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Diary of a Young Naturalist

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Diary of a Young Naturalist

By: Dara McAnulty
Narrated by: Dara McAnulty
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

WINNER OF THE 2020 WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR NATURE WRITING

WINNER OF THE AN POST IRISH POST AWARD FOR NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR 2020

WINNER OF THE BOOKS ARE MY BAG READERS AWARDS FOR NON-FICTION 2020

SHORTLISTED FOR WATERSTONES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020

LONGLISTED FOR THE BAILLIE GIFFORD PRIZE 2020

Diary of a Young Naturalist chronicles the turning of Dara McAnulty's world, from spring to summer, autumn to winter, on his home patch, at school, in the wild and in his head.

Evocative, raw and beautifully written, this startling and special book vividly explores the natural world from the perspective of an autistic teenager coping with the uprooting of home, school, and his mental health, while pursuing his life as a conservationist and environmental activist.

In a work of power and hope, Dara recalls his sensory encounters in the wild - with blackbirds, whooper swans, red kites, hen harriers, frogs, dandelions, Irish hares and more - while drawing a moving portrait of a young activist dealing with change, and a family making their way in the world.

©2020 Dara McAnulty (P)2020 Penguin Audio Biological Sciences Children's Health Environment Nature & Ecology Outdoors & Nature Relationships Science Conservation Health Special need Autism

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Critic reviews

"Really, really special." (Chris Packham)

"An extraordinary voice and vision." (Robert Macfarlane)

"One of the most talented and passionate writers of our era." (Steve Silberman)
All stars
Most relevant  
This was really great. Lovely voice in all aspects of the meaning. Intelligent, sad, heart warming, beautiful. I really appreciated and enjoyed this and would recommend it. Brill
Thanks

Excellent, thoughtful, fun, informative

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Not only did this immerse me in nature, but it gave me an education in Irish myth, legend and culture. It was very enjoyable. I would love Dara to do a talk at my sons' schools in South Donegal.

Fabulous

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I read this book while listening to Dara narrate. Can highly recommend doing this as I felt every word which I read on the page. A beautifully written book, amazing knowledge and so personal. What an amazing young man. What an amazing family. Well done Dara, cannot wait for the next book.

Must read /listen

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Well written, a glimpse into a young mind who struggles with the lack of action from mankind on natural world issues such as biodiversity loss and a changing climate.

A great book

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Great to hear the voice of this eloquent young author speaking passionately about his life this far.
I loved the innate and intentional ties to the land and nature.
How can one person be a voice for change? read on and hopefully you'll find out!

unwittingly inspirational

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Dara McAnulty has a wonderful way with words. A lot of the topics and issues he discussed were ones that society as a whole should be more aware of. I found this book enjoyable and an easy listen.

Eye-opening!

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I have read the book and now enjoyed it on Audio. I recommend anyone with the slightest interest in preserving our beautiful world of nature to read this. Dara echoes my thoughts as I wander around the Welsh hills and coast ~ listening, watching and focusing. Sometimes with sadness and often with joy. He creates pictures through his words. I admire the manner in which he faces difficult challenges. Thank you for a reassuring read.

If only everyone had a little of Dara McAnulty in their hearts

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As someone who struggles with sensory sensitivity and retreats to green spaces, wildlife, botany and plant stories as a remedy for the ongoing stimulus and overarousal, I felt a kin to Dara's experience to both his interior and exterior worlds. I was moved by how much substance can live in his head on and periphery view of the natural world, and how self aware his journal pages reveal to himself and us as readers. I learned so much about him moving and exploring his habitats in Ireland and about the native bird, pond and insect life he holds dear to. I loved listening to the intimacy and eagerness of his family of five. It brought an honest joy to be shared with in this format.

Insightful empathic scribblings from an old soul

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I have listened to and read the book several times. Will continue to keep reading it. Very informative and you find yourself wanting to get more involved in the natural world. You really lose yourself in this book and never want to put it down.

Fantastic book never gets boring

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