By Fiona Danks and Jo Schofield Published by Frances Lincoln in March 2006 (www.franceslincoln.com)

 This delightful illustrated book is a guide to introducing children to the great outdoors through fun activities in nature. Designed for use by families, carers, play workers and teachers, the book sets out guidelines for safe and engaging play outdoors, with useful tips on how to hold children's attention on longer excursions. The book is divided into seasons, with activities appropriate to each. For example, in spring, children can explore aquatic life in ponds and streams, collect material to make birds' nests or look out for growing bulbs; in autumn they can collect berries or make collages with fallen leaves. Throughout the book, the emphasis is on helping children gain an appreciation of nature's patterns, giving them confidence in the outdoor environment in a way that is educational, safe and, above all, fun. (Frances Lincoln website)

•  “A rich and beautifully illustrated cookbook of outdoor play activities, its season-by-season recipes will help put nature back where it belongs: at the heart of children’s everyday experiences”.  Ecologist on Line, April 2006
• “Both inspirational and practical, and offers rich encouragement for tempting children outside with beautiful ideas for weeks’ worth of environmental play” – Play Today, 2006
• “A lovely book, beautifully produced and illustrated and full of fun” – The Countryman, February 2006
• “This inspiring book will have you wanting to get out in all weathers” – The Teacher, April 2006
• “The book is full of tips on how to protect the environment and the children, but the underlying message is that children need adventure” Times Educational Supplement, February 2006
• “Even if you are the ultimate “Let’s have a mud fight and to hell with the washing “ kind of family, you’ll find that Danks and Schofield have come up with outdoor activities you have never thought of before” Time Out, April 2006

Go Wild -101 things to do outdoors before you grow up  offers the chance to seek adventure and face up to challenges in the natural world.  Find out about building your own shelter, making a fire, carving your own catapult, foraging for wild foods and making a flint knife.  Go Wild aims to inspire everyone, but especially youngsters between the ages of 8 and 16, to go and try something new.  This is accessible bushcraft, things you can do for real not just watch on television.  Discover what pleasures a simpler life outdoors can offer without spending a fortune; perhaps the next generation could be urban bushmen, equally comfortable in both natural and technological surroundings!

•  “Go Wild!  is just what families need to escape from virtual worlds and rediscover the wonders of the real one.  It provides the perfect recipe for transforming cotton wool kids into confident, independent, resilient young people.  Every family should have a copy."  Sue Palmer, author of Toxic Childhood

• "A joyous celebration of independence, the great outdoors and taking risks, this is the ideal solution to a credit crunch summer holiday - nature comes conveniently free"  Daily Mail

• "If your children are fascinated by Ray Mears and Bear Grylls then try this very accessible introduction to the wild life."  Families Magazine

www.franceslincoln.com

Make it Wild  - 101 things to make and do before you grow up  provides inspiration for creative activities, natural crafts and outdoor toys from recycled materials.  Does this generation of kids really need all those commercial toys or electronic entertainment to have fun? They may think they do, but we suggest having a go at some natural creations.  Take time to slow down, let them make things themselves from scratch and then hopefully they will value them more in the long run.   Try digging up clay, firing it in a dustbin in your garden and making your own sculptures. Make ice lanterns, natural jewellery or build yourself a go cart from a wooden pallet. 

About Us