All summer, I’ll be sharing books for kids of all ages on topics that will interest them or offer them something new to learn about. Most of the time, these will be nonfiction books, but sometimes we can learn from fictional stories too. I believe reading over the summer is so important, and keeping kids interested in reading by finding books that are relevant and full of topics that they are interested in is very important. Kids should be reading at least 20 minutes every day, and I hope that these books offer you ideas to keep your kids reading and learning all summer.
Look for these posts every Friday. They will always have Summer Read-to-Learn in the title and the tags. There will be books from some of my favorite publishers as well as books on all kinds of topics kids love to read and learn about. Be sure to stop by each week to see what book I’m sharing as part of my Summer Read-to-Learn series.
To see all the books in the Summer Read-to-Learn series, click HERE.
ASK SCARLETT
Can Being Outside Help me De-Stress? And More Questions about Nature and You
By: Becky Baines
Published: August 5, 2025
Publisher: Magination Press
Non-Fiction
As a child subscriber to Ranger Rick magazine, I was thrilled to see this book encouraging kids to go outside, answering the common questions kids wonder about, and including beautiful photography alongside Scarlett the Fox, sharing all the information. I had all the nostalgic feelings about reading Ranger Rick and learning about animals and the outdoors.
Scarlett answers questions with a fun, quirky, yet accurate style. She is brief and to the point, sharing examples alongside the facts. Gorgeous photographs, combined with illustrations, fill the pages alongside brief paragraphs to keep the kids engaged.
I appreciated how Scarlett teaches about the importance of going outside, getting Vitamin D, and why Vitamin D is important to your body, and getting sun to reset your circadian rhythm. This is something I don’t ever remember learning as a kid, but it has been so helpful to my daily rhythms now.
Kids also learn ways to calm their minds and reduce stress by going outside and looking at the stars or watching birds. Did you know cuddling a furry friend helps with increasing brain activity? Snuggling with your dog or cat while studying or doing homework is said to improve attention, concentration, and creativity. Plus, you just might sleep better.
Kangaroo care is the skin-to-skin care found to be so beneficial for newborn babies, mimicking Kangaroo pouches, where baby kangaroos live and get the nutrients they need to grow. Scarlett explains how beneficial this care is to newborns. This was likely part of your child’s birth care, and you might want to show them a photo of the two of you in the skin-to-skin care.
There are so many other ways that nature, animals, and the outdoors are good for our lungs, our minds, and our attitudes. Reading this book with your child and finding outdoor activities to do together is a great way to finish off your summer.
Click HERE to purchase a copy of ASK SCARLETT
Take these Scavenger Hunt cards on your next outdoor outing!
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Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase through
Posted Under Becky Baines, Book Review, Children's books, Summer Read-to-Learn, animals, middle-grade, nature, non-fiction