Our Great Big Backyard
What’s inside...
#1 New York Times bestselling authors former First Lady Laura Bush and her daughter Jenna Bush Hager have created an exuberant picture book tribute to our national parks and the importance and fun of connecting with nature. Our Great Big Backyard follows Jane, whose plans of spending the summer playing video games with her friends are dashed when her parents announce that her family is going on a road trip to national parks around the country. Yet somewhere between the Everglades and Big Bend National Park, things begin to change. Jane starts paying attention to the magnificent sights and spends less time looking at her screen. The stunning views open up her imagination as she and her brother see everything that nature has to offer. And the more Jane discovers, the more she realizes how much there is to love about the outdoors—whether she’s in a national park across the country or right in her own backyard.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite adventure in the story, and why did it stand out to you?
How do you think the main character’s feelings about nature changed throughout the book?
What new things did the characters learn about nature? What would you like to learn more about?
If you could visit any of the places in the book, where would you go and what would you do there?
How can we help take care of our backyard and parks just like the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own favorite natural spots or outdoor memories. This personal connection can make the story more relatable.
Encourage your child to draw or describe their ideal outdoor adventure inspired by the book. This can help them connect more deeply with the themes.
Use a globe or map to locate the different settings mentioned in the book, adding a visual and interactive element to the discussion.
After reading, consider planning a family outing to a local park or nature reserve. This real-world experience can reinforce the themes of the book.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to think critically about the story and relate it to their own experiences with nature.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature
Explanation: The story follows a young girl named Jane whose road trip adventure with her family helps her discover the beauty and significance of various national parks across America.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and protect natural environments in their own communities by engaging in outdoor activities and learning about local flora and fauna.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and openness to new experiences
Explanation: Initially resistant to the idea of a summer without digital devices, Jane learns to adapt and embrace the new experiences each park offers.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of being flexible and open-minded when facing new situations or challenges at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: The importance of family bonding
Explanation: Through the shared experiences and adventures in the national parks, Jane and her family grow closer together.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to spend quality time with family members, understanding that such interactions can strengthen relationships and create cherished memories.
Example Lesson: Observational skills
Explanation: Jane's journey in the book highlights her observations of the natural world, from wildlife to scenic views, as she travels from park to park.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to observe and explore their environment more keenly which can enhance their learning and cognitive development.
Example Lesson: Respect for history and culture
Explanation: The book introduces various historical sites and cultural heritage of the places Jane visits, underlining their importance.
Real-World Application: This can instill a respect for history and cultural diversity in children, prompting them to learn more about their own and others' heritage.