<i>Backyard Explorer</i> is the kit that begins with something kids do naturally--picking up leaves, collecting pine cones, stuffing their pockets with acorns--and turns it into seasons full of educational fun. Published in 1989, the original edition of the <i>Backyard Explorer Kit</i> was a great success, with 256,000 copies in print. <i>Redbook</i> wrote, "With leaf and tree projects for all year round, budding naturalists will be amazed by the adventures waiting in their own backyards."<br><br>Now this unique outdoor activity kit--combining the <i>Leaf & Tree Guide</i>, the <i>Leaf Collecting Album</i>, and a durable plastic leaf collecting envelope--is even better. First, new material is added to the book, so that it covers more trees (over 100) and sends kids off on more nature hunts--not only the Great Leaf Hunt, but challenges to find winged seeds, leaf galls, spiny husks, and more. Second, the look is updated, with new fresh and fun illustrations--full-color in the guide book, two-color in the album. <br><br>But the heart of the book is unchanged, and that's what makes it so distinct and successful: By categorizing leaves and needles into twenty recognizable shapes (smooth, toothed, hand-shaped, etc), it makes identification extremely easy and intuitive. So kids don't need to know the difference between a Hickory and a Tupelo before searching out the leaves--they just need to find a light-bulb shaped simple leaf (Tupelo) and the feather-shaped compound leaf (Hickory). Then add them to their album--and their knowledge.