Last Child in the Woods

Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder is a 2005 book by author Richard Louv that documents decreased exposure of children to nature in American society and how this "nature-deficit disorder" harms children and society. The book examines research and concludes that direct exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood development and for the physical and emotional health of children and adults. The author also suggests solutions to the problems he describes. A revised and expanded edition was published in 2008.

Reception

The book was on the New York Times best seller list for best paper nonfiction.^[1] The author received the Audubon Medal "for sounding the alarm about the health and societal costs of children's isolation from the natural world—and for sparking a growing movement to remedy the problem."^[2]

Versions

• English: The Last Child in the Woods,
  • Hardcover (April 15, 2005), ISBN 978-1-56512-391-5
  • Paperback Updated and Expanded (April 10, 2008), ISBN 978-1-56512-605-3
  • audio CD: Recorded Books; Unabridged edition (December 20, 2007), ISBN 978-1-4281-6967-8

Children & Nature Network

The success of Last Child in the Woods inspired the creation of Children & Nature Network co-founded and chaired by the book’s author, Richard Louv, to encourage and support the people and organizations working to reconnect children with nature.

Green Hour

Green Hour is an organization that provides information on how to reverse Nature-Deficit Disorder, and encourages parents to let their children explore and reconnect with the outdoors.

See also

• Nature Cat, a TV series inspired by the story

References

External links

• Official website for the book
• Today Show. July 16, 2008.
• Morning Edition, National Public Radio. May 25, 2005
• KQED. May 12, 2008