Kendra Winchester is a Contributing Editor for Book Riot where she writes about audiobooks and disability literature. She is also the Founder of Read Appalachia, which celebrates Appalachian literature and writing. Previously, Kendra co-founded and served as Executive Director for Reading Women, a podcast that gained an international following over its six-season run. In her off hours, you can find her writing on her Substack, Winchester Ave, and posting photos of her Corgis on Instagram and Twitter @kdwinchester.
Kendra Winchester is a Contributing Editor for Book Riot where she writes about audiobooks and disability literature. She is also the Founder of Read Appalachia, which celebrates Appalachian literature and writing. Previously, Kendra co-founded and served as Executive Director for Reading Women, a podcast that gained an international following over its six-season run. In her off hours, you can find her writing on her Substack, Winchester Ave, and posting photos of her Corgis on Instagram and Twitter @kdwinchester.
Sure, it’s only January. But I like to remind myself that spring is just around the corner. Soon it will be time for the birds to return and for gardeners to plant new seeds. (Or, as my spouse reminds me, baseball.)
In the meantime, while it’s still dark and gloomy outside, I reach for nature books that remind me that after every quiet winter, there has always been a spring of new life.
World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments by Aimee Nezhukumatathil
From the anecdotes of Nezhukumatathil’s life to the cute illustrations by artist Fumi Nakamura, World of Wonders is the perfect package. Nezhukumatathil describes how her parents instilled in her a love of nature, but as an Indian immigrant, she didn’t often see people like her on nature trails. The stunning illustrations make this a beautiful object, ideal for giving to the nature lovers in your life.
All Access Members, read on for four more great book recommendations!
Sown in the Stars: Planting by the Signs by Sarah L. Hall, Photos by Meg Wilson
Hall’s gorgeous book delves into the world of planting crops by the signs in the stars. It’s a beautiful blend of culture, folklore, and food traditions rooted in generations of history. Hall talks to central and eastern Kentuckians who have been planting by the signs for decades. Some gardeners plant by the phases of the moon, while others use the stars to guide their lives as a whole. Wilson’s photos are stunning, making this book an incredible gift for any gardener or general plant lover.
The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan
In 2016, Tan felt overwhelmed by the state of the world, but she found solace in nature. She began watching the birds flying in and out of her backyard. Before long, she had dozens of sketches of different kinds of birds. Tan’s new hobby gave her hope that a better world was still possible. The book itself has a small, sturdy, and trim size, fitting perfectly in your hands, making it ideal to slip into a large pocket while you’re on your bird-watching adventures.
The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer
As you’ve gathered by now, I’m a nature-loving girlie who also happens to love a beautifully packaged book. Robin Wall Kimmerer asks readers to learn from the humble serviceberry, a tiny fruit that provides so much to its ecosystem, which in turn supports it. What’s more, the text is accompanied by vibrant illustrations by John Burgoyne.
Night Magic by Leigh Ann Henion
For nature-loving readers seeking a new realm to explore, you have to check out Night Magic. Over the spring, summer, and fall, Leigh Ann Henion explores the world of nature after dark. She discovers glow worms in her neighborhood, goes on a night walk to find glowing fungi, and helps with efforts to study the mysterious world of bats. Henion’s love of nature comes through on every page as she discusses the ongoing problem of light pollution in America. She strikes the perfect balance of narrative and research, guiding readers along into the night.
You can find me over on my substack Winchester Ave, over on Instagram @kdwinchester, or on my podcast Read Appalachia. As always, feel free to drop me a line at [email protected]. For even MORE bookish content, you can find my articles over on Book Riot.
Happy Reading, Friends!
~ Kendra
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