Part Three: Out in the Elements

This collection introduces the Martin & Sylvia: Nature School Series.

In the Nature School Introduction, the idea for a "Nature School" is born. It's summer's end, and Momma, Martin, and Sylvia reflect on all the things they loved about the summer season: hikes, walks along the beach, blueberry picking, climbing trees and collecting bird feathers. Then Momma suggests that they keep the summer outdoor fun alive all year long: “Every Thursday, lets have Nature School!” And so Martin joins the Goose-eye Wilderness School, and Sylvia and her friend Sophia create a Nature home-school.

From wild craft cooking to outdoor games to building projects to tree identification, Nature School is a year of unfolding learning and fun.

In Part Three: The children in Martin's group are undeterred by the rain and have a great time playing together. That is, until Alexander — a boy who arrives late — brings an uncomfortable layer of competition to the games. Sylvia, meanwhile manages to entice Sophia outside by falling into a empty garden bed filled with mud.