This is a beautifully illustrated book which encourages children to still their minds and hearts by being present in the moment, watching the intricate workings of creatures and plants in the natural world around us.

The book begins with a wonderful poem, 'What Can I Say?' by Mary Oliver and then the author explains her purposes behind the pages that follows.

"Sometimes, when you feel a twist in your tummy or a fuzziness in your head, it is almost impossible to find joy, feel peace, or follow curiosity. But there are ways you can look after yourself, to calm your body and your mind, and being immersed in nature is just one of them."

She invites the reader, who could be anyone aged six to 106, to get up close with fascinating creatures such as ants, woodlice, grasshoppers or goldfinches, or watch dandelions, lichen, mushrooms or snowflakes.

There's a different animal, insect or plant every two pages with an activity to look out for and amazing facts to discover. There really is a wealth of information, beautifully presented. I did find the different typefaces, often printed quite small on the page, a little distracting, but when I stopped flicking through the pages and took time to delve fully into each activity, I realised this was what the author intended. To take things slowly, to focus and to concentrate on this one story, this one page, to be present in the moment. A rather special book!