Grow Exploring Book Review: An Outdoor Spin on ABCs and 123s

Bergen (2.5 years old) is in the early stage of being very interested in letters and numbers.  On signs and placards at his level with letters big enough for his little fingers to point to, he’ll search out his favorites, and while he’s no where near being able to identify all 26 letters, his curiosity and desire to make connections is helping him make progress.

He also loves counting things.  Whether it’s the slices of orange on his plate or the pine cones and rocks he finds in the park, he’s pointing at objects and numbering them in his own little way (accuracy is not a concern of his at this point).

Alphabet and number books have been great for introducing and practicing letter and number identification and counting, so I was thrilled when the folks at Grow Exploring contacted us to review their new alphabet and number board books.

About the Grow Exploring Books

Grow Exploring currently offers 4 board books with three in a number/counting (1-10) format, and one in the alphabet (A-Z) format:

• 1 2 3 Let’s Go Rafting ($5.95)
• 1 2 3 Let’s Go Climbing ($4.95)
• 1 23 Let’s Go Skiing ($4.95)
• C is for Camping ($7.95)

The concept of these books grew from Sterling and Sarah Acree’s (founders & owners of Grow Exploring) desire to teach their young children about the equipment and supplies used for their outdoor adventures combined with their wish to read relevant books during nightly story time.

What’s to Love?

• The photographs on each of the book’s pages are clear and easily recognizable.  The photos feature equipment and gear from all kinds of outdoor recreation brands, each with a different focus depending on that book’s theme.  Since we camp the most out of all the activities in the series, Bergen connects most with the C is for camping book.  He loves pointing out all tools that he recognizes and we use for our camping adventures.
• The books offer a fresh perspective on learning about and identifying letters and numbers that outdoor and adventurous kids (and their parents!) can relate to.
• The books are durable and sturdy, but also not “babyish” making them suitable for infants all the way up to older toddlers, preschoolers, and even kids in early elementary school.  We’ve taken the books on trips, in the car, and they travel all throughout the house, yet they still look good as new.
• The contents of the books help to develop and grow children’s schema for various outdoor adventures.  While my husband and I have skied, climbed, and rafted, we have yet to take Bergen on any of these adventures.  In the meantime, thanks to the Grow Exploring books, he’s building background knowledge while enjoying the simple, familiar format of an alphabet and counting story.
• I love the collaborative spirit of the books.  On the back of each book, the companies that contributed photographs of gear and equipment are featured.  This partnership means well-known and respected outdoor brands are getting involved in literacy and education, which to me is a great way to support and promote outdoor and nature-themed learning.

What’s to be desired?

Clearly, I couldn’t be happier with the product.  My only wish? Even more books! I’d love a “1 2 3 Let’s Go Hiking” book or “1 2 3 Let’s Go Biking” book, and luckily, I have a feeling that many more additions to the series are in the works!

Info to Know:

• To purchase one of the Grow Exploring books (or the whole set!) head on over to the Grow Exploring website, or if you live in the Salt Lake City area (also West Yellowstone, MT) you can purchase at several book retailers.
• Cost ranges from $4.95 to $7.95.

Disclosure: I was provided with a copies of the Grow Exploring books for purposes of review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

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