In 1975, lepidopterist Robert Michael Pyle introduced the concept of the "extinction of experience," noting that as society became more urbanized and technology-driven, people—especially children—were losing direct experiences with nature. This disconnect, he warned, diminishes well-being and leads to apathy toward environmental conservation. Without first hand encounters with the natural world, future generations may not value or protect what they no longer know or understand.
Pyle expanded on these ideas in his 1993 book The Thunder Tree: Lessons from an Urban Wildland, recounting his childhood explorations along Colorado’s High Line Canal. These formative adventures sparked his lifelong passion for nature. He worried that modern children, surrounded by concrete and screens, were missing out on similar experiences that nurture curiosity and a desire to care for the Earth.
By 2025, Christine Rosen expanded the conversation with The Extinction of Experience: Being Human in a Disembodied World, highlighting how technology has distanced us from meaningful, real-world experiences. Virtual meetings replace face-to-face conversations, and children often spend more time with screens than playing outside. Rosen’s work raises critical questions: How does this detachment affect our relationships and well-being? Can technology be harnessed to reconnect us with what truly matters?
This is exactly what drives me to create children’s nature books—and why I focus on e-books. Technology isn’t inherently the problem; it’s how we use it. My e-books are designed for active engagement, encouraging families to take their devices outdoors and use the stories as guides for exploration and shared adventures.
Our Can You Read Nature series embodies this philosophy. It helps children discover the natural world through two key approaches:
Pyle expanded on these ideas in his 1993 book The Thunder Tree: Lessons from an Urban Wildland, recounting his childhood explorations along Colorado’s High Line Canal. These formative adventures sparked his lifelong passion for nature. He worried that modern children, surrounded by concrete and screens, were missing out on similar experiences that nurture curiosity and a desire to care for the Earth.
By 2025, Christine Rosen expanded the conversation with The Extinction of Experience: Being Human in a Disembodied World, highlighting how technology has distanced us from meaningful, real-world experiences. Virtual meetings replace face-to-face conversations, and children often spend more time with screens than playing outside. Rosen’s work raises critical questions: How does this detachment affect our relationships and well-being? Can technology be harnessed to reconnect us with what truly matters?
This is exactly what drives me to create children’s nature books—and why I focus on e-books. Technology isn’t inherently the problem; it’s how we use it. My e-books are designed for active engagement, encouraging families to take their devices outdoors and use the stories as guides for exploration and shared adventures.
Our Can You Read Nature series embodies this philosophy. It helps children discover the natural world through two key approaches:
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Nature Close to Home books inspire kids to explore their own backyards, teaching them to identify local plants, observe wildlife, and notice seasonal changes. These stories turn neighborhood walks into exciting explorations.
- Adventure Guides lead families to national parks, nature preserves, and outdoor destinations. They include fun facts, scavenger hunts, and interactive activities that transform devices into tools for hands-on discovery.
In a world where passive screen time is the norm, our books are designed to be an antidote to the extinction of experience. They spark excitement, motivating children to step outside, embark on adventures, and explore nature with their families. Technology becomes a bridge to the outdoors—not a barrier.
A standout feature of our books is the breathtaking artwork created by illustrators from around the world. Each image is both beautiful and scientifically accurate, depicting the flora and fauna of each location. Many of our artists live near the environments they illustrate, bringing a deep understanding of local ecosystems. Their work helps children visualize and appreciate the biodiversity they might encounter, enhancing both learning and connection.
Why does this matter? Nature offers essential benefits. Kids who play outside are more active, creative, and resilient. Families who explore together build stronger bonds and lasting memories. When children develop a personal relationship with the natural world, they grow into adults who care about protecting it. Used thoughtfully, e-books can enhance these experiences rather than replace them.
Pyle and Rosen remind us that the "extinction of experience" is not inevitable. We don’t have to choose between technology and nature—we can embrace both. By guiding how technology is used, we can enrich our lives and deepen our connections to the environment and each other.
So, take your e-reader on your next family outing. Read a Can You Read Nature story beneath a tree, follow an Adventure Guide scavenger hunt, or use your device to identify birdsong. Our books are crafted to inspire excitement, foster exploration, and encourage meaningful family adventures. Let’s choose to use technology as a tool that opens windows to the world—inviting us outside to discover, connect, and care.