Thoreau for Children

Richard B. Primack

“I suspect that the child plucks its first flower with insight into its beauty & significance which the subsequent botanist never retains.” Henry David Thoreau in his Journal. 

I Begin With Spring: The Life and Seasons of Henry David Thoreau is a new children’s book by Julie Dunlap.  The unique life of Thoreau is effectively presented for children using his observations of animals and plants throughout the year as an entry point. 

Figure 1. Cover of the book.

Larger issues of the time that engaged Thoreau, such as the fight against slavery in the United States and Darwin’s theory of evolution, are important themes in the book. The book also connects Thoreau’s observations to the current concern for global climate change, summarizing the research work of our lab group on changing flowering times in Concord. 

Figure 2. Drawing of highbush blueberry.

 The book is visually beautiful with colorful illustrations of plants and animals that make the book especially welcoming. 

Figure 3. Drawing of a great horned owl. 

 This is a wonderful book for introducing children to phenology and nature study, and their connection to climate change and larger social issues.