In our house, reading is as important as getting outside. When a Facebook fan asked me recently for some suggestions for books that help connect kids with nature, I thought it might be fun to share some of the titles currently on our bookshelf.
My criteria for choosing the books on this list was simple: Which help generate learning and discussion about life outdoors, animals, trees and natural spaces?
You’ll find it’s an eclectic mix of classics and titles the kids have grown to love for their own unique charm. If you find this list helpful, let me know and I’ll continue to share more in the future!
NATURE READS FOR THE BIG EXPLORER (5 ½ years old)
Hidden Animals (Explore Your World) by Valerie Guidoux
This book is chalk full of information in a colorful and interactive format. It’s all about camouflage, with the low-down on what it’s for, which animals use it and how. There are flaps to open, fold-out-pages and plenty of details to glean on every page.
Little Ty Cooney and the Big Yosemite Race by Steven Riley
This fun, rhyming story takes you on adventures through the wild lands of Yosemite with a band of animals competing in their annual big race. Underdog raccoon Ty Cooney isn’t expected to win, but proves hard work and believing in yourself can make a difference – a message I can get behind!
The Busy Tree by Jennifer Ward
This simple rhyming story celebrates trees and all the life and activity that takes place in and around them. I like it for its simplicity, beautiful illustrations and message. Earlier this year, this book even inspired us to head outside and explore a tree.
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
This is the go-to book for helping kids understand the impact of humans on the planet. My favorite line: “Unless someone like you cares an awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
The Giving Tree by Shel Siverstein
There’s much debate about the message behind this classic, but for now, the big explorer enjoys the idea of a boy and a tree having a relationship that lasts a lifetime. This book always gets us talking about ways we can thank nature for her many gifts.
NATURE READS FOR THE LITTLE EXPLORER (2 years old)
Little Tiger Goes to School by Julie Sykes
This is a favorite lift-the-flap book that tells the story of tiger, who’s a little scared about starting school. The little explorer is less interested in the story and more excited about discovering what’s under each of the flaps. Among other concepts, the story teaches animal names, numbers and opposites. Beware: We’ve had to tape and re-tape many a flap on this one!
My First Animal Board Book by DK Publishing
I’m a huge fan of DK books and so are both of the kids. This one is great for its variety and depth of animals. I also like that each page organizes the animals in some way, like “climbers” and “powerful.” We talk about animals we’ve seen, what noises they make, whether their fur is soft or feathery or slimy.
Quack! by Phyllis Root
The little explorer doesn’t call ducks, “ducks,” he calls them “quack.” That’s how much he enjoys this little board book. The story is simple and tells of baby ducks hatching and learning to swim.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
We started reading this when we adopted our caterpillars this spring and the little explorer still loves it. He always gets excited to see the dazzling butterfly emerge from its cocoon.
Touch and Feel: Farm by DK Publishing
Told you I loved DK books! I love the “Touch and Feel” series because it appeals to the desire to touch. This one features farm friends like chicks, sheep and horses, each with part of the body that can be felt.
What books do you like reading to help connect your kids with nature?
Thanks for sharing your fantastic list, Heike!
Nice! Here's my list of favorite non-fiction books, many (but not all) of which cover nature topics: http://www.amazon.com/lm/R39LVENGFZUHT2/
Looks perfect for the 5 & under crowd. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the recommendation, Kelly!
Just Me and My Dad by Mercer Mayer is a great "outdoors" book for kids. In the book, "Little Critter" and his dad go camping. There is also a great interactive version of the book for the iPad in the app store.
"Percy the Lone Pelican" has been a hit here on the Upper Mississippi River. It's based on the true story of a wounded great white pelican captured and rehabbed by a local man. The story is engagingly told from the perspective of the pelican and beautifully illustrated. It's so important to get kids interested in the natural world just outside their window or just beyond the
@Daniel: Thanks for the recommendation!
You need to include Mission:Explore on this list! http://www.missionexplore.co.uk
@Michael: Looks like a great fit – thanks!
"Follow the Line Around the World"
@Catherine: Isn't the Lorax wonderful?! Thanks for suggesting another of your favorites – we'll have to check it out.<br /><br />@ArrowsSentForth: What great titles – thanks for sharing!<br /><br />@Roy: I sense a reading homework assignment for you!<br /><br />@Sarah: Love the suggestion, especially since we just planted our first garden this spring. Glad to hear you enjoy reading about
We just checked out a book from the library that we really like–Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert. It's about a child and mom who plant a colorful garden of flowers every year. The illustrations are great and every flower is labeled. (My daughter is 3 years old, and she loves it!)
Some of those look very familiar 🙂 I cannot believe that I am drawing a blank on The Lorax, though! I love the Dr. Seuss books and they played a key part in all three of our kids learning to read.
A few we love around here (we have a 16 month old): <br />Animals (Bright Baby line from Priddy Books)<br />Zoo (Little Scholastic)<br />Outdoor Fun (Sandy Creek, by Salina Yoon)
I have read the Lorax so many times in the last 2 weeks. I am looking after a little girl (4 y.o) who loves that book.<br />If I had to add something to your list I would suggest Uno's Garden by Graeme Base, although many of his other books are wonderful and about nature.