City Safari

City Safari invites young explorers to look beyond the concrete and see their city in a whole new light. At first glance, a city block might seem like a gray wasteland—cracked sidewalks, over-trimmed trees, endless buildings. But look a little closer, and a hidden world comes to life.

High above, squirrels nest in tangled treetops. Raptors perch on skyscraper ledges. Pigeons raise chicks on parking garage beams. An owl might be dozing in a hollow tree, and a crevice in a stone wall could be the front door to a rodent’s home. Urban nature is everywhere—if you know how to find it.

Part natural history guide, part adventure manual, City Safari helps middle-grade readers become urban naturalists, developing a sharp eye for wildlife hiding in plain sight. With engaging facts, fieldwork activities, and a fresh perspective on everyday surroundings, this book turns the city into a thrilling wilderness waiting to be discovered.

After studying biology, ecology, and ornithology in college, Jenette Restivo began a career in science and environmental writing. She worked as a writer
and producer for programs airing on ABC, CBS, National Geographic Channel, PBS, the History Channel, and Discovery Channel. Jenette played a key communications role for the largest organization dedicated to connecting children and nature—the Children & Nature Network. She also founded Childhood by Nature, an online resource that offers tools and everyday ideas for raising young naturalists. Jenette is the author of four books on nature for young naturalists: 15 Weeks of Nature, Mammals for the Young Naturalist, Birds for the Young Naturalist, and The Nature for Toddlers Activity Book. She lives in Brookline, Massachusetts.

Introduction
Chapter 1: The Critters are Coming
Chapter 2: A Brief (ish) History of Nature in Cities
Chapter 3: Our Urban Planet: Cities, Cities, Everywhere!
Chapter 4: The Perks of City Living
Chapter 5: City Critter Meet and Greet
Chapter 6: Young Naturalist Bootcamp
Chapter 7: City Critters by the Season
Chapter 8: Critter Clues
Chapter 9: Quiet Nature
Chapter 10: Young Naturalist Tools of the Trade
Chapter 11: Tour of Habitat Hotspots
Chapter 12: How To Help Your City Be More Nature-Friendly
Chapter 13: Nature-full Cities
Conclusion
Glossary
Resources