Nature’s Year is a follow up to “Nature’s Year in the Kawarthas” which came out almost ten years ago. Each chapter in Nature’s Year tells the reader what is happening that month in the natural world of Central and Eastern Ontario. The beauty of this book is that it is always pertinent. Whatever the month, you can open the book to that month and see what is happening. April, for example, includes information about Bears coming out of hibernation, arrivals and departures of migrating birds, learning frog calls, the night sky, sex in the trees , expected weather, etc. Drew worked as a science teacher and has written weekly articles in the Peterborough Examiner for some time. He includes interesting details at a level the average Joe with an interest in nature can understand. You might think that January would not be too interesting, but Drew brings snow to life, life under the snow, tree buds in winter, adaptations for winter etc. He also talks about problems in Nature, In January there is information about the decline of bats. This is a book that like his last one, that you can enjoy time and again throughout the year.

Drew Monkman’s new book, Nature’s Year: Changing Seasons, is another triumph by this observant Kawarthas naturalist and educator. Peterborough readers will be familiar with Drew’s always informative weekly articles and engaging writing style. I know that, at the start of most months, my wife pulls out Drew’s Nature’s Year in the Kawarthas to anticipate the seasonal changes. She often calls out, “Did you know that …”, and then shares some intriguing natural anecdote from the book’s pages. We then keep a closer eye on the wildlife, weather, or other wonders of nature. And I guess that is Drew’s talent – encouraging us to get outside, experience nature close to home, and appreciate all the stories that it offers. Indeed, he has done so for over 3 decades as a teacher. This book builds substantially on Drew’s earlier text by including new sources, updating population trends and timings, and adding new elements. It further extends across the wider geography of central and eastern Ontario. The book thus draws me to explore distinctive natural features beyond my home territory. This is a fascinating read, with recurring relevance as the year turns, and turns again. It certainly will help me share the subtleties, rhythms and reasons of nature with my nieces, students and colleagues (and solve some future gift challenges, too)! Ian Attridge Senior Project Manager, Kawartha Heritage Conservancy Instructor, Environmental and Resources Studies, Trent University

Drew Monkman has contributed significantly over the years to people’s awareness of the wonders of nature. In Nature’s Year, Drew makes you feel at home with him as he takes you on a seasonal walk through Ontario’s cottage country, sharing insights into the fascinating world of its birds and plants, mammals and insects, geology and astronomy. This is a book that can be read from cover to cover in a single sitting, or one month at a time, unveiling nature’s mysteries as the year unfolds before you. Either way, you are sure to find yourself feeling more at home in your own backyard than you ever have before. Andrew Jobes, Policy Analyst, Ministry of Natural Resources, & Freelance Writer and Editor

Drew Monkman has delivered a fantastic follow-up book, a great resource for anyone who spends time in the out of doors in Southern Ontario! A great collection of season-by-season guideposts to the changes happening all around us. A must read for everyone in cottage country. T. Rees, Executive Director, Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations; Member, Ontario Biodiversity Council

The concept and layout is one of the best for a natural history subject. With each chapter as a month of the year, it is easy to follow and find what you are looking for too. I like the fact that this author did not leave out the night sky when considering his appreciation of the "great outdoors". Well written and researched and covers the whole of Onatrio's "cottage country". I would say a must have for anyone in this part of the world!