All books were trees. We need to remember that. Walk into a bookstore or library and imagine it a forest of trees.

There’s nothing like the title of a book to bring the point home…

We were sent a copy of [amazon_link id=”0399165851″ target=”_blank” ]This Book Was a Tree: Ideas, Adventures, and Inspiration for Rediscovering the Natural World[/amazon_link]:

At no time in human history have we been more disconnected with what lies outside our front doors. Within just a century, our relationship with our surroundings has transformed from one of exploration to one of disassociation.   In THIS BOOK WAS A TREE: Ideas, Adventures, and Inspiration for Rediscovering the Natural World (Perigee Trade Paperback Original; $16.00; April 1, 2014) science teacher Marcie Chambers Cuff issues a call for a new era of pioneers—not leathery, backwoods deerskin-wearing pioneers, but strong-minded, clever, crafty individuals committed to examining the natural world and deciphering nature’s puzzles.   THIS BOOK WAS A TREE is an imaginative call to artists, teachers, naturalists, and parents, encouraging us to take a moment away from uploading, texting, friending and unfriending and to reconnect with nature through pages of timeless projects, creative acts, and deep thought.   This is not another book of ‘nature crafts’ to be done with a paper plate or corn husk. Cuff encourages readers to:   *Create a pinhole camera *Live in slow motion *Start a flower press *Examine snowflakes through a magnifying glass *Make a treasure map *Create an upcycled terrarium *Camp out in the backyard *Upcycle a sweater into a felted hat, gloves or wine cozy *Recognize equinoxes and solstices *Create homemade seedbombs *Come to know local flora and fauna *Go stargazing And most of all get outside!

This book offers all that it promises. It is very user-friendly with an inviting format.

I can’t wait to make a sundial and pinhole camera!

[amazon_link id=”0399165851″ target=”_blank” ]This Book Was a Tree: Ideas, Adventures, and Inspiration for Rediscovering the Natural World[/amazon_link] would make a wonderful gift for a teacher (hint, hint:  we want you to do outdoor projects with our kids), as well as a great resource for homeschool parents.

I love this advice from author Marcie Chambers Cuff:

Breathe.  Pause. Take a breath. Take a morning nap, read poetry, or indulge in an evening bubble bath.

This book is not just about natural world crafts and adventures, it is about self-care.  Our connection to nature helps us remember our own true nature.

Disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.