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The Everyday Naturalist: How to Identify Animals, Plants, and Fungi Wherever You Go
Win a free print copy of this book!
15 days and 12:31:12
25 copies available
U.S. only
Learn to identify animals, plants, and fungi wherever you go with this step-by-step guide for spotting and recording key traits and characteristics.
If you've ever consulted a field guide to identify a new bird at your feeder, you know the process isn't as easy as it sounds. In fact, it seems like you have to know a lot about that mystery bird to even figure out where to start.
The Everyday Naturalist fills in the gaps by explaining what traits to pay attention to when encountering a new species; how and when to use field guides, apps, and other resources; what to do if you get stuck; and more. Rather than focusing on one region or continent, these skills and tools are designed to help you classify nature anywhere you are—whether on familiar territory, traveling, or in a new home.
In chapters about animals, plants, fungi, and organisms like lichens and slime molds, naturalist and guide Rebecca Lexa goes into detail about what sets each of these kingdoms apart from each other—from color, shape, and texture to sexual characteristics, behavior, and habitat—and includes more than forty full-color photos and drawings to illustrate key points. She also provides detailed case studies to demonstrate how to use all of these traits to identify specimens across multiple kingdoms.
This easy-to-follow guide empowers you to learn more about the species around you, then use what you know to preserve the world you love. And at a time when biodiversity is imperiled worldwide, nature needs more advocates than ever.
If you've ever consulted a field guide to identify a new bird at your feeder, you know the process isn't as easy as it sounds. In fact, it seems like you have to know a lot about that mystery bird to even figure out where to start.
The Everyday Naturalist fills in the gaps by explaining what traits to pay attention to when encountering a new species; how and when to use field guides, apps, and other resources; what to do if you get stuck; and more. Rather than focusing on one region or continent, these skills and tools are designed to help you classify nature anywhere you are—whether on familiar territory, traveling, or in a new home.
In chapters about animals, plants, fungi, and organisms like lichens and slime molds, naturalist and guide Rebecca Lexa goes into detail about what sets each of these kingdoms apart from each other—from color, shape, and texture to sexual characteristics, behavior, and habitat—and includes more than forty full-color photos and drawings to illustrate key points. She also provides detailed case studies to demonstrate how to use all of these traits to identify specimens across multiple kingdoms.
This easy-to-follow guide empowers you to learn more about the species around you, then use what you know to preserve the world you love. And at a time when biodiversity is imperiled worldwide, nature needs more advocates than ever.
272 pages, Paperback
Published June 17, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 6, 2025
2 stars
Well, I thought this book was about the identification of animals, plants, fungi, and other organisms we encounter in everyday life, or at least brief characterizations of them. I knew it would be impossible for the book to include descriptions of all species, but I expected it to serve as a mini reference guide for common animals, plants, and fungi—like how to differentiate a moth from a butterfly or how to identify a common sparrow, etc.
However, this book was actually about how to document characteristics when we come across animals, plants, or fungi and how to record these findings using an app or other books. While that might be useful for some, it wasn’t what I was expecting.
That said, it’s still a nice read, and I did learn something from it.
Well, I thought this book was about the identification of animals, plants, fungi, and other organisms we encounter in everyday life, or at least brief characterizations of them. I knew it would be impossible for the book to include descriptions of all species, but I expected it to serve as a mini reference guide for common animals, plants, and fungi—like how to differentiate a moth from a butterfly or how to identify a common sparrow, etc.
However, this book was actually about how to document characteristics when we come across animals, plants, or fungi and how to record these findings using an app or other books. While that might be useful for some, it wasn’t what I was expecting.
That said, it’s still a nice read, and I did learn something from it.
April 6, 2025
I am starting review of this book so that I can write as I go and then I’ll write it at the end.
1) I was initially inspired to read this book because of my boyfriend. He is such a nature enthusiast from trees to fauna to wild birds, he knows more facts than the average 30-year old. And I love him for it on our first date. He spoke to me about trees and rocks for a very long time and now it’s been almost four years together.
Over the years, I have been introduced to nature in a more intimate way because of him. I’ve gone birding, I have taken survivalist classes, and I have tried my best to learn the names of trees and wild animals.
I really do think it’s interesting, but I am unfortunately not yet at a place where I can identify a plant based on its bark or leaves. I also must admit, something deep inside me—perhaps the dastardly divine feminine-would love to better understand herbs and natural medicine. I feel drawn to understanding the way nature can take care of us.
There’s something about the power of girlhood; the intrigue we create around the most menial of things, the ability we have to make the abstract envisionary, even the way self medicating with herbs and foraged plants came to be—we can be quite mystical when we’d like.
So despite my failures thus far, to come into my own with the natural world, some part of me is convinced that this book will help me ground myself in these theories and sciences, so they can take root in my mind. Then, should I ever need it, I can do what I need to survive with limited resources.
So this is the state of my mind going into reading this book.
2) The beginning of this book goes back to the history of naturalism and those who contributed to the study of nature. Funnily enough, and I think this primarily tickles me because of my complicated history with religion, there are folks who were burned for their legitimate claims about the world. As someone who was mocked in Sunday School for asserting that dinosaurs were real…let’s just say I get it. How ridiculous that studying reality can make you the enemy of faith.
I really enjoyed the approachable tone this takes. Although it is non-fiction, I’m actually excited to read the history behind naturalism and better understand how humans formed more accurate perceptions of the world around them.
One fun fact, which probably should be obvious to me, but I had no idea: taxonomy is not fixed! As we learn more about the relationships between organisms and the diversity that exists in nature, things shuffle. Can you believe that? I know from school that science is just a process through with you prove/disprove a series of hypotheses. However, I did not realize it was so flexible or regularly revisited, that we continue to update knowledge bases to this day. That’s something I definitely did not learn from the 20-year-old textbooks in my middle school biology class.
Beyond all of this, the author admits that this study is confusing and that even professionals don’t have it all down. Do you know how difficult it is to have an expert communicate their field in a comprehensible way? To provide empathy to new learners rather than creating artificial barriers that only reinforce ego & privilege?
I actually think I’ll stop here because I feel like this says everything I need to say. The Everyday Naturalist is a gorgeous text. That makes natural knowledge more accessible, and the author seems to be passionate about empowering people to understand actual applications for the things they learn.
I learned how to read a map from my former hiking instructor — a man who was in the military, and he essentially gave me the map, pointed to where I am, and told me to lead the group. I don’t recall being successful & I don’t mean to make him sound unhelpful. He was kind to me and I enjoyed our conversations, but it just goes to show how even those who are trying to share information with you might unintentionally be setting you up to fail. I mean, as much as I have been told to avoid poison ivy, I’m still uncertain about whether I can identify it in the wild and in truth. I just avoid any pointy leaf that is near the ground.
What I’m trying to say is that having this book in the world is pretty incredible and while I was reading it, I felt warm. This is what it feels like to learn from someone who cares, and all I am doing is absorbing the words she has put on a page.
1) I was initially inspired to read this book because of my boyfriend. He is such a nature enthusiast from trees to fauna to wild birds, he knows more facts than the average 30-year old. And I love him for it on our first date. He spoke to me about trees and rocks for a very long time and now it’s been almost four years together.
Over the years, I have been introduced to nature in a more intimate way because of him. I’ve gone birding, I have taken survivalist classes, and I have tried my best to learn the names of trees and wild animals.
I really do think it’s interesting, but I am unfortunately not yet at a place where I can identify a plant based on its bark or leaves. I also must admit, something deep inside me—perhaps the dastardly divine feminine-would love to better understand herbs and natural medicine. I feel drawn to understanding the way nature can take care of us.
There’s something about the power of girlhood; the intrigue we create around the most menial of things, the ability we have to make the abstract envisionary, even the way self medicating with herbs and foraged plants came to be—we can be quite mystical when we’d like.
So despite my failures thus far, to come into my own with the natural world, some part of me is convinced that this book will help me ground myself in these theories and sciences, so they can take root in my mind. Then, should I ever need it, I can do what I need to survive with limited resources.
So this is the state of my mind going into reading this book.
2) The beginning of this book goes back to the history of naturalism and those who contributed to the study of nature. Funnily enough, and I think this primarily tickles me because of my complicated history with religion, there are folks who were burned for their legitimate claims about the world. As someone who was mocked in Sunday School for asserting that dinosaurs were real…let’s just say I get it. How ridiculous that studying reality can make you the enemy of faith.
I really enjoyed the approachable tone this takes. Although it is non-fiction, I’m actually excited to read the history behind naturalism and better understand how humans formed more accurate perceptions of the world around them.
One fun fact, which probably should be obvious to me, but I had no idea: taxonomy is not fixed! As we learn more about the relationships between organisms and the diversity that exists in nature, things shuffle. Can you believe that? I know from school that science is just a process through with you prove/disprove a series of hypotheses. However, I did not realize it was so flexible or regularly revisited, that we continue to update knowledge bases to this day. That’s something I definitely did not learn from the 20-year-old textbooks in my middle school biology class.
Beyond all of this, the author admits that this study is confusing and that even professionals don’t have it all down. Do you know how difficult it is to have an expert communicate their field in a comprehensible way? To provide empathy to new learners rather than creating artificial barriers that only reinforce ego & privilege?
I actually think I’ll stop here because I feel like this says everything I need to say. The Everyday Naturalist is a gorgeous text. That makes natural knowledge more accessible, and the author seems to be passionate about empowering people to understand actual applications for the things they learn.
I learned how to read a map from my former hiking instructor — a man who was in the military, and he essentially gave me the map, pointed to where I am, and told me to lead the group. I don’t recall being successful & I don’t mean to make him sound unhelpful. He was kind to me and I enjoyed our conversations, but it just goes to show how even those who are trying to share information with you might unintentionally be setting you up to fail. I mean, as much as I have been told to avoid poison ivy, I’m still uncertain about whether I can identify it in the wild and in truth. I just avoid any pointy leaf that is near the ground.
What I’m trying to say is that having this book in the world is pretty incredible and while I was reading it, I felt warm. This is what it feels like to learn from someone who cares, and all I am doing is absorbing the words she has put on a page.
June 1, 2025
“Why do we need everyday naturalists?”
I enjoyed the Everyday Naturalist a lot. It isn’t the classical identification guide, but more a manual about how to use these (among other things) and I found that aspect particularly interesting. The “soft” illustrations are very beautiful and make the reader want to go through the pages. Yet, the abundant text is what is the most interesting.
I adored how the author speaks about Natural 카지노싸이트s, in the book’s beginning especially. This non elitist –and interconnected– discourse resonated in me. I loved the varied community that was shown, as much as the fact that the author spoke about ethics (in many different ways) and warned about modern guides and potential use of AI (and its risks).
It truly is a great “vulgarisation” book, even though it remains detailed. I can’t wait to have a physical copy on my shelves, as the missing links between my field books and my History of Natural 카지노싸이트s volumes.
Thank you to the author and Ten Speed Press for the eARC sent via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
4.5/5
I enjoyed the Everyday Naturalist a lot. It isn’t the classical identification guide, but more a manual about how to use these (among other things) and I found that aspect particularly interesting. The “soft” illustrations are very beautiful and make the reader want to go through the pages. Yet, the abundant text is what is the most interesting.
I adored how the author speaks about Natural 카지노싸이트s, in the book’s beginning especially. This non elitist –and interconnected– discourse resonated in me. I loved the varied community that was shown, as much as the fact that the author spoke about ethics (in many different ways) and warned about modern guides and potential use of AI (and its risks).
It truly is a great “vulgarisation” book, even though it remains detailed. I can’t wait to have a physical copy on my shelves, as the missing links between my field books and my History of Natural 카지노싸이트s volumes.
Thank you to the author and Ten Speed Press for the eARC sent via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
4.5/5
March 28, 2025
Fantastic book which gives great advice and insights for bird watchers, and all things naturalist. Packed full of information. Thank you to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
June 14, 2025
Book Review: The Everyday Naturalist by Rebecca Lexa
Raring: 4 Stars
I recently picked up The Everyday Naturalist by Rebecca Lexa, and I have to say, it’s a refreshing take on the usual nature guide. The book isn’t your typical field guide that just lists species and their characteristics; instead, it’s more of a hands-on manual that teaches you how to observe and identify animals, plants, fungi, and other organisms no matter where you are. Whether you’re in your backyard or exploring a new environment, Lexa guides you through what key traits to look for, how to use various tools like apps and field guides effectively, and even what to do if you find yourself stuck in the identification process.
What I really appreciated was how the book breaks down the natural world into its kingdoms—animals, plants, fungi, plus lichens and slime molds—and explains their unique features in a clear, approachable way. The inclusion of over forty beautiful color illustrations really adds to the experience, making you want to flip through the pages again and again. Plus, the detailed case studies help tie everything together by showing how the traits come into play in real-world identifications.
Beyond just being informative, The Everyday Naturalist feels like an invitation to become a more mindful observer of nature. Lexa’s passion for natural sciences shines through her writing, making dense topics accessible and engaging. At a time when biodiversity is under threat worldwide, this book is a timely reminder that understanding nature is the first step in protecting it.
The only reason I’m giving it four stars instead of five is that the text is quite dense at points—there’s a lot to absorb! But honestly, that’s also part of the charm for anyone who really wants to dive deep.
And I have to mention—what a charming cover! It immediately drew me in and perfectly reflects the gentle, thoughtful tone inside.
Overall, if you’re a nature lover looking for more than just a checklist of species, The Everyday Naturalist would be a wonderful addition to your collection. It encourages curiosity and equips you with the skills to explore and appreciate the living world around you in a meaningful way.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Raring: 4 Stars
I recently picked up The Everyday Naturalist by Rebecca Lexa, and I have to say, it’s a refreshing take on the usual nature guide. The book isn’t your typical field guide that just lists species and their characteristics; instead, it’s more of a hands-on manual that teaches you how to observe and identify animals, plants, fungi, and other organisms no matter where you are. Whether you’re in your backyard or exploring a new environment, Lexa guides you through what key traits to look for, how to use various tools like apps and field guides effectively, and even what to do if you find yourself stuck in the identification process.
What I really appreciated was how the book breaks down the natural world into its kingdoms—animals, plants, fungi, plus lichens and slime molds—and explains their unique features in a clear, approachable way. The inclusion of over forty beautiful color illustrations really adds to the experience, making you want to flip through the pages again and again. Plus, the detailed case studies help tie everything together by showing how the traits come into play in real-world identifications.
Beyond just being informative, The Everyday Naturalist feels like an invitation to become a more mindful observer of nature. Lexa’s passion for natural sciences shines through her writing, making dense topics accessible and engaging. At a time when biodiversity is under threat worldwide, this book is a timely reminder that understanding nature is the first step in protecting it.
The only reason I’m giving it four stars instead of five is that the text is quite dense at points—there’s a lot to absorb! But honestly, that’s also part of the charm for anyone who really wants to dive deep.
And I have to mention—what a charming cover! It immediately drew me in and perfectly reflects the gentle, thoughtful tone inside.
Overall, if you’re a nature lover looking for more than just a checklist of species, The Everyday Naturalist would be a wonderful addition to your collection. It encourages curiosity and equips you with the skills to explore and appreciate the living world around you in a meaningful way.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
June 15, 2025
The Everyday Naturalist is an aid to help you search for and recognize characteristics of living things all around you including plants, animals, fungi, lichen and slime molds. All that is needed is curiosity and desire to learn. This is not a field guide but almost a pre-field guide which inspires and encourages you to get out into nature and not just look but see. I am a nature nut and would live outdoors 365 days a year if possible. As a forager, I do a lot of meticulous research and organism identification, asking for help when needed from trustworthy mentors. Foragers must be particularly cautious as everything is edible, sometimes only once. Author Rebecca Lexa gives pointers on what to look for at home or on travels, familiar and unfamiliar. I live on two continents with massively different living organisms but learning basics such as leaf shape, insect patterns, animal track size, sounds, scratches, male versus female traits, movements, scat contents, fungal life stages, bird shapes, and lichen textures will place you in good stead of building on your knowledge.
The author encourages the naturalist to utilize (but not rely on) various apps such as Audubon, Merlin and Cornell Lab of Ornithology. She explains taxonomy and includes humorous mnemonics. She provides insight into the impact the Ancient Romans and Greeks made on the world with their astute observations and knowledge of botanic information. One of my favourite parasitic plant finds will always be the ghost plant which is extremely rare in my area. I have never encountered its beauty since. As a forager, I encounter the weird and unusual all the time, too, and live in white truffle territory. You will discover equally exciting treasures if you focus and look.
Recording templates and a glossary are located at the back of the book. Every naturalist starts somewhere with something as simple and lovely as common wildflowers or elusive birds with pretty songs. Before long, you will be hooked and armed with binoculars, tick repellent, mushroom baskets, and a library membership!
The author encourages the naturalist to utilize (but not rely on) various apps such as Audubon, Merlin and Cornell Lab of Ornithology. She explains taxonomy and includes humorous mnemonics. She provides insight into the impact the Ancient Romans and Greeks made on the world with their astute observations and knowledge of botanic information. One of my favourite parasitic plant finds will always be the ghost plant which is extremely rare in my area. I have never encountered its beauty since. As a forager, I encounter the weird and unusual all the time, too, and live in white truffle territory. You will discover equally exciting treasures if you focus and look.
Recording templates and a glossary are located at the back of the book. Every naturalist starts somewhere with something as simple and lovely as common wildflowers or elusive birds with pretty songs. Before long, you will be hooked and armed with binoculars, tick repellent, mushroom baskets, and a library membership!
June 19, 2025
Originally posted on my blog .
The Everyday Naturalist is an engaging monograph for foragers and nature lovers who want to gain confidence with their IDs and interactions - by observation and documentation, not as a field guide, written and curated by . Released 17th June by Penguin Random House on their imprint, it's 272 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.
The author does a good job of showing readers how to observe and record information in order to narrow down the possibilities for plant and animal species they see in nature. Although proper binomial nomenclature (Latin names) are used throughout, it's not a field guide for ID in any sense of the word. In fact, there are very few photographs at all included in the text, but it is liberally illustrated in with detailed color pen/pencil/ink drawings by . They are beautifully rendered and add a lot of depth and detail to the text. Illustrations are accompanied by simple captions.
The author has included guidelines and field note templates to fill in with observations for fungi, animals, and plants. They're fairly detailed and self-explanatory. There are also useful appendices including glossary, detailed resource/bibliography lists, and a cross-referenced index.
Four stars. It would be a good choice for public or secondary school library acquisition, for home use, or possibly for foraging and gardening groups.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Everyday Naturalist is an engaging monograph for foragers and nature lovers who want to gain confidence with their IDs and interactions - by observation and documentation, not as a field guide, written and curated by . Released 17th June by Penguin Random House on their imprint, it's 272 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.
The author does a good job of showing readers how to observe and record information in order to narrow down the possibilities for plant and animal species they see in nature. Although proper binomial nomenclature (Latin names) are used throughout, it's not a field guide for ID in any sense of the word. In fact, there are very few photographs at all included in the text, but it is liberally illustrated in with detailed color pen/pencil/ink drawings by . They are beautifully rendered and add a lot of depth and detail to the text. Illustrations are accompanied by simple captions.
The author has included guidelines and field note templates to fill in with observations for fungi, animals, and plants. They're fairly detailed and self-explanatory. There are also useful appendices including glossary, detailed resource/bibliography lists, and a cross-referenced index.
Four stars. It would be a good choice for public or secondary school library acquisition, for home use, or possibly for foraging and gardening groups.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
April 30, 2025
🌿 What a charming book. I could feel Rebecca’s passion for identification from her personality shining through in the writing and the fun mixed bag of nature facts she shared.
This book has identification history, how to sort through information to determine credibility, Rebecca’s broad identification process, and ideas on how to catalogue the information you find. I especially appreciated the mention of how disability plays into this hobby and will be looking into the resources she offered there. It’s important to know that this book is NOT a field guide, it’s more an overview of the hobby and tips for beginning as a naturalist.
What I got from this is that it’s such a joyful thing to just allow yourself to be curious about nature. To make connections and learn facts about the world around you, be more in the present on a walk, and notice changes in your environment based on seasons or location. As someone with a degree in Sustainability, I full-heartedly agree with her that you do not need to be an expert to immerse yourself in all of the cool things nature has to offer. Get out there and find what inspires you. For me it’s flowers, for you it could be mushrooms, birds, or even tidepooling for small oceanic creatures.
Thanks Rebecca for inspiring me to get out this summer and finally use the bird field guide I inherited. 🦆
And finally, thanks to NetGalley, Ten Speed Press, and Rebecca for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. 🌿
This book has identification history, how to sort through information to determine credibility, Rebecca’s broad identification process, and ideas on how to catalogue the information you find. I especially appreciated the mention of how disability plays into this hobby and will be looking into the resources she offered there. It’s important to know that this book is NOT a field guide, it’s more an overview of the hobby and tips for beginning as a naturalist.
What I got from this is that it’s such a joyful thing to just allow yourself to be curious about nature. To make connections and learn facts about the world around you, be more in the present on a walk, and notice changes in your environment based on seasons or location. As someone with a degree in Sustainability, I full-heartedly agree with her that you do not need to be an expert to immerse yourself in all of the cool things nature has to offer. Get out there and find what inspires you. For me it’s flowers, for you it could be mushrooms, birds, or even tidepooling for small oceanic creatures.
Thanks Rebecca for inspiring me to get out this summer and finally use the bird field guide I inherited. 🦆
And finally, thanks to NetGalley, Ten Speed Press, and Rebecca for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. 🌿
March 20, 2025
If you have ever found yourself wondering about the birds coming to the feeder in your backyard, or curious about a plant you noticed growing by your mailbox, this might be the book for you.
Rebecca Lexa takes the daunting task of nature identification and breaks in down into easy, digestible lessons in The Everyday Naturalist. She walks with you through the natural world, showing you step by step what is important to observe, and how to use those observations to identify what you're seeing. And not only does she teach you what to look for, she teaches you where to take that information once you have it and how to use it. Her lists of resources are absolutely invaluable, and make this book worth purchasing in and of itself.
As someone who grew up learning how to use guides and websites to ID nature, much of this book was reviewing what I already knew. But it was a thorough and interesting review, and while I wish it could have gone a little more in depth, I would absolutely recommend it to a beginner. I will be buying a physical copy to keep on hand once it comes out - it will be perfect for teaching my children one day, and in the meantime, I will use it as a reference when looking for new resources.
4/5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy in return for an honest review.
Rebecca Lexa takes the daunting task of nature identification and breaks in down into easy, digestible lessons in The Everyday Naturalist. She walks with you through the natural world, showing you step by step what is important to observe, and how to use those observations to identify what you're seeing. And not only does she teach you what to look for, she teaches you where to take that information once you have it and how to use it. Her lists of resources are absolutely invaluable, and make this book worth purchasing in and of itself.
As someone who grew up learning how to use guides and websites to ID nature, much of this book was reviewing what I already knew. But it was a thorough and interesting review, and while I wish it could have gone a little more in depth, I would absolutely recommend it to a beginner. I will be buying a physical copy to keep on hand once it comes out - it will be perfect for teaching my children one day, and in the meantime, I will use it as a reference when looking for new resources.
4/5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy in return for an honest review.
March 24, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
3 stars to Rebecca Lexa's The Everyday Naturalist! An informative read on improving skills in the identification of animals, plants, and fungi.
What I Liked:
- included beautiful illustrations of some of the animal, plant, and fungi examples used throughout the book, usually in passages discussing identifying features to look out for.
- provided many resources for further education in plant, animal, and fungi identification. This included a list of books, websites, and journals, and what each was best for.
- helpful templates for cataloging various natural objects and creatures, aiding in the identification process.
What I Didn't Like:
- was expecting more of a hands-on nature guide, providing specific details on specific plants. Instead, it offered more broad identification tips, such as paying attention to leaf shape or fungi spotting without saying what any of it meant or giving object specific examples.
- more of a "how-to learn how to identify plants, animals, and fungi" rather than an actual identification guide. This wasn't a bad thing, just not what I expected.
Overall, this was an interesting and informative read for the "everyday naturalist." If you're looking for a first step to improving nature identification, this is a great place to start.
3 stars to Rebecca Lexa's The Everyday Naturalist! An informative read on improving skills in the identification of animals, plants, and fungi.
What I Liked:
- included beautiful illustrations of some of the animal, plant, and fungi examples used throughout the book, usually in passages discussing identifying features to look out for.
- provided many resources for further education in plant, animal, and fungi identification. This included a list of books, websites, and journals, and what each was best for.
- helpful templates for cataloging various natural objects and creatures, aiding in the identification process.
What I Didn't Like:
- was expecting more of a hands-on nature guide, providing specific details on specific plants. Instead, it offered more broad identification tips, such as paying attention to leaf shape or fungi spotting without saying what any of it meant or giving object specific examples.
- more of a "how-to learn how to identify plants, animals, and fungi" rather than an actual identification guide. This wasn't a bad thing, just not what I expected.
Overall, this was an interesting and informative read for the "everyday naturalist." If you're looking for a first step to improving nature identification, this is a great place to start.
June 17, 2025
Approachable and informative step-by-step guide to understanding and recording characteristics and traits of various living things, including plants, animals, lichen, and fungi, to encourage a balanced and sustainable connection to nature.
I enjoyed the explanation of historical nature identification and taxonomy in western science; when and how to use field guides, various apps and other helpful identification resources; mnemonics to assist nature identification; engagement with other naturalists and community scientists; ethical and environmental considerations; as well as encouragement to keep practicing and learning across the lifetime.
The beautiful illustrations really added to the explanations and were very intentionally used. The identification templates, glossary and recommended resources at the end of the book are also fabulous additions.
Packed full of wonderful information, this a perfect resource for nature-lovers and would-be naturalists.
With thanks to Ten Speed Press and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy, in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the explanation of historical nature identification and taxonomy in western science; when and how to use field guides, various apps and other helpful identification resources; mnemonics to assist nature identification; engagement with other naturalists and community scientists; ethical and environmental considerations; as well as encouragement to keep practicing and learning across the lifetime.
The beautiful illustrations really added to the explanations and were very intentionally used. The identification templates, glossary and recommended resources at the end of the book are also fabulous additions.
Packed full of wonderful information, this a perfect resource for nature-lovers and would-be naturalists.
With thanks to Ten Speed Press and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy, in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2025
This book was a fun look at our world and how we have interacted with it throughout centuries past and into the modern era. I appreciated the author’s writing style: informative but also casual enough to feel as though the offer assumes the best out of the reader. That balance was refreshing. I do think this book is a great foundational resource for someone just beginning to learn about/practice being a naturalist, but those who are more experienced may not learn much, if anything, new. That said, I flew through this book, excited to refresh my memory in certain areas while also being introduced to new resources such as identification apps.
If you’d like to gain helpful tools to grow in your nature identification skills and appreciation for the natural world, pick yourself up a copy on June 17, 2025!
Thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/TenSpeed Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you’d like to gain helpful tools to grow in your nature identification skills and appreciation for the natural world, pick yourself up a copy on June 17, 2025!
Thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/TenSpeed Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2025
Lexi really knows her stuff and she is a friendly, funny, helpful teacher. The book was not what I was expecting in that it is not at all a resource for identification but rather a lot of information about plants, fungi, etc in general and all of the things you need to do to identify anything and do it right. I think I am too far in my own naturalist journey because I felt that I knew what I needed in those regards and was thinking this book was a tool for the identification part. The book is very wordy and in depth, kind of like you’re taking a college course and she’s your professor. It’s excellent for that, but you will need separate guides and books for the actual identification part.
I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.
June 13, 2025
Reading this helped me reconnect with the joy of simply noticing nature. As someone who often feels overwhelmed by environmental concerns, this book reminded me that curiosity and observation are powerful ways to care, both for the planet and for ourselves.
Thoughtfully structured and gently encouraging, it’s a great resource for both beginner and seasoned naturalists. I picked up The Everyday Naturalist hoping to feel more connected during my walks through the local arboretum and I now walk through my local arboretum with new eyes.
A valuable addition for anyone interested in naturalism, environmental education, or citizen science.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thoughtfully structured and gently encouraging, it’s a great resource for both beginner and seasoned naturalists. I picked up The Everyday Naturalist hoping to feel more connected during my walks through the local arboretum and I now walk through my local arboretum with new eyes.
A valuable addition for anyone interested in naturalism, environmental education, or citizen science.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2025
This is more of a guide on how to get started with using other identification guides and tools and what to look for while out making observations. It lists the different options that are available to nature enthusiasts to identify organisms, and which might be more beneficial for your preferred outcome. This book has a lot of great information, but A LOT of information. It might be a little overwhelming if you are just wanting to be a casual observer of your local flora and fauna, but if you are wanting to get more detailed and accurate about your observations, this book has a lot of helpful insights.
Thanks to Edelweiss and Ten Speed Press for an ARC of this title.
Thanks to Edelweiss and Ten Speed Press for an ARC of this title.
March 22, 2025
The illustrations in this book are lovely and really add to the content!
While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this for someone who is completely new to identifying organisms (too much jargon), it also doesn’t have much for the experienced naturalist. I’d say that the target audience is someone who has basic knowledge of taxonomy and is looking for a systematic approach to identification and recording. A website might be a better medium for this information than a book.
Thank you NetGalley for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this for someone who is completely new to identifying organisms (too much jargon), it also doesn’t have much for the experienced naturalist. I’d say that the target audience is someone who has basic knowledge of taxonomy and is looking for a systematic approach to identification and recording. A website might be a better medium for this information than a book.
Thank you NetGalley for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
March 5, 2025
I liked the suggestions in this book! It strengthened my resolve for continually slowing my family down during hikes so I can "just look at this plant for a sec". I would have liked a few more pictures, but I did like the ones that were included.
The Advanced Review Copy (ARC) was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Advanced Review Copy (ARC) was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2025
This was a great book to read in the lead up to Naturalist Camp. It really helped me to transition from the academic science I'm immersed in daily to a more holistic appreciation of the natural world. excellent tips for both those new to identifying nature as well as experienced naturalists. Read my full review at .
March 27, 2025
This was very fun. More of a how-to on how to create a field guide and how to become a naturalist, and less about identifying animals.
Thought it was cute and would love a physical copy!
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC.
Thought it was cute and would love a physical copy!
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC.
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