Signs Along the River
Cover
Courtesy & © Kayo Robertson
Used by Permission
Signs Along the River: Learning to Read the Natural Landscape by Kayo Robertson
Available Earth Day 2023
Preface to the second edition
Over thirty years ago I wrote this book for the children I taught; a preface, so to speak, to help them learn in the way of hunter-gatherer cultures, to “read” nature’s signs. Since the writing of Signs Along the River the world has changed in ways I could scarcely have imagined. Planet-wide biological, sociological and even geophysical transformations have occurred that seem to be more of an epic shift rather than changes in a few decades. Most of these changes have not been beneficial to the planet’s clean water, air, fertile soils, species diversity and abundance, healthy forests, oceans, rivers, grasslands or a livable climate. Even though these new signs could hardly be clearer, we have largely failed to read them, understand their import or respond well to the problems they signify.
What has not changed in those years is that now, more than ever, we need to use all we have been given to see beyond the world of our own creations and self-interest. We need to read and join, with intelligent, loving kindness, the fascinating, closely knit, unfathomably beautiful world that creates, sustains and informs us; the world of Creation.
What has not changed is the warm excitement and goodness of a family exploring together the world beyond the sidewalk. We are still nourished by the quiet gathering as an elder or youngster reads a story. We are still inspired by the simple joys of seeing, understanding and caring for the world around us. It is my hope that this book might be of good use towards such possibility.
I would like to thank the Bridgerland Audubon Society for sponsoring this book. Any proceeds from its sale will go to supporting their efforts to care for and learn about the place we live, our home, our planet Earth. May we learn to read it as ably as the book which you hold in your hands.
Kayo Robertson
Summer of the Scorching Sun; 2023
Second Edition
Publisher: Bridgerland Audubon Society (April 21, 2023)
ISBN-13: 979-8-218-19450-5
Originally Published 1986 by Roberts Rinehart, Inc.
ISBN-10: 0-911797-22-x
ISBN-13: 978-0911797220
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 85-63524
Language: English
Paperback: 64 pages
Reading age: 4 – 8 years
Grade level: Preschool – 3
Item Weight: 4.6 ounces
Dimensions: 6.98 x 0.2 x 9.28 inches