Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite

From acorns to zephyrs, N is for Nature by Lauren Martin is a lovely, outdoorsy alphabet book that introduces young readers to the wonders of the natural world. Each letter of the alphabet is paired with a nature-themed word, such as “Butterfly,” “Nest,” “Inchworm,” and “Violet,” while others like “Lichen,” “Quartz,” and “Zephyr” offer a chance to learn new and intriguing vocabulary. The structure is straightforward, with large, vibrant illustrations that align with each word. Most of the vocabulary will be easy for young readers to understand, but it will also challenge some who are a bit older. The book not only celebrates nature but also offers activities to extend at the end. The “Start Your Own Service Project” will inspire readers to consider how they can make a difference. N is for Nature is calm and nature-centered while gently introducing young learners to the letters of the alphabet, the outdoors, and how they can make the world a better place.

As an educator, I love how N is for Nature by Lauren Martin creates a fun way for kids to learn through both the pictures and the words. The illustrations really stand out—they’re so vivid and almost look like real photos, which helps kids see exactly what each plant or animal might look like in the real world. I even learned something new from the book—when I got to “L is for Lichen,” I realized I’d seen those markings on trees before but never knew what they were called! That moment of discovery reminded me just how effective children’s books can be at sparking curiosity in all ages. At the end, I appreciated both activities, including a fun ABC Scavenger Hunt (and the previously mentioned service project idea), and the author's website, which has a link to other free activities like a five-senses observation journal. This book would make a wonderful addition to any early education classroom, nature-based program, or home library.