Book Review - Winter Kids Switzerland
We recently reviewed the most generous book review from Laura Moeckli who runs the Nature Detectives program for the Basel Children's Trust. Laura, as the mother of two, values outdoor time and we were most grateful for her recent review of our latest book! Thank you Laura!
Words: Laura Moeckli
Struggling to get yourselves and your kids outside in the winter months? You’re not alone. Luckily, Family Schoutens have come up with some solutions. Winter Kids Switzerland is an essential book for families living or traveling in Switzerland. As in their previous books, Melinda and Robert don’t just provide a list of best hikes. Rather, they take the reader on a journey through the lens of their own family experiences of the outdoors, this time with a focus on winter wonderland. Get ready to explore the winter with classic activities like ice skating, sledding, skiing and snowshoeing, but prepare for some surprises too. Who knew dog sledding and a winter hot air balloon festival are to be found in the Romandie?
Crucially, many of the book’s adventures come at much lower costs than the typical budget-breaking Swiss ski resort weekends. A hike in the snow with a short sled run may be all it takes to enjoy a perfect Winter day. One of the most enjoyable aspects of the Schoutens' books is their very engaging and down to earth approach: “It used to require an overwhelming amount of our energy just to play in the white stuff.” I’m sure most parents will recognize that feeling and therefore be encouraged to seek just a little bit more adventure each time the “white stuff” comes along.
Winter Kids Switzerland offers a wealth of useful practical information with references to websites for further reading, telephone numbers, maps and beautiful pictures illustrating each activity as well as general guidance on Swiss winter traditions, customs, and values.
Another strength of the book is its quality of production. The layout, icons and illustrations are clear and concise making this (sturdy but not too heavy) book easy to navigate. In conclusion, Winter Kids Switzerland is a delightful and educational book for both parents and young readers – a valuable addition to any adventurer’s library. Highly recommended!
Thank you again for your lovely review Laura! We hope everyone who picks up a copy of our latest book benefits from the activities, the tips and tricks and overviews from our family.
If you have a copy of one of our books and would like to share your thoughts, please reach out to us. We would love to hear from you.