Best Nature guides out there for 6 y.o.?

[crunchy_mama]

I was hoping someone knows something to fit the bill. I want little guide books w/ pictures and descriptions of insects and such especially. Like today we were out and watching some ants I would love something that we could take out w/ detailed close up pics and some basic ant facts right at our fingertips- having to go inside to google just puts a damper on the whole nature study. Plus, with pictures we can figure out some of the more obscure insects. Something we can take outside for when we are on nature walks to look things up in a jiff. I have seen the guide books for birds and animals recommended by Charlotte Mason but didn't see one for insects. Of course it would likely be highly dependent on the area you live what is common- does anyone have a clue what I am looking for and if it exists? Also, any suggestions for nature study books- journals- activities etc I am really, really interested in!

[elizawill]

on my amazon wishlist, i plan to buy these 2 books covering insects:

http://www.amazon.com/Insects-Revise..._sim_b_46#noop

http://www.amazon.com/Peterson-First...d_sim_b_4#noop

currently, our favorite nature books are "fun with nature" and "more fun with nature" (super cheap at amazon used). unfortunately, they don't have insects, but my daughter enjoys reading the christian liberty press nature readers, which do cover insects:
http://www.lamppostpublishing.com/ch...re-readers.htm

hth.

[crunchy_mama]

Oh, thanks for heading me in the right direction- I now have 9 field guides headed my way! I am as excited for me as for them!!!!

[jrcronewillis]

Oh, I noticed that you are in Missouri! The MO Conservation Dept. has a series for kids called "Show Me . . ." We have Show Me Bugs and it's great! Also, they have a HUGE selection of free materials, all of which are fantastic. Birds, frogs, Owls, Reptiles. . .the list goes on and on. There are dozens of free pamphlets as well as some for purchase (for example, you can get the frog pamphlet free, but we bought a package with a CD of frog sounds, the frog pamphlet and a frog poster all for under $10). Here is the link to their free publications flyer, but if you are anywhere near a Conservation site, they will have lots of the materials available. Here is the link: http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/Documents/227.pdf

[crunchy_mama]

Cool, thanks we will check that out as well!

fwiw amazon has the field guides in the buy 3 get 1 free promotion.