While both Grandmother and Sophia spend much time exploring the environments on the various islands, the theme is portrayed more significantly by Sophia and her character arc. Grandmother already has a deep appreciation and understanding of the natural environment, and rather than exploring it for herself, she often aims to pass on her knowledge and admiration of nature to Sophia. With the help of Grandmother, Sophia moves from uncertain and fearful to confident and appreciative of the natural world, experiencing this transition through abundant exploration.

In the first vignette, Sophia is hesitant and insecure about walking to the ravine. She screams at Grandmother that they are not allowed, but Grandmother encourages Sophia to overcome her fear and explore the forbidden area. Sophia calms enough to attempt swimming, but once in the water, she finds it is too deep: “She forgets I’ve never swum in deep water unless somebody was with me. And she climbed out again and sat down on the rock” (6). Sophia’s immature relationship with nature is also demonstrated through her strong reaction to the dead scolder. She has been told anthropomorphized stories about scolders, so she is upset and confused by the dead bird—“They don’t die now; they’re brand new and just married—that’s what you said!” (17).