Touch a Butterfly: Wildlife Gardening with Kids--Simple Ways to Attract Birds, Butterflies, Toads, and More to Your Garden

Sayre (Rah, Rah, Radishes!) has written a guide to how families can build fertile habitats in their own backyards by providing the food, water, and shelter on which wildlife depends. For those who think this consists of filling a few bird feeders and buying a butterfly bush, the author has a bigger vision in mind. She encourages readers to get outside and closely observe the wildlife and ecology in their own yards. Then she provides guidance on how to provide hospitable environments for native flora and fauna. There is enough basic horticultural advice on soil testing, planting, and composting to get the youngest gardeners going. As would be expected, she also provides much information on the importance of conservation and native species. Most helpful are the suggestions for getting the younger members of the family outside and awakening their interest. Although she does not provide much specific advice on plants, she has ultimately created a field guide of field guides that points readers to online resources, books, organizations, and tools that will deepen their appreciation of the world outside their back doors. Color photographs throughout. (Apr. 23)