considered the food, shelter, tools, etc., which pioneers and others from the past found at hand in the natural world around them. If you want actual woodcraft or survival information, supplement with other non-fiction books, like The American Handy Boy’s (or Girl’s) Book. For an escapist novel which makes you want to go out and explore, however, The Swiss Family Robinson is a definite winner. Read it on-line here: http://www.ccel.org/w/wyss/swiss/swiss.html Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Lost World (1912)— Although it also has a high degree of fantasy, another good escapist outdoor adventure novel for older readers (and parents/teachers) is Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Lost World (not to be confused with Michael Crichton’s contemporary novel of the same name). Four men of different ages and backgrounds brave the mysteries of an isolated plateau in South America which local natives fearfully avoid. If you don’t already know what they find there, I will not spoil the surprise; but a rousing, active wilderness adventure ensues. Your family’s summer activities probably (and hopefully!) will not include fighting off carnivorous beasts and other death-defying escapes. Nonetheless, The Lost World provides a high level of excitement and entertainment to fire the spirit of your inner explorer. Read it on-line here: http://www.pagebypagebooks.com/Arthur_Conan_Doyle/The_Lost_World/ Mary Hunter Austin, The Land of Little Rain (1903)/The Flock (1906)-I was introduced to Mary Austin’s work in adulthood, thanks to a dear friend, and I regret the years I missed enjoying it. Mary Austin wrote both fiction and non-fiction, but both read equally well. Her beautiful descriptions of nature and a real feel for past times are unforgettable. In The Land of Little Rain, Austin describes the Mojave desert and Owens Valley areas of California: This is the sense of the desert hills, that there is room enough and time enough. Trees grow to consummate domes; every plant has its perfect work. Noxious weeds such as come up thickly in crowded fields do not flourish in the free spaces. Live long enough with an Indian, and he or the wild things will show you a use for everything that grows in these borders. For photos and biographical information on Mary Austin, see: http://www.owensvalleyhistory.com/mary_austin/page49.html For access to some of her work and additional information: http://www.wsu.edu/~campbelld/amlit/austin.htm Zane Grey, miscellaneous titles (1903-1963)-This author, best known for cowboy and gunfighter novels, wrote a number of stories for young men, as well. They are not necessarily easy to find, but they are well-written and interesting tales of baseball, horsemanship, hunting, etc. His historical novels about his ancestors in the frontier days of Ohio, Betty Zane (1903) and Spirit of the Border (1906), are perhaps good first novels to try, if you cannot find his youth stories, listed below. Zane Grey loved the outdoors and had many exciting adventures himself, and it shows in the detail and tone of all his writing. When you visit the locale of one of his novels, as our family has, you may well feel as if you have already been there. His works would be worth reading for the nature descriptions, if for nothing else. The historical novels do include Indian war, kidnapping, escapes, romance, and other grownup subject matter not probably appropriate for pre-teens. They are based, however, on actual events; so, where age-appropriate, some people may find them more “educational” than his outdoor adventures, cowboy stories, gunfighter novels, etc. For list of his youth fiction books: http://zgws.org/zgboybks.php Read Zane Grey on-line, including youth titles The Young Forester (1910), The Young Pitcher (1911), and The Red-Headed Outfield (1920): http://www.online-literature.com/zane-grey/ Gene Stratton Porter, miscellaneous titles, especially A Girl of the Limberlost (1909) /Freckles (1904)/ Laddie, A True Blue Story (1913)-I personally do not think that nature fiction gets any better than what Gene Stratton Porter wrote. Her books are simple, beautiful and refreshing escapes from a hectic and complex world. They have engaging characters, interesting settings, and a true naturalist’s love and respect for the world around us. Do not assume that these are “girlie” books, though, just because a woman wrote them. The title characters of Freckles, Laddie and the Harvester are all strong, rugged, outdoor men with lots to offer both male and female readers. Gene Stratton Porter’s books are not for the very young, due to the grown-up themes of romance, misunderstanding, scandal, crime, etc. However, even the more-adult concepts are handled in a delicate, family-friendly way which some pre-teens and most teens should find tame compared to what is generally discussed openly in modern society. For more about Gene Stratton Porter’s life, writing, and naturalist activities, and to read selected works on-line: http://www.bsu.edu/ourlandourlit/Literature/Authors/portergs.htm If you live in or near northern Indiana, I highly recommend you take the time to visit the Gene Stratton Porter State Historical Site. This scenic property has beautiful views of Sylvan Lake, a wonderful visitors’ center and gift shop, one of Porter’s beautiful homes, and shady and serene grounds to wander. http://www.genestratton-porter.com/index.html For a feeling of the Limberlost for more adventurous folks, just south of the historical site is Chain o’ Lakes State Park, with miles of hiking trails, canoeing and more. Once you get away from the crowds, the woods and lakes of the outer trails feel much like the book locations. http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2987.htm Farther south, in Geneva, Indiana, is another home site for Gene Stratton Porter. Find out more about the author on this website, as well: http://www.genestrattonporter.net/ Please see http://www.condortales.com/bridestouch.html to learn more about the author. For additional lesson planning ideas please see http://www.amonco.org