New book from Nigel Grimes helps children discover the magic of nature
As we embark on the new year, many of us will be starting to think about how we are going to make 2026 happier, healthier and more fun for both ourselves and our families. It is easy to fall into the trap of believing that this means spending more money but sometimes the answer is much simpler than that. Perhaps this year could be the time for your children to discover the magic of nature.
Studies have shown that children who spend more time outdoors experience lower levels of anxiety, improved focus, and stronger immune systems. Exposure to natural light and unstructured play boost mood regulating chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. The result is happier children and less stressed parents, teachers and carers!
Wellness coach, forest bathing expert and children’s author Nigel Grimes is helping families to rediscover the joy of slowing life down a little. Encouraging them to head outdoors without screens, pressure or perfection. He recently published his debut children’s book ‘The Forest’s Secret: Helping Children Discover the Magic of Nature’. It is the first UK originated book to integrate forest bathing, sensory mindfulness, and research backed wellbeing guidance in one accessible, story led format.
What did we think?
Raring2go! took a look at a copy to see whether it would deliver on these promises. Would we be inspired us take to the outdoors and embrace the nature on our doorstep?
Our reviewer said “My daughters (aged 4 and 5) enjoyed reading the book. It is a warm and gentle story that celebrates the caring wise bond between a grandmother and her granddaughter. Through their time together, Amelia learns the value of connecting with nature and slowing down to discover inner peace. It really is a heartwarming story to share with your children. We are lucky to live in a rural area surrounded by opportunities to immerse ourselves in the nature around us. After reading this book we will definitely try to take a moment to appreciate this more”
Where can I buy the book?
Nigel Grime’s book ‘The Forest’s Secret: Helping Children Discover the Magic of Nature’ is available from Amazon. Paperback copies RRP £12.99/ hardback copies £19.99.
Family activities to help discover nature with your children
Are you feeling inspired to take your children outside to enjoy the nature around you? Here are a few suggestions of nature games and mindful moment for you to try:
- Sound scavenger hunt – what can you hear? birds? leaves? a stream? what direction are the sounds coming from?
- A texture trail – find something sort, rough, smooth, hairy, tickly…..
- Move mindfully – walk slowly, walk backwards, walk on all fours
- See the unseen – without moving your eyes or head, try and see what’s above, below, left and right
- Breathe with a tree – put your hand on a tree trunk and breathe in and out slowly through your nose
- Press leaves – collect and take home your favourite leaves and press them if you can
- Make a little tree community circle – make a circle together, stand tall like trees and close your eyes. Take a soft breath in and out and imagine roots growing from your feet into the ground. Let your roots touch the tree next to you. All the tress are holding hands under the soil – if one tree feels tired or sad the others share their food, water, kindness and strength. Feel how safe it is to be part of the forest family.
- Look from your heart – Imagine you have eyes in your chest and look at your favourite thing in nature – a flower, tall tree or tiny animal. How does it make you feel? Use your heart eyes to look at people and see the kindness and love around you.
- Share your forest adventure – Draw yourself in the forest. What animals do you see? What colours do you notice? How to you feel?
