Keeping a Nature Journal, Second Edition

I bought this book along with Handbook of Nature Study to help me start guiding nature studies with my son. I was not disappointed with either book, but I am especially happy with this one. It goes over all the basics of keeping a nature journal clearly and distinctly. There are a lot of examples of the author's own journal pages to help you get an idea of what is possible. There are sections for nature journaling in each season, as well as a chapter dedicated to drawing tips. This section is in addition to all of the drawing examples throughout the book. The section on teaching others about nature study could be a bit thicker, but it does give you the basic theories and suggestions you need to start. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to start nature journaling, it has certainly gotten me to start.

I had to buy this book, Keeping a Nature Journal, for an Ornithology course. Clare Leslie does an amazing job of sketching and just the book is awesome! She writes clearly and concisely and it is sooo easy to understand. It also is written so just your average Joe can feel like he can sketch beautiful pictures and such. Well, when I'm reading and skimming the pictures, I feel like I can be an artist too. Wonderful book.

Not a journaling guide but an inspiration to draw and record in a journal. Her artwork and ability to capture the moment is simply amazing - and should be since she is a professional artist. Better than the pictures is her persuasion that you can also draw and record the world around you. Many types of journals are discussed with suggestions of organization, etc but the strength is not the information but the encouragement to DO.

If you are interested in scientific journaling, or looking for an instruction manual I do not think you'll be happy with this book. It is light on drawing technique but heavy on simple tips to get you drawing. If you desire to draw nature and record what you see/experience but don't think you can or are afraid of what your pictures will look like this will be a book you'll treasure and refer to often.

I should have ordered this book sooner. It gives great ideas on how to keep a nature journal with scetches and notes. I have been keeping a journal for years and this book sent me in a different direction that I am really enjoying.

This book has been very helpful in teaching me how to journal. My preconceived notions on journaling have been changed. The tips and techiniques given in this book have improved my journaling and helped me to teach my children that is is not an art project, but an activity to record what you have seen, heard and experienced. Not written from a Christian world view.