Instead of being a handbook that lists species and their identifications, it’s more of a hands on guide that shows you how to observe and identify different things even just in your backyard! It’s inspiring to read and really makes you want to get out and just go BE in the moment in nature.

"Is that a bog?" is a question that I ask one friend too many times when we hike or walk past small bodies of water. A different friend will consistently hear me ask, "Okay, which bird is that??"

TLDR; I read this book so I could stop asking my dear pals the same gd questions over and over.

This was a beautiful, educational read – I would love to gift a physical copy to my nature-inclined friends! I wasn't fully sure what to expect going in, but I adored that this books helped me learn how to use navigational tools for identifying wildlife. I've been using the Merlin app with several other birding friends, and this was a delight to read!

Big, five star recommendation to read this if you love hiking, birds, and being in nature!

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. An excellent book on easy and simple ways to be a naturalist and help the planet and nature.

The Everyday Naturalist is a wonderfully accessible guide for anyone interested in identifying and understanding the natural world. Whether you're trying to name a bird at your feeder or going for a nature walk, this book equips you with practical tools to observe, record, and research animals, plants, fungi and more. There are clear explanations and engaging case studies which help with the identification process. This is a solid foundation for amateur naturalists like myself.

The book covers a broad range of organisms, from birds and mammals to lichen and is full of beautiful illustrations of them.

Having recently started working with a local wildlife charity, I found this guide both educational and empowering. It helped me feel more confident in my observations and deepened my appreciation for the biodiversity around me. A great read for anyone looking to become more engaged with nature.

Rebecca Lexa’s "The Everyday Naturalist" is not your typical field guide. Instead of overwhelming readers with exhaustive species lists, this book serves as a thoughtful, practical manual for *how* to observe, document, and engage with the natural world, whether you’re in your backyard or exploring unfamiliar terrain. Lexa’s approach is to demystify the process of identification by breaking it into manageable steps: what traits to notice (color, texture, behavior, habitat), how to use tools like field guides and apps effectively, and what to do when you’re stumped. The book’s structure—divided into animals, plants, fungi, and even lesser-known organisms like slime molds—ensures a comprehensive yet digestible introduction to each kingdom.

The case studies are particularly illuminating, showing real-world examples of how to apply these skills. Lexa’s tone is encouraging, almost conversational, making complex topics like taxonomy feel approachable (who knew it was so fluid?). Her emphasis on ethics and mindful observation—like respecting habitats and questioning AI-driven identifications—adds depth to the practical advice.

The illustrations by Ricardo Macía Lalinde are a highlight: delicate, detailed, and evocative. The included templates for field notes are a fantastic resource for beginners eager to start their own records.

That said, this isn’t a quick-reference guide for identifying specific species (e.g., “Is this mushroom poisonous?”). Readers hoping for a catalog of common plants or birds might be disappointed—Lexa focuses on teaching the method rather than providing answers. Some sections are text-dense, requiring patience, but the payoff is a richer understanding of naturalist skills.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

The Everyday Naturalist is an engaging monograph for foragers and nature lovers who want to gain confidence with their IDs and interactions - by observation and documentation, not as a field guide, written and curated by Rebecca Lexa. Released 17th June by Penguin Random House on their Ten Speed Press imprint, it's 272 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.

The author does a good job of showing readers how to observe and record information in order to narrow down the possibilities for plant and animal species they see in nature. Although proper binomial nomenclature (Latin names) are used throughout, it's not a field guide for ID in any sense of the word. In fact, there are very few photographs at all included in the text, but it is liberally illustrated in with detailed color pen/pencil/ink drawings by Ricardo Macía Lalinde. They are beautifully rendered and add a lot of depth and detail to the text. Illustrations are accompanied by simple captions.

The author has included guidelines and field note templates to fill in with observations for fungi, animals, and plants. They're fairly detailed and self-explanatory. There are also useful appendices including glossary, detailed resource/bibliography lists, and a cross-referenced index.

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public or secondary school library acquisition, for home use, or possibly for foraging and gardening groups.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Approachable and informative step-by-step guide to understanding and recording characteristics and traits of various living things, including plants, animals, lichen, and fungi, to encourage a balanced and sustainable connection to nature.

I enjoyed the explanation of historical nature identification and taxonomy in western science; when and how to use field guides, various apps and other helpful identification resources; mnemonics to assist nature identification; engagement with other naturalists and community scientists; ethical and environmental considerations; as well as encouragement to keep practicing and learning across the lifetime.

The beautiful illustrations really added to the explanations and were very intentionally used. The identification templates, glossary and recommended resources at the end of the book are also fabulous additions.

Packed full of wonderful information, this a perfect resource for nature-lovers and would-be naturalists.

I read a lot of science-related books, and with each one, I learn a little something different. I have a biology degree, but I never really wanted to be a scientist. I didn't know how to go about pursuing a career as a naturalist. So I went into science administration and eventually ended up in science communications. My passion for nature and the environment has been more of a hobby. And that's okay.

Where ever your relationship with nature and the environment, this book should be in your toolkit.

Species identification has always been a weak skill for me. As a biology major, species identification was big part of my "organismal courses" (vertebrate zoology, invertebrate zoology, plant taxonomy, and wildlife biology). I would (with luck) memorize the list of species for the test, and then it would go Poof! and it was almost like I had never studied it. As I have read more about being a naturalist, I think it is because we were told what it was instead of observing what it was (though in my plant taxonomy course, I did have to collect and identify something like 25 species on my own).

I really liked this book because it gave me tools to help me identify a species. It highlighted characteristics that I should be paying attention to that will make identification easier. I liked that Lexa showed her case study notes. Journaling has been something else I've been struggling with. I like how she organizes her notes. For me, interesting facts help me remember a species I have already identified so that when I see it again, I can recall its name. A lot of the information she includes in her case study, I mentally make note of when I research a species - I just don't write it down.

She covers everything in the living world that you might want to identify when you are outside. Plants and animals are almost always focused on in the environmental books I read, but she also devotes equal time to fungi and even brings up protists and lichens. I particularly liked the fungi and lichens sections (fungi have always fascinated me, and I'm planning on taking a lichen class at camp this year).

If you are new to the naturalist life, she spends a good deal of time on getting started. She goes over field guides and other tools you will want in your field bag. It was the typical information I would expect, but she is quite thorough and gives the reader a lot to think about in terms of the tools they might want to use and when.

It is definitely a book I'll be recommending to those just getting started, but there is also a lot for the seasoned naturalist to get out of this book.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Tuesday -

The Everyday Naturalist is an aid to help you search for and recognize characteristics of living things all around you including plants, animals, fungi, lichen and slime molds. All that is needed is curiosity and desire to learn. This is not a field guide but almost a pre-field guide which inspires and encourages you to get out into nature and not just look but see. I am a nature nut and would live outdoors 365 days a year if possible. As a forager, I do a lot of meticulous research and organism identification, asking for help when needed from trustworthy mentors. Foragers must be particularly cautious as everything is edible, sometimes only once. Author Rebecca Lexa gives pointers on what to look for at home or on travels, familiar and unfamiliar. I live on two continents with massively different living organisms but learning basics such as leaf shape, insect patterns, animal track size, sounds, scratches, male versus female traits, movements, scat contents, fungal life stages, bird shapes, and lichen textures will place you in good stead of building on your knowledge.

The author encourages the naturalist to utilize (but not rely on) various apps such as Audubon, Merlin and Cornell Lab of Ornithology. She explains taxonomy and includes humorous mnemonics. She provides insight into the impact the Ancient Romans and Greeks made on the world with their astute observations and knowledge of botanic information. One of my favourite parasitic plant finds will always be the ghost plant which is extremely rare in my area. I have never encountered its beauty since. As a forager, I encounter the weird and unusual all the time, too, and live in white truffle territory. You will discover equally exciting treasures if you focus and look.

Recording templates and a glossary are located at the back of the book. Every naturalist starts somewhere with something as simple and lovely as common wildflowers or elusive birds with pretty songs. Before long, you will be hooked and armed with binoculars, tick repellent, mushroom baskets, and a library membership!

Book Review: The Everyday Naturalist by Rebecca Lexa

Raring: 4 Stars

I recently picked up The Everyday Naturalist by Rebecca Lexa, and I have to say, it’s a refreshing take on the usual nature guide. The book isn’t your typical field guide that just lists species and their characteristics; instead, it’s more of a hands-on manual that teaches you how to observe and identify animals, plants, fungi, and other organisms no matter where you are. Whether you’re in your backyard or exploring a new environment, Lexa guides you through what key traits to look for, how to use various tools like apps and field guides effectively, and even what to do if you find yourself stuck in the identification process.

What I really appreciated was how the book breaks down the natural world into its kingdoms—animals, plants, fungi, plus lichens and slime molds—and explains their unique features in a clear, approachable way. The inclusion of over forty beautiful color illustrations really adds to the experience, making you want to flip through the pages again and again. Plus, the detailed case studies help tie everything together by showing how the traits come into play in real-world identifications.

Beyond just being informative, The Everyday Naturalist feels like an invitation to become a more mindful observer of nature. Lexa’s passion for natural sciences shines through her writing, making dense topics accessible and engaging. At a time when biodiversity is under threat worldwide, this book is a timely reminder that understanding nature is the first step in protecting it.

The only reason I’m giving it four stars instead of five is that the text is quite dense at points—there’s a lot to absorb! But honestly, that’s also part of the charm for anyone who really wants to dive deep.

And I have to mention—what a charming cover! It immediately drew me in and perfectly reflects the gentle, thoughtful tone inside.

Overall, if you’re a nature lover looking for more than just a checklist of species, The Everyday Naturalist would be a wonderful addition to your collection. It encourages curiosity and equips you with the skills to explore and appreciate the living world around you in a meaningful way.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

An insightful and encouraging guide for readers looking to strengthen their connection with the natural world. Drawing on themes of eco-anxiety and environmental grief, Lexa encourages the use of species identification as a grounding, mindful practice that fosters appreciation, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

As a reader who spends a lot of time outdoors but often feels overwhelmed by the state of the environment, I appreciated the book’s constructive tone and practical tools, including sample templates and troubleshooting advice. It’s clear, thoughtfully organized, and written with beginners in mind.

I loved this book! A cozy and lighthearted book with a lovely writing style, I want to add this one to my nature shelf in my library. Thank you so much to the author and publisher for this delightful arc!

Packed with so much info and so wonderfully written. Perfect for anyone interested in naturalism.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

The Everyday Naturalist is beautifully illustrated and a useful guide for anyone who wants to become more observant and engaged with the natural world around them. What I loved most is the step-by-step process the author lays out—it’s not just about identifying species, but about learning how to look. The book emphasizes key characteristics to notice, helps you interpret what you’re seeing in meaningful ways, and gives recommendations for where to go to find the information you need to make an accurate identification.

Note that it’s not a field guide full of species listings. It’s a resource that teaches you to think and see like a naturalist, which I found useful. If you’re someone who wants to build your skills in nature observation, I think this is a good fit for you. I can already tell it’s one I’ll return to again and again!

Really interesting topic but was a little misleading. This is not a field guide on identifying flora and fauna but is instead about how we categorise species.
However, this is still a really fascinating topic and I felt I learnt a lot. The writing was clear and easy to follow which I really appreciate as it felt accessible to a wider audience.

“Why do we need everyday naturalists?”

I enjoyed the Everyday Naturalist a lot. It isn’t the classical identification guide, but more a manual about how to use these (among other things) and I found that aspect particularly interesting. The “soft” illustrations are very beautiful and make the reader want to go through the pages. Yet, the abundant text is what is the most interesting.
I adored how the author speaks about Natural Sciences, in the book’s beginning especially. This non elitist –and interconnected– discourse resonated in me. I loved the varied community that was shown, as much as the fact that the author spoke about ethics (in many different ways) and warned about modern guides and potential use of AI (and its risks).
It truly is a great “vulgarisation” book, even though it remains detailed. I can’t wait to have a physical copy on my shelves, as the missing links between my field books and my History of Natural Sciences volumes.

Thank you to the author and Ten Speed Press for the eARC sent via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

4.5/5

The book offered a lot of tricks and tips on how to go about identifying plants, animals, and fungi but it focused more on broad information than detail specific. I think it would have benefited if it included more specific examples to show the tips and tricks in use. Overall, it was not what I expected, but it still offered a lot of good information.

I like that this wasn't an identification book it was a book about what to look for when trying to identify things in nature. It seems like this would be the place to start and then getting some good ID books.

🌿 What a charming book. I could feel Rebecca’s passion for identification from her personality shining through in the writing and the fun mixed bag of nature facts she shared.

This book has identification history, how to sort through information to determine credibility, Rebecca’s broad identification process, and ideas on how to catalogue the information you find. I especially appreciated the mention of how disability plays into this hobby and will be looking into the resources she offered there. It’s important to know that this book is NOT a field guide, it’s more an overview of the hobby and tips for beginning as a naturalist.

What I got from this is that it’s such a joyful thing to just allow yourself to be curious about nature. To make connections and learn facts about the world around you, be more in the present on a walk, and notice changes in your environment based on seasons or location. As someone with a degree in Sustainability, I full-heartedly agree with her that you do not need to be an expert to immerse yourself in all of the cool things nature has to offer. Get out there and find what inspires you. For me it’s flowers, for you it could be mushrooms, birds, or even tidepooling for small oceanic creatures.

Thanks Rebecca for inspiring me to get out this summer and finally use the bird field guide I inherited. 🦆

And finally, thanks to NetGalley, Ten Speed Press, and Rebecca for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. 🌿

This is a lovely book with the most charming illustrations. I love how it teaches you how to become an everyday naturalist using the tools you already have or can easily access. This book was very descriptive and would be an excellent gift for anyone interested in the natural world around us!