In this extraordinary resource for parents or grandparents of children, ages 4–8, Judith Nicholls has created a engaging primer on appreciating the wonders of the natural world. With 29 poems plus water color illustrations with an international texture by Beth Krommes, this book is a gem. In the introduction, the author writes: "I hope that through these poems you will enjoy sharing and celebrating our beautiful world with the children in your care and that they will indeed be open to the sun in each of us."

It is helpful and wise to tutor young ones in the art of paying attention and long looking when they are out in nature. "Behold," "Look!" and "Father and I in the Woods" are three poems that hit the mark in this regard. Whether writing of the mysteries and marvels of the forest, the woods, the ocean, the sky, a river, or the night sky, the poets let us savor the experience joyfully. We were quite delighted to see that Nicholls has included two pages of haiku from Japanese poets. There are also selections about the elements, the seasons, and other aspects of the natural world which deserve our praise and admiration.

For our excerpt, we have selected "The Sun in Me" by Moira Andrew, which helps children to sense their mystical connections to the sun, the wind, the sea, the river, and the moon.