What if you knew that there was a great way to share nature and literacy with your children while getting in a wonderful walk? That’s the whole idea behind StoryWalks. At the Arnold Arboretum, we offer opportunities to enjoy the landscape, learn about nature, read together, and do a little hiking, which all contribute to family bonding. Each month we set out a seasonal story about nature by using children’s picture books with beautiful illustrations and kid-friendly language.
For November, check out Hiking Day, written by Anne Rockwell and illustrated by her daughter, artist Lizzy Rockwell. A young girl takes a hike up a mountain with her family for the first time. To her delight, as they climb, they encounter the different animals and birds, the trees and shrubs with their bright leaves and berries, and the varied rocks and features the mountain offers.
- November 5–November 11: The story begins at the ponds, at the intersection of Meadow Road and Bussey Hill Road.
- November 12–November 18: The story begins at the intersection of Bussey Hill and Valley Road, near the Centre Street Gate.
- November 19–December 2: The story begins in front of the Hunnewell Building beside the Arborway Gate.
Our books include:
- Winter Dance by Marion Dane Bauer, illustrated by Richard Jones
- The Longest Night by Marion Dane Bauer, illustrated by Ted Lewin
- Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal
- Raindrops Roll by April Pulley Sayre
- Wild Birds by Joanne Ryder, illustrated by Susan Estelle Kwas
- Flowers Are Calling by Rita Grey, illustrated by Kenard Pak
- Some Bugs by Angela DiTerlizzi, illustrated by Brendan Wenzel
- On Duck Pond by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Bob Marstall
- My Awesome Summer by Paul Meisel
- My Forest is Green by Darren LeBouef, illustrated by Ashley Barron
- Dot and Jabber and the Great Acorn Mystery by Ellen Stoll Walsh
- Because of an Acorn by Lola M. Schafer, illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon
- Hiking Day by Anne Rockwell, illustrated by Lizzy Rockwell