Small Fry Outdoors by Caroline Webster

Small Fry Outdoors - Copyright Katrina Crook and ABC Books, 2008

Small Fry Outdoors is a 143 page paperback book stuffed full of outdoor kids play ideas and inspiration.

Caroline Webster of Caro & Co, otherwise known as Salisbury Downs, very kindly sent me a copy of her book all the way from Australia to review for you.

And Katrina Crook, the photographer behind the fabulous images, generously supplied me with the photos you see here – all from Small Fry Outdoors.

Getting Kids Out Into Nature

When I look at this lovely book for parents who need a little inspiration to get their kids out into nature I wonder how words can convey the joy it shares. Nonetheless, I’m supposed to be writing a review, which means words, so below you’ll find details on the written content.

Toddler Explorations on Wet Deck - Copyright Katrina Crook, 2008

Kids have this amazing innate capacity to examine everything in their surroundings. This photo of a toddler, face down to the wet, shiny deck, by Katrina Crook, captures it perfectly.

Outdoor Kids Play

Yet how often do we as adults just get in the way of kid exploration of the natural world with our concerns over cleanliness and safety and what kids ought to be doing?

I really love that the very first thing Caroline explains is what 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 year old outdoor kids play looks like. I know that I never knew what to expect of my first child. Caroline then goes on to explain what you need to do when outdoors with 2-6 year old children.  You’re not left guessing what exactly you’re supposed to do to encourage and support outdoor adventures.

Inside Small Fry Outdoors

Little Girl and Herbs - Coyright Katrina Crook, 2008

Inside Small Fry Outdoors you will find the following sections and chapter headings:

Where the Wild Things Are – imagination, discovery.

Every Day – activities, chores, when outdoors is hard.

Seasons – spring, summer, autumn, winter.

Senses – touch, taste, sight, smell, sound.

Concepts – colors, shapes, letters and numbers, time, web of life.

Kid-Friendly Activities

The range of outdoor kids play ideas included is extensive. Here are a few to give you a taste: adopt a fairy; magical potions; rain catchers; snail races; picnics (my favorite); bean racing; magpie madness; predator watch; what to plant in each season. There even some well chosen recipes and nature-inspired crafts.

Kids Just Plain Having Fun Outdoors

Lovingly Planting a Tree - Copyright Katrina Crook, 2008

And every single page spread includes a photo, or more, by Katrina Crook. The whole book is laid out beautifully.

Personally, if my kids were still little, I’d be as inspired, if not more so, by the images of kids just having a glorious time playing outdoors, as I would be by the activity ideas.

What Else?

Small Fry Outdoors is published by ABC Books, which is part of Harper Collins, Australia.

There are a few references in the book which are delightfully Australian. I’d not let that stop you from adding this book to your home library. I can’t imagine a better book to inspire outdoor playtime with kids.

I should mention here that Caroline also had the help of Susie Cameron in the production of this book and all three, Caroline Webster, Katrina Crook, and Susie Cameron, are moms of active young kids.

If you want to grab yourself a copy, and I’d recommend that you do, take a look at Small Fry Outdoors at Amazon.com. Being an Australian book, there are only a few copies available in the USA. Other options are: for UK copies try Small Fry Amazon.co.uk; in Australia, Small Fry at the ABC Store (they will ship to the USA).

Related posts:

1. Ten Tricks to Get Kids Outdoors
2. 3 States Who Are Promoting Outdoor Activities
3. Boys and Girls Come Out to Play