Here are nature books to get kids outside and exploring so they don’t miss out on the bursts of creativity and imagination that come with outdoor adventure.
Screen time is increasing, and childhood is becoming less free and adventurous than we would like. We have chosen books that brim with adventure and the beauty of the natural world. These stories are sure to inspire your budding readers. Books are a way we can encourage children to want to get outside and explore, which is a great, positive way to learn.
RHS The Magic and Mystery of Trees, Jen Green, Claire McElfatrick
Encourage little learners to explore the natural science of trees in this nature and science children’s book. Every part of a tree plays a vital role, from the highest branch down to the complex “wood wide web” of roots, not only in its growth but in the ecosystem of the whole forest or woodland.
This book is an educational non-fiction read; each page of this nature book is astonishingly beautiful. Enjoy a mixture of actual images, vibrant illustrations, and patchwork layering, making each page feel like a nature scavenger hunt.
It includes fun and practical activities for kids. From planting your tree to measuring its age, it highlights the importance of trees to our planet through exciting hands-on activities. Children will begin to understand the importance of trees and take their first steps towards safeguarding them for future generations.
Reading age: 7-9 years
Buy now on AmazonSuperworm, Julia Donaldson
I’ve not met a parent yet who doesn’t know the words to at least one of Julia Donaldson’s books. A firm favourite in our household is the one and only Superworm. The wiggly, squiggly superhero is a worm! He can fish Spider out of a well and rescue Toad from a busy road. But who will rescue Superworm when a wicked Wizard Lizard captures him?
Luckily, all of Superworm’s insect friends have a cunning plan. This is a beautiful story about insects, kindness, and teamwork.
Reading age: 6+
Activities you could do inspired by this book:
- Dig up some dirt and search for earthworms in your garden or local green space.
- Feed the worms and learn what food they like best.
The Wonders of Nature, Ben Hoare
From opals to orchids and tapirs to toadstools, this beautiful collection brings more than 100 incredible items from the natural world to life. Every page of this reference book reveals fascinating animals, plants, rocks, minerals, and microorganisms that will wow children and adults alike.
Fantastic photography and illustrations showcase the wonders of planet Earth beautifully. Children will love exploring the detailed close-up images of different plants, animals and rocks. With storybook descriptions and surprising facts about their natural history, this book will capture your child’s attention and keep them coming back for more.
Reading age: 7-9 years
Activities you could do inspired by this book:
- Go on a nature scavenger hunt.
- Start a nature journal.
- Take a path you typically go on, but do it slowly and mindfully, trying to notice the small things you wouldn’t normally as you walk along.
The Bear in the Stars, Alexis Snell
A stunning, lyrical picture book that teaches children about climate change is a timely modern fable that portrays the transformative power of kindness.
There was once a great, white bear – Queen of Beasts. Her kingdom was a beautiful, cold, glistening place. But over the years, the ice disappeared, slipping away like sand through an hourglass. Slowly, slowly, one by one, the other animals moved on.
The Great Bear has no choice but to leave her snowy realm to search for food, friends and a new home. She soon discovers a world that is growing hotter whilst hearts grow colder – until one small act of kindness changes everything.
The Bear in the Stars is about loss, kindness and new beginnings.
Reading age: All ages
Activities you could do inspired by this book:
- Teach children about recycling and show them how you can recycle at home.
- Grow your food; you can do this simply as tomatoes from the windowsill.
- Help the birds in the Winter, make your bird feeders and give animals a helping hand.
The Tiny Seed, Eric Carle
We love the moral of this book, which is that small things can be strong and powerful.
This book follows the seasons. A tiny seed flies along in the wind, too small to fall into the ocean and drown, to be seen by a bird and eaten, or to be gobbled by a mouse. It may be small, but it is patient and strong. It lies in the ground, takes time, and becomes a flowering plant. The tiny seed grows and becomes a beautiful, strong flower.
It has Eric Carle’s illustrations, which are just as engaging as ‘The Hungry Caterpillar‘. It has educational value; it is an excellent introduction to the life cycle of flowering plants.
Reading age: 4-8 years
Activities you could do inspired by this book:
- Make a sensory table with different types of seeds.
- Make a seed collage.
- Plant and grow your own fruit, vegetables, or flowers from seeds.
Mechanica, Lance Baldachin
For imaginative children who like to think outside the box. Learn about insects with Mechanica, a creative field guide for those who love the earth but want to see what would happen if we didn’t protect it.
The book looks into the future when the earth lacks natural life due to human destruction. However, mechanical creatures have been created to replace what was lost.
Reading age: 8 – 12 years
Activities you could do inspired by this book:
- Hunt for some insects and sketch them.
- Design your insects from the future.
- Create a bug hotel for your local insects.
- Explore insects’ life cycles with children and see if you can find evidence of different stages in your area (e.g., cocoon, butterfly).
Run Wild, David Covell
Return to nature in this gorgeous, sunlit book celebrating the joy of being outdoors. This book starts sad, dark, and dreary with a boy engrossed in a digital device. But a girl runs by his window and shouts, “Hey, you! Sky’s blue!” which sparks a change.
The boy is intrigued and runs after her, leaving his phone behind. He enters a world of sunshine, dewy grass, and warm sands. They chase rabbits, jump in mud puddles, float in water, and run against the wind. It’s a beautiful reminder that so many adventures can be found when you put down the screen.
Run Wild is an exquisite and kid-friendly reminder of how wonderful life can be beyond doors and screens.
Reading age: 3-5 years
Activities you could do inspired by this book:
- Jump in puddles.
- Have races/ play games together in the garden or park.
- Hunt down a bridge and play pooh sticks together.
You’re Missing It! By Brady Smith and Tiffani Thiessen
Sometimes, we adults need the reminder!
It’s all good to encourage children to reduce screen time; however, children learn from our example, and sometimes, parents or guardians need a reminder to turn off their phones and be in the present moment to enjoy the sights and sounds around them.
In this book, children exclaim over the wonders all around at the neighbourhood park while the silly grownups stare at their screens. This book is a great way to discuss engaging in the present moment.
Reading age: 3-5 years
Activities you could do inspired by this book:
- Be present at home, have a ‘technology jar,’ and put your electronic devices in it for a few hours daily.
- Don’t look at your phone when out and exploring.
Daniel Finds a Poem, Micha Archer
What is poetry? Is it glistening morning dew? Spider thinks so. Is it crisp leaves crunching? That’s what Squirrel says. Could it be a calm pond, sun-warmed sand, or moonlight on the grass? Maybe poetry is all of these things, as it is something special for everyone; you just have to take the time to look and listen.
The magical thing is that poetry is in everyone, and Daniel is on his way to discovering his own poem after spending time with his animal friends. What is poetry? If you look and listen, it’s all around you!
We love this fun and engaging way to teach children about poetry, and we hope it will encourage them to write their own.
Reading age: 5-8 years
Activities you could do inspired by this book:
- Take a notebook out on a walk and write down things you and your children consider poetry, like the characters in the story.
- Explore different poets and poems together.
- Acting out this book or a favourite poem is often an ideal way to reinforce learning.
We hope you have enjoyed reading about our chosen nature books to inspire children and get them outside and exploring. In the comments below, let us know your own and your children’s favourites.
