Browsing Bliss Awaits You

It appears you're using Internet Explorer or an early version of Edge, which is a bit like watching a black-and-white TV with "rabbit ears." You're missing symmetry, joy and actual knowledge — not only here on my website but across the internet. I suggest you upgrade to Chrome or Firefox. You’ll discover a lot more nature, maybe even actual rabbit ears.

— Bryan

Hold Nature in Your Hand

Susie Spikol is a naturalist and writer who helps connect people of all ages to nature.

Book Trailer to The Animal Adventurer’s Guide

Thank you to SALT Project for this video.

A child's hand holding a red eft salamander.

Rain Walkers

Red efts, the eastern newt—they are a kid’s dream come true, so small and touchable, and their tangerine color so outlandish in a world dedicated to camouflage. No teeth, no fangs, claws, or quills. They are damp but not slimy, and it looks like they are smirking as if the joke’s on you.

A ruby-throated hummingbird in mid-flight against a green background.

Your Hummingbird Heart on Mother’s Day

I am holding a teacup-sized hummingbird nest in my hands. The outside is covered in silvery green lichen flakes, stitched together with spider silk. The silk not only holds this home together; it allows the nest to stretch and grow as the babies grow. The inside, no bigger than a thimble...

 A red fox standing in a meadow.

Fox Time

We're in the zone, totally caught up in the moment, and hot on the trail of a red fox.

Hope on Silent Wings

We try calling, a plaintive “who-cooks-for-you.” I see their faces full of anticipation, straining to hear a response. Children nestled tight against parent and grandparent, eyes wide, bright like those stars up above.

Upcoming Events

Cover of the book The Animal Advenuterer's Guide.

Animal Adventures in Tracking

January 14, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. JA Tarbell Library, Lyndborough NH

Join Susie for an morning of animal tracking and adventure at the JA Tarbell Library in Lyndborough, NH. Beginning inside, learn the basics skills needed for tracking and then take your new skills outside on an animal adventure trek at nearby Goss Park. For more information »

NH Pocket Guide held in the hands of a child outside in the winter.

Calling All Animal Adventurers

January 28, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Dover Public Library, Dover NH

Susie Spikol, author of The Animal Adventurer's Guide, will lead this interactive program on how kids and their families can become animal adventurers with the wild things in their neighborhoods. There will be books available for purchase. For more information »

Susie Spikol holding a copy of her book, The Animal Adventurer's Guide.

The Well School's Literacy Festival

February 4, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Well School, Peterborough NH

Susie Spikol will be sharing how she made her dream of becoming a writer come true with students of all ages at The Well School's Literacy Festival. For more information »

A young boy in the winter pointing out deer tracks.

Snow Families Playday

February 11, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Grapevine, Antrim NH

A morning of indoor and outdoor activities. Join local author Susie Spikol from the Harris Center for a reading from her new book "The Animal Adventurers Guide" and search for animal life around the Grapevine! Afterwards check out the Tuttle Library’s chili cookoff! For more information »

A young girl standing in the snow, smiling.

Babies in Backpacks and Toddlers in Tow

February 21, 2023 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Harris Center, Hancock NH

oin Harris Center naturalist Susie Spikol and parent educators from The River Center for a gentle ramble in search of winter’s wild things. From animal tracks and evergreens to chickadees and snow fleas, come spend time with other families interested in being outside and exploring the magical world we live in. A perfect hike for little legs – and a great chance to chat about parenting questions as we walk! For more information »