When was the last time your kids made a mud pie? Or painted rocks? Or crafted a lean-to? In a new book from a Camden-based writer, these activities and more are explored through recipe-like projects for outdoor fun and anecdotes about the art of getting dirty.
“Muddy Boots: Outdoor Activities for Children,” by Liza Gardner Walsh, was released in early May. With chapters on mud, forts, sticks and stones and more, the 144-page book is all about getting messy, wet and in touch with nature through play and discovery.
The book opens with a note to parents that acknowledges that kids today are living in a different world with a lot more options for things to do — but they should still be getting outside for creative fun.
“My goal is for families and kids and grandparents and aunts and uncles to do things outside together and to rediscover that time and make memories,” Walsh said. “I just think that the balance of playing outdoors … really needs to be emphasized with our kids.”
Walsh, whose other books include “Fairy House Handbook,” “Treasure Hunter’s Handbook” and “The Maine Coon Cat,” said she increasingly has become interested in books that get kids outside.
“I was thinking about Maine and how we had this mud season. Mud season is kind of this special time. And that was kind of the beginning of this book — thinking about how much fun mud is for kids,” Walsh said.
Walsh used her personal experience with her kids and as a preschool teacher to help develop the ideas in the book.
“It’s also remembering things that we did when we were young — just sort of those timeless activities that are fun to do outside,” Walsh said.
The book also is rooted in Camden, where Walsh lives, featuring photos of kids who live in town and come to Walsh’s events.
Walsh said “Muddy Boots” is available at “a lot of independent bookstores” in Maine, including The Briar Patch on Central Street in Bangor and The Mustard Seed on Front Street in Bath. Walsh also be making an appearance at The Mustard Seed from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 30, where she’ll be doing an activity with kids and signing books.