Welcome to the Nature Up Bookshelf

For Young Readers: “Expedition Backyard”
by ROSEMARY MOSCO & BINGLIN HU

 

March-April 2023 Featured Book for young readers

FOR YOUNG READERS: Expedition Backyard BY ROSEMARY MOSCO & BINGLIN HU

Expedition Backyard cover

About the story: “Each day, Mole and Vole venture out into the world—never forgetting their nature journal!—to see what they can find in their own backyard. From pigeons and jumping spiders to swamp milkweed and maple trees, these two explorers get to know every part of their local environment. But after an accidental move from the country to the city, Mole and Vole worry that everything will be different. As they explore, they discover plants to look at and animals to meet in their new home as well.” Learn more on the book’s page.
Intended age: elementary school

Why Carolyn picked this story to feature:I love that this book takes kids on a wild, exciting, nature adventure in a city. It is such a good example of how you don’t need to travel to find wildlife—nature is everywhere! I also had a huge grin on my face when we learned that Mole keeps a nature journal. Mole draws after every adventure to recap what they saw and who they met. Then they hang their art on the wall. It’s a great way to show kids how nature journaling works.

Quote we love: This is a graphic novel, so the pictures go hand-in-hand with the words. In this scene, Mole, Vole, and their new friend House Sparrow are out on an evening adventure. They meet an Opossum and her babies, and get a gorgeous treetop view of the street lights coming on.

n this scene, Mole, Vole, and their new friend House Sparrow are out on an evening adventure. They meet an Opossum and her babies, and get a gorgeous treetop view of the street lights coming on.

The quote reads:

“Mole: What’s happening?
Mole: Aaaahhh!
Opossum baby: Outstanding, isn’t it? 
Vole: Stunning! 
Mole: Wow. It’s beautiful.”

Other Resources:

 

Bookshelf Artwork by Green Sparrow Arts