Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life

<b>From the bestselling authority on connecting children with nature, a one-of-a-kind guide chock-full of practical ideas, advice, and inspiration for creating a nature-rich life--for kids and grown-ups.</b><br><br> In his groundbreaking international bestseller <i>Last Child in the Woods,</i> Richard Louv spotlighted the alienation of children from the natural world, coining the term nature-deficit disorder and outlining the benefits of a strong nature connection--from boosting mental acuity and creativity to reducing obesity and depression, from promoting health and wellness to simply having fun. <i>Vitamin N </i>is the comprehensive practical handbook, a companion to both <i>Last Child in the Woods</i> and <i>The Nature Principle, </i>that readers have been craving, a complete prescription for enjoying the natural world right now, with<br><br> * five hundred activities,<br> * scores of informational websites,<br> * an abundance of down-to-earth advice,<br> * and dozens of thought-provoking essays.<br><br> Unlike other guidebooks, <i>Vitamin N </i>(for &quot;nature&quot;) addresses the whole family and the wider community, including tips not only for parents eager to share nature with their kids but also for finding nature-centered schools, medical professionals, and even careers; suggestions for calming infants through nature, building a nature vocabulary with toddlers, and measuring weather with elementary school children, as well as helping tweens become citizen scientists and exploring geocaching with older kids; plus information on how the whole family can join nature clubs, volunteer to restore damaged habitats, or play outdoor games from all over the world.<br> <br><i>Vitamin N</i> is a dose of pure inspiration, reminding us that looking up at the stars or taking a walk in the woods is as joyful as it is essential, at any age.<br><br> &quot;Richard Louv's <i>Vitamin N</i> should find its place in the list of essential vitamins! If we stress a connection to the natural environment . . . we can lessen the lifelong effects of a stressful childhood, including depression, obesity, behavior problems, drug use, and risk-taking behavior.&quot; - <b>Mary Brown, MD, past board member of the American Academy of Pediatrics</b>