Author Loree Griffin Burns’s enthusiasm is infectious as she describes four different projects involving citizen scientists, with an emphasis on how children can be participants in ongoing scientific research projects through work in their own communities—sometimes even literally in their own backyards. The four projects profiled are butterfly tagging in fall, bird counting in winter, frog-call monitoring in spring, and ladybug counting in summer. Each project is featured in three parts: a photo essay describing field work and the associated research project, a profile of one or more kids involved in the “citizen scientist” work, and a “When You Go” section offering practical tips for kids interested in heading out into the field. End matter includes additional resources (books and webites) for each project, a glossary, and index. (Ages 6–10)

Anyone can get involved in gathering data for ongoing, actual scientific studies such as the Audubon Bird Count and FrogWatch USA. Just get out into a field, urban park, or your own backyard. You can put your nose to a monarch pupa or listen for raucous frog calls. You can tally woodpeckers or sweep the grass for ladybugs. This book, full of engaging photos and useful tips, will show you how.