Herbal Activities for Kids: 50 Nature Crafts, Recipes, and Garden Projects

by Molly Meehan Brown (Author)

Herbal Activities for Kids: 50 Nature Crafts, Recipes, and Garden Projects
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

A rich, colorful compendium of crafts, cooking, gardening, and nature exploration activities introduces kids ages 7 and up to the versatility and creative fun of working and playing with herbs.

From dandelions to lavender, chamomile, turmeric, and lemon balm, herbs include a wonderfully diverse range of plants for crafting, cooking, and gardening. Kids will love exploring the world of herbs with this lively and colorful collection of 50 nature-based activities created by Molly Meehan Brown and the global community of herbalists who contribute to the Wild Ginger Community Herbal Center.

Filled with photos and the whimsical art of Madison Safer, this eclectic and colorful compilation volume features easy-to-follow projects that engage all five senses.

Includes activities for different ages and interests such as:

  • How to make a pressed flower and herb collage
  • Tie-dye fabric with turmeric
  • Make elderberry syrup
  • Plant a pollinator garden
  • Make wild berry crumble
  • Craft an herbal wreath or a flower bracelet
  • Write a nature haiku
  • Make lemon balm lip balm, and more!


With bits of lore about herbs and herbalism sprinkled throughout, this is the perfect introduction to the versatility and usefulness of herbs for kids ages 7 and up.

Select format:
Paperback
$18.99

School Library Journal

Gr 4-7--After a brief introduction to herbs, herbalists, and plants more generally, readers are encouraged to recognize the interconnectedness of all living things. This interrelation is called by herbalists the "right relationship," a concept reiterated throughout. When appropriate, safety reminders for adult supervision are included. Organized by each of the five senses, information and activities are presented in an easily accessible and well-organized format with a conversational tone. Some are easy (such as creating art using natural, found materials; observing and sketching nature; and even meditation) and appropriate for younger children. Others are more sophisticated, requiring adult supervision or for older children. Illustrations include photographs and imaginative illustrations. The children who are pictured are mostly BIPOC. Some activities suggest use of materials that may not be easily available, such as red clay powder and several botanicals. An index and additional information for further exploration of the natural world are included. VERDICT Purchase this interesting volume for large collections.--Maria B. Salvadore

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"A treasure trove of herbal crafts from an amazing collective of talented herbalists that brilliantly intertwines fun, education, and the magical world of nature. A joy-filled and intentional must-have guide for families seeking to infuse their family's herbal education."—Khetnu Nefer, author of 28 Days To A Soulful Life and Founder of The Gullah Geechee Herbal Gathering

"This book is a magical journey into the plant world for children or those who are a child at heart! Packed with fun and flavorful activities to keep your child's creativity flowing, this book is a must have for anyone who loves herbs and fun!"—Lucretia VanDyke, author of African American Herbalism: A Practical Guide to Healing Plants and Folk Traditions

Molly Meehan Brown
Molly Meehan Brown is the creator of Wild Ginger Community Herbal Center based in Maryland and Costa Rica as well as KidsHerbalism.com. Meehan Brown has twenty years' experience as an herbalist and has curated herbal educational activities for youth at the Chesapeake Herb Gathering, through Herb Camps for Kids, and has developed numerous other herbal projects and experiences for kids in her community.
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781635865844
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Storey Publishing
Publication date
August 06, 2024
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF015000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Crafts & Hobbies | General
JNF037030 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Flowers & Plants
JNF022000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Gardening
Library of Congress categories
-

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