Wild Places: The Life of Naturalist David Attenborough by Hayley Rocco & John Rocco
Come take a journey through David Attenborough’s life – a life devoted to educating humans and inviting us to love all of Earth’s creatures. This picture book biography introduces us to David’s childhood: a time filled with curious adventures through the forest, playing with England’s newts and discovering ancient ammonite fossils. This is the beginning of all naturalist’s stories: time in childhood to touch and feel the awe of nature. Ragged rocks and windswept feathers become treasured gifts. This is how we create environmentalists.
David’s sense of wonder continued as he majored in natural sciences and started a career in film. Initially airing on BBC television, he brought interesting animals into the homes of the average human. He went on to create many more documentaries, including his recent hit on Netflix: Life on Earth. Let’s face it - if there is something “nerdy,” I love it. Documentaries are my favorite! If you take vacations to Florida, consider watching this excellent documentary, The Path of the Panther. It can be found on Disney+. My 5-year-old and I loved it!
Head: Protecting our environment and mitigating the effects of climate change is my top concern. I appreciate voices like David Attenborough - he has a wide audience and can draw many people in towards this fight. Rocco includes a bit about rewilding in the back matter. I encourage people passionate about rewilding to also check out, Rewilding by David A. Steen and Chiara Fedele. This informational picture book is filled with stories of specific animals and locations impacted by loss of habitat, overfishing, etc. Also, follow your local forest preserve on social media. I just signed up for a class on Native Landscaping for Climate Change, hosted by Lake Forest Open Lands and the History Center. There is so much out there to learn and do!
Heart: Learn from David. Get your kids outside to explore. Dig in the mud! Collect rocks! Plant seeds! Kids who play in nature end up becoming Earth’s best defenders. Just look at what David accomplished! Also, random thought: are David Attenborough and Jane Goodall friends? Both Brits lead very similar lives, defending the natural world. I can’t help but picture them as friends. I have such a great deal of respect for people who devote their lives to making this world a cleaner, safer place for all living things.