Those that have read at least the nature study portion of my blog know how much I adore the books by Clare Walker Leslie. Well, let me tell you about one more product I purchased last year (I know, I should have told you about it sooner!LOL)

She has a 'ready to go' nature journal. Yep, all set up and ready for YOU to use! It is a hardback with 176 pages.

 It is called Nature Journal: A Guided Journal for Illustrating and Recording Your Observations of the Natural World  (You can view an excerpt from the book by following the link. )

Amazon describes it ...  "No one could describe NATURE JOURNAL as a blank book. Clare Walker Leslie has transformed what could have been an ordinary diary into something truly unique. The text and illustrations offer just the right amount of inspiration and guidance to help the journal-keeper begin and succeed at making this book his or her own.

First Clare explains to the budding journal-keeper how to get started and suggests some possible formats to follow. She even includes a few sample pages from her own journal as inspiration.

Then come the journal pages themselves. The left-hand page has ghosted-back lines for those who prefer a sense of structure. The right-hand pages are left blank for sketching or writing. Short, inspirational quotes and exercises to help guide the journaling process are scattered among the pages.

At the back of the journal is Clare's mini-field guide, packed with essential information on how to recognize (and draw!) basic families of birds, insects, and trees, thus sparing the journal-keeper the trouble of lugging multiple field guides into the wild. An elastic band keeps paper from flapping while you're writing, holds specimens, and acts as a bookmark. Drop it in the mud. Get trail mix stuck between the pages. This journal can take it! Printed on recycled, acid-free paper with a lay-flat binding. "

Do I think it is a "must have" for homeschoolers? No. A simple piece of paper and a place to store your drawn pages will suffice. But is it a nicety? Absolutely. If you're looking for something to kickstart your own nature journaling, or want a special gift for a nature lover this is a great idea!