Children seem to have an innate love for nature. It follows then that nature books for children are quite popular. These can be informative and entertaining. As a bonus, nature is often linked to reduced stress and improved mental health. Here are some books on nature that may help children foster a deep connection with the natural world.
By S. Michael Smith and Nathalie Kranich
Sara feels inadequate because she does not have colorful wings like the other butterflies. Nevertheless, she tries her best to do what the queen asks of her. At the end of the book, she discovers her place in the world when the queen asks her to take over for her. Sara has been underestimating her worth just because she is different from others.
This cute rhyming book encourages children to spread their wings.
Bisb, 34 page, June 9, 2024
‘The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever‘
By H. Joseph Hopkins and Jill McElmurry
“The Tree Lady” is a true story about Katherine Olivia Sessions, who never thinks she will live in a place without trees. She grows up among the trees of Northern California. Then, after graduating from college, she takes a job as a teacher in the dry, desert city called San Diego—a town with almost no trees.
Sessions hates that. She becomes a “tree hunter,” writing to gardeners around the world to ask for seeds that can grow in a desert. She singlehandedly starts a movement which affects an entire community. Soon, trees start growing everywhere. Now, more than 100 years later, gardens and parks are all over the city.
Beach Lane Books, 32 pages, Sept. 17, 2013
By Bethany Barton
In “Give Bees a Chance,” the narrator introduces his buddy Edgar, the main character, to facts about bees. The narrator then shows Edgar how special and important bees are to the world.
The book is packed with facts to amaze. Examples: The bee anatomy boggles the mind, and it’s fascinating how long they have been around—since the time of the dinosaurs. In fact, in recent times, honey from bees was found in Egyptian tombs. Since bees only sting for self-defense, this “bee”-utiful book can also play a significant role in helping overcome a genuine fear.
Puffin Books, 40 pages, July 2, 2019
By Deborah Underwood and Cindy Derby
The girl in “Outside In” really appreciates the outdoors and has not forgotten the many ways in which nature enhances her life. She expresses this love poetically. She notices the sunshine coming from outside. She sees bugs and notices spiders sneaking in. She wears clothes that were once from the fibers of cotton puffs. She sits in wooden chairs that were formerly trees. At the end of the book, the girl says, that the outside waits for her and she answers.
Readers will infer that there’s a dip in happiness and general well-being from being inside too long. The realities of our busy, modern world can make reconnecting with nature seem impossible, yet the girl manages to find a way around this fact.
The wonderful lesson of the book casts a delightful spell.
Clarion Books, 40 pages, April 14, 2020
By Lola M Schaefer, Adam Schaefer, and Frann Preston-Gannon
In the book “Because of An Acorn,” an acorn becomes a tree. Because of the tree, birds have a place to live. Birds in turn spread seeds, carrying the seeds on their feathers or feet and dropping them as they move. This cycle continues until a forest is created.
Although the book is short and easy to read, it has a very thorough description of an ecosystem, clearly showing how nature relies on each part working together. The interconnectedness of life is beautifully expressed.
Chronicle Books, 36 pages, Aug. 2, 2016
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