February 1, 2024

Inspiring New Books from Roost: Imagine Childhood and I Love Dirt {Giveaways}

Do you get as excited as I am when a new book comes out from one of your favorite blogs or bloggers?  I recently bought and devoured the Young House Love book this month, but also got to peruse a copy of Imagine Childhood: Exploring the World through Nature, Imagination and Play by Sarah Olmsted.
It's pretty incredible how in this day and age, one can pour their creativity and talent into a blog, and then turn it into a book, and Sarah Olmsted did just that.  Well, actually, her Imagine Childhood website is part shop/part blog/ part community forum, but regardless, it's inspired parents and kids everywhere to explore their natural surroundings and their imagination. 

The book is a perfect complement to the online Imagine Childhood site.  It's filled with open-ended projects like creating outdoor houses out of dirt or leaves (both for big kids and little dolls/figures), making boats out of simple materials like newspaper, and sparking one's imagination through activities like nature walks, costumes, and creating play forts and magical spaces.  Quite a testament to hands-on learning, for sure.

I love this quote from the book's introduction.  I think it sums up the book perfectly.
Nature teaches us how the world works.
Imagination teaches us how to dream.
Play teaches us how to make our dreams real.
                               --Sarah Olmsted.

Imagine Childhood would make a wonderful addition to your home library or a friend's.  I think it would encourage not only children to explore the world of imagination and play, but adults as well.

Speaking of play and nature, I Love Dirt!: 52 Activities to Help You and Your Kids Discover the Wonders of Nature by Jennifer Ward is another fun new release from Roost.
I can't wait to get this book dirty when using it on walks and trips to the park.  I Love Dirt contains 52 short but inspiring ways to immerse your kids and yourself in playful yet dirty activities.

It's divided into seasonal sections, all of which have ways to explore nature through art, science, writing, and simple observation.   It's really applicable to country-dwellers who live in climates with dramatic seasons, like myself, however anyone can use this book, no matter where you live.  Those living in warm locations will probably not be able to do any of the snow-related activities, however there are suggestions for other ways to get the most out of the seasons.

I want to raise my boys with a close connection to nature, and I Love Dirt is a creative catalyst for getting us outside to explore the world, no matter the season or weather. 

WIN IT!

One lucky reader will win a copy of Imagine Childhood and another lucky reader will win a copy of I Love Dirt!  Please enter via the Rafflecopter widgets below (you can leave one comment in the post for both giveaways; no need to duplicate).
a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received copies of the books reviewed here.  All opinions are my own.

15 comments:

  1. Both books look really interesting! I want to make sure C spends lots of time outdoors, and it sounds like these would have some great ideas for getting him engaged in nature.

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  2. Side By Side looks like a good one. I need to get better at working alongside the kids!

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  3. I like the book Side by Side.

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  4. From Roost, I like the book, The Cassoulet Saved Our Marriage.
    jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com

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  5. All together singing in the kitchen

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  6. Carefree Clothes for Girls- it's on my wishlist! :) Thanks for this opportunity.

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  7. oh, there are so many good ones! Ruby Star Wrapping looks really good, as do all of the family nature books!

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  8. The Down and Dirty Guide to Camping with Kids! Lots of others too - great selection!

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  9. I checked out Imagine Childhood from the library and it's a keeper. Pretty much anything from Roost is a win. :)

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  10. My sis bought me I Love Dirt last year and we love it! It is full of ideas to engage my young sons in the outdoors. I would like to include Imagine Childhood to our library. It has been on my wish list for some time.

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  11. From Root Books, I would definitely like Made to Play!

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  12. I totally want the Pop Up card book. I love making homemade cards!

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  13. I would love Imagine Childhood

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