In The Not-So Great Outdoors by Madeline Kloepper a young girl learns that nature has as much (if not more!) entertainment to offer than her phone, TV and city slicker lifestyle combined.
The story begins as the young protagonist’s family goes on a camping adventure in the wild. Kloepper pairs each of her complaints about what nature is lacking (electricity, playgrounds, city lights) with a two-page spread show-casing what nature does have to offer–waterfalls, rugged terrain, twinkling stars and wild creatures.
Eventually the little girl is won over by some roadside bears and starts to let herself enjoy the wonders that nature has to offer.
Next week, most kids will be out of school for Midwinter Break. Thankfully, the NYC parks department is offering lots of activities to keep them busy. So, bundle them up and consider sending them to one of these awesome and FREE “Kids Week” events in the Bronx:
Monday, February 17: Orienteering (Pelham Bay Park)
Learn how to navigate your way around the park!
Tuesday, February 18: Survival Skills (Van Cortlandt Park)
You never know when these skills may come in handy…
Wednesday, February 19: Ranger Games (Soundview Park)
Get moving with the park rangers and have a whole lot of fun.
Thursday, February 20: Nature Exploration Hike (Pelham Bay Park)
Bring a camera, just like the protagonist of The Not-So Great Outdoors, and see what you can capture!
Friday, February 21: Winter Scavenger Hunt (Van Cortlandt Park)
Learn how animals and plants adapt to the winter season.
