Nancy Blakey - Nature Guide, Shore Exploration,
Children's Books
Children on Bainbridge Island need not fear being stuck
indoors on rainy days. Nancy Blakey has written a number of books that
encourage outdoor activities - rain or shine. Among her books are The
Mudpies Activities Book (2004), More Mudpies: 101 Alternatives to
Television (2004), The Mudpies Book of Boredom Busters (2004), and Go
Outside: Over 130 Activities for Outdoor Adventures (2004). Booklist says
of one of the Mudpies books: "Few activity books for children present
ideas that look and sound as appealing as the ones described in these pages.
Each of the four seasonal chapters explains more than a dozen suggested
activities for fun outside, most requiring little in the way of materials or
preparation. Some of the projects explore science, others bring in nature lore
or outdoor cooking skills, while many more are simply fun."
Blakey's most recent book is By the Shore: Explore
the Pacific Northwest Coast Like a Local (2018). From whale watching to
squid jigging to making your own sea salt, this half reference book and half
cook book will assist you in finding fun along our coast. Wildlife
identification guides and a list of seasonal natural events like meteor
showers, the solstice, and ocean-side festivals are included. The book is also
gorgeously illustrated with line drawings and color photographs. It is a visual
treat for the armchair adventurer as well as a practical guide to take with you
on your next outing.
