Book Review: The Truth About Nature

Quiz Time!

True or False?

1. A rooster only crows in the morning.
2. A snail is a slug with a shell on its back.
3. Birds explode if they eat rice.
4. Frogs ribbit.
5. Starfish and jellyfish are both types of fish.
6. You can’t get sunburned on a cloudy day.
7. Mice eat cheese.
8. Playing in the cold makes you sick.

Ready with your answers?

Would you believe that to an extent all of these statements are actually false?

Hoping information will equip families to get outside and explore the natural world, authors Stacy Tornio and Ken Keffer are sharing their extensive knowledge of the environment in the Truth about Nature: A Family’s Guide to 144 Common Myths about the Great Outdoors.  Instead of letting misconceptions scare us, and keep us indoors, they’re thinking the facts will peak curiosity and inspire us to do a little experimenting of our own.

Of the 144 myths featured in the book, the above 8 were the ones that were the most interesting, thought provoking, and relevant to our family.  I really did think that snails and slugs were the same, and completely expected a slug to just hop aboard a shell when moved to do so! I also believed what everyone has said these last 15 years or so about throwing rice at weddings.  It turns out that the birds will not only be just fine if they ingest rice, but more importantly, they are not even really interested in eating rice!

While our son Bergen (3 years old) isn’t quite able to enjoy the book right alongside us (he does adore the artwork), we are more than appreciative of its contents.  A peak into our conversations these days…

• Parent explains a situation…answers a question…or just simply states a fact. 
• Bergen’s response time and time again to the point where it’s actually expected: WHY?

Stacy and Ken are really helping us out.  Thanks to all that they’ve crammed in this book, my husband and I are keeping a few steps ahead of Bergen.  At least when it comes to some of our outdoor adventures, we will be able to provide a few insights here and there, and I honestly feel more prepared, excited, and motivated to get outside.

So many of the myths uncovered in the book are just asking to be tested out! A few of the fall myths we’ll be investigating: All oak trees have acorns, All trees lose their leaves, and All rocks sink in water.

In addition to debunking myths, which are organized by season and rated on a scale from 1 to 3, the book also includes four additional features throughout:

• Stranger than Fiction (hard to believe tidbits that are actually true)
• Luck Legends (fun superstitions from the natural world that are not actually true)
• Weather Legends (quirky and fun, but not actually accurate ways in which people predict and explain the weather)
• Be a Scientist (experiments to investigate and explore more)

Info to Know

• Purchase the book online through all major booksellers or your favorite local bookstore!
• Cost: $18.95

School Visit Contest!

To celebrate the release of the book, the authors are running a contest! Create a video or share a photo that tackles a commonly misconceived nature myth. You can choose one of the myths from the book or come up with one of your own. The lucky winner will receive an author visit (from Stacy and Ken) to their school! For more information visit the Falcon Guides website.  Deadline to enter is November 23, 2014.

Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of The Truth about Nature book for purposes of review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

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