Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder (Revised Edition 2008)

Abstract

Children, Youth and Environments Vol. 18 No. 2 (2008) ISSN: 1546-2250 Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder Louv, Richard (2008). Chapel Hill: Algonquin; 390 pages. $14.95. ISBN 9781565126053. Richard Louv, the 2008 recipient of the Audubon Medal, has published an updated and expanded version of his bestselling book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder. After the original edition was released in 2005, CYE Volume 16, No. 1 (2006) included two thorough reviews of the book, along with a response from the author. In the three years since the book first went to press, it has become a catalyst for a broad-based movement of regional campaigns that are organized through the non-profit Children and Nature Network, chaired by Louv. In recognition and support of this effort, the new edition has been appended to include the “Field Guide to Last Child in the Woods,” comprised of three elements that are intended to inspire readers to take action. The first component is a personal essay entitled “Notes from the Field,” in which Louv reflects on the events that have shaped the budding movement and explores, through facts and anecdotes, the forces that have motivated parents and politicians alike to rally around the common goal of connecting children to nature. In addition, the supplement includes “100 Actions We Can Take,” a list of ideas for how readers can stimulate change in their own families and communities. The action items include simple hands-on nature activities that children can undertake in their own backyards, as well as useful pursuits for leaders from the business, education, health care, community development, and government arenas. Many of the 100 suggestions encourage readers to explore additional resources and organizations for more information and inspiration, somewhat like an annotated bibliography. Finally, a list of guiding questions or “Discussion Points” is included for 298 use by book clubs and community groups who choose to take up the text. In combination, these new features provide the tools to empower readers who are faced with what is a complex and socially entrenched issue. While the field guide is the most notable aspect of the updated version, Louv has also revised many of the chapters, though slightly, to include recent evidence in support of his central argument that contact with nature is essential for children. These new references cite current research on obesity and the natural environment, nature kindergartens and creative development, reductions in children’s free time and free range, crimes perpetrated by strangers against children, the decline in physical education and recess, the benefits of green school grounds, factors that influence children’s future environmental stewardship, and legal barriers to providing meaningful experiences in nature. Reviewer Information Colbert, Rebecca Rebecca Colbert is a landscape architect and Ph.D. student in Design and Planning at the University of Colorado. ...