We recently wrapped up our nature study unit on wild mammals, and I realized that it may be useful to share some of the living books we used for it in our homeschool.
We follow the nature study rotation set out by Ambleside Online and it is these books that make up the nature lore, tales and nature study components of that Charlotte Mason education.
For more information on our Homeschool Curriculum Choices, CLICK HERE.
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To get a better feel for, and to see inside, these beautiful living books, watch the video below. It’s always useful to see inside children’s books before you purchase, so please take the time to watch this video.
WATCH THIS VIDEO:
Wild Mammal Nature Study: Living Books
Below you will find a list of the books that I recommend for the study of wild mammals. Please note, you do not need to purchase them all!
Rather, just chose the ones that suit your family’s needs.
Britain’s Mammals: A Field Guide to the Mammals of Britain and Ireland
This book is part of the WILDGuides series, and I have been so impressed with the quality of this reference book, that I am looking to buy more in the series!
This reference book lays out very interesting facts about British mammals, alongside detailed scientific diagrams, charts, maps and stunning photography.
The information in this book was so extensive, that we did not need to look in any other reference book during the duration of our nature study unit.
To purchase this book, CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW:
Enid Blyton’s Nature Series
These delightful living books are a collection of stories featuring wild animals from the British Isles. The stories capture the child’s imagination and interest, whilst also teaching them important information about the species’ habitat, behaviour and other natural history.
There are three books in this series, and they cover wild animals from all the major animal kingdoms; including mammals, birds, reptiles,fish and amphibians. These books are suitable for children aged 5-8 years old.
Country Tales:
Species covered include: Deer, Dormouse, Bat, Mole, Hedgehog, Blackbird, Rats, Stoats, Weasel, Rabbit, Robin, Bullfinch, Kingfisher, Moorhen, Eel, Toad.
Hedgerow Tales:
Species covered:Rabbit, Hare, Hedgehog, Swallows, House Martins, Field vole, Water vole, Toad, Frog, Cuckoo
Woodland Tales
Species covered: Fox, Badger, Adder, Grass snake, Nuthatch, Woodpecker, Spider, Sparrow, Red squirrel, Grey squirrel,Bumble-bee, Wasp, Otter.
Collins Animal Lives
This charming living books narrate the story on one specific species per book. They are aimed at older children, aged 8 -12 years old. Through their study, children will become intimately acquainted with the animal, and associated species, and it’s natural history.
There are five books in the series:
Talpa: The Story of a Mole
Capreolus: The Story of a Roe Deer
Vulpina: The Story of a Fox
Sciurus: The Story of a Grey Squirrel
Lutra: The Story of the Otter
For Friends in North America
For those of you homeschooling in USA or Canada, you can use the books I have mentioned previously, and make it relevant to your locality. In addition, I would also recommend the following books:
The Burgess Animal Book for Children
This is a collection of stories about animals in North America, and is widely used by many in the Charlotte Mason communities.
Handbook of Nature Study
This is an extensive collection of lesson plans, and information about the nature found in North America. It covers teaching nature study, animals, plants, and earth and sky.
In addition to these books, I have heard that books by Arabella Buckley are excellent sources of Nature lore, although we have not yet read them ourselves.
I hope this list help you to select the best living books for your children, and makes nature study even more enjoyable for your homeschooling family.
If you have any further recommendations, please share them with us all in the comments below. I’m always looking out for new books!
Also, if you have any questions, please feel free to leave them for me in the comments section below.
Peace and love,
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