While I was spending some time outside on the Fourth of July, a variety of wildlife stopped by to say hello. Two crows stood in my birdbath cooling their feet; a cottontail rabbit sprawled itself under a rhododendron bush; a butterfly and a dragonfly passed by; and a deer (a young buck) curled up under an apple tree. I tried to come up with a joke that started with “A crow, a rabbit, a butterfly, a dragonfly and a deer go into a store …” but the punchline failed me. Then I thought that maybe I have magical powers and called in these wonderful creatures to enjoy the comforts of my yard. Yes, you’re right, probably not. But it was still a delightful day and a “magical” connection to nature.
There is one thing that could have made this experience even better: sharing the moment with my great-niece and great-nephew. Ages 4 and 2, they are little sponges, absorbing everything they encounter. They live in Colorado (sadly not next door), but how fun it would have been to point out the wildlife to little ones!
Today’s reading list is meant for young minds who are learning the joys of nature. All of these titles are intended for kids, but I hope that all ages will find something to read together.
- “Cottontail Rabbits” by Kristin Petrie.
- “Crow Smarts: Inside the Brain of the World’s Brightest Bird” by Pamela S. Turner.
- “Deer” by Amy McDonald.
- “Dragonfly” written by Aimee M. Bissonette, illustrated by Catherine Pearson.
- “Monarch Butterfly” by Gail Gibbons.
