The Puddle Day

PreS-Gr 1–The “Forest School” series ­introduces children and caregivers to the concept of outdoor daycare where nature play is the foundation and time outside, rain or shine, is simply part of the day. Owl ­creatively and expertly leads their small group through hands-on exploration, ­modeling how learning and joy can thrive in all kinds of weather. In this entry, a steady rain leaves the young animal students convinced the day is ruined. What could they possibly do outdoors in such wet weather? Owl ­reassures them that “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just wrong clothes,” and soon the group is splashing into a full day of discovery. Activities, such as puddle-jumping, making mud pies, and racing stick boats, are paired with gentle safety reminders, including clear warnings, such as “never play outside in a thunderstorm.” The book is rich with open-ended prompts highlighted in text boxes, along with step-by-step directions for simple crafts and outdoor learning experiences. Helpful tips at the end offer adaptable ideas for families in both rural and urban settings, making this approach accessible to all. This book functions as an engaging introduction to sensory-rich outdoor learning; the layout is user-friendly, the story relatable, and the guidance practical and encouraging.