Hiking: Songs & Books
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How We Explore Together Outside
by Nature Play Lifestyle
This is the perfect book to read before hiking with young learners; it clearly explains expectations about hiking to help children gain confidence and stay safe!
The Author (Jenny from Nature Play Lifestyle) intentionally kept the pages black and white, so children can color the book. She suggests laminating the book and adding it to a book ring to bring along in your pack on hikes!
By D.B. Johnson
Two friends decide to meet in Fitchburg and take completely different paths to get there. The moral of the story is unique to the reader based on what one values in life, but regardless it will spark a discussion of which path would you take?
After reading this book, compare and contrast the two journeys through a chart. Then have a discussion about which path the children would prefer taking.
by Jennifer Thermes
This is an inspirational nonfiction narrative based on a real woman who hiked the entire Appalachian Trail at age 67. She was the first woman to hike the entire trail by herself in one season. Follow her adventures through maps, images, and text. Impactful book for all!!!
After reading this text, come up with a goal (big or small) you would like to accomplish in the outdoors. Then make a plan to complete this goal. This can be done with children or something you do just for yourself!
The Camping Trip That Changed America
by Barb Rosenstock
An entertaining historical book about a camping trip between two famous figures, Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir. Learn how National Parks were established in the US.
After reading this book, further research historical figures in your area that have made a positive impact on the environment.
by Pete Oswald
A beautiful wordless book about a father and his child hiking. The images tell the story and allow the readers to truly take part in the journey.
After ‘reading’ this story, let your children tell the story with their own words. Each child can create their own story to go along with the pictures.
by Alison Farrell
This story uses lyrical language to describe three girls on a hike. It is a fictional adventure story, but also rooted in scientific learning. We love that one of the characters models how to use a sketch book while hiking.
After reading this book, take a sketch book on a hike! What does your child notice? What do they think is worth recording in the sketch book?
by Laurie Elmquist
This is the perfect board book for young ones who go hiking with their families. Sturdy pages for babies to turn on their own and enjoy relatable nature pictures.
After reading this book, take your young one immediately on a hike to help them build a connection to the story. If time allows, make your own forest baby book by taking pictures on your hike together to share with your child later!
Lonely Planet uses breathtaking photographs to show readers epic hikes from around the world. The book includes practical information too! (maps, tips, where to stay, etc.) Show children the beautiful places they can explore in the world using the captivating images and help adults plan a bucket list of hikes!
After reading this book, pull out a map or globe and help children understand where their favorite hiking places are located. If age appropriate, help children see how many miles away their favorite hikes are from their home.
by Simon James
The Wild Woods is a book about a grandfather and his granddaughter hiking. The young girl decides to keep a squirrel she spots in the woods and humorously follows it all through the woods. Their journey teaches readers that somethings belong in the wild.
After reading this book, hike and follow a squirrel or another creature into the woods and see where the adventure takes you! Discuss what needs to stay in the wild and why it needs to stay in the wild
Sammy Keyes and the Wild Things
by Wendelin Van Draanen
A humorous chapter book for older children to join Sammy Keyes on his summer adventure in the outdoors. The book explores the preservation of endangered species and how to help!
After reading this book, explore endangered species and research a practical way you can help an endangered species.
SONGS
THE HAPPY WANDERER
Lyrics/Composed By: Florenz Friedrich Sigismund and Friedrich-Wilhelm Möller
I love to go a-wandering,
Along the mountain track,
And as I go, I love to sing,
My knapsack on my back.
Chorus:
Val-deri,Val-dera,
Val-deri,
Val-dera-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha
Val-deri,Val-dera.
My knapsack on my back.
I love to wander by the stream
That dances in the sun,
So joyously it calls to me,
“Come! Join my happy song!”
I wave my hat to all I meet,
And they wave back to me,
And blackbirds call so loud and sweet
From ev’ry green wood tree.
High overhead, the skylarks wing,
They never rest at home
But just like me, they love to sing,
As o’er the world we roam.
Oh, may I go a-wandering
Until the day I die!
Oh, may I always laugh and sing,
The Green Grass Grew All Around
Lyrics by William Jerome and melody by Harry Von Tilzer
Oh in the woods there was a tree
The prettiest tree
You ever did see
And the tree was in the ground
And the green grass grew all around, all around, and the green grass grew all around And on that tree
There was a limb
The prettiest limb
That you ever did see
And the limb was on the tree
And the tree in the ground
And the green grass grew all around, all around, and the green grass grew all around And on that limb
There was a branch
The prettiest branch
That you ever did see
And the branch was on the limb,
And the limb was on the tree,
And the tree was in the ground
And the green grass grew all around, all around, and the green grass grew all around And on that branch
There was a nest
The prettiest nest
That you ever did see
And the nest was on the branch
And the branch was on the limb
And the limb was on the tree
And the tree was in the ground
And the green grass grew all around, all around, and the green grass grew all around And in that nest
There was an egg
The prettiest egg
That you ever did see
And the egg was in the nest
And the nest was on the branch
And the branch was on the limb
And the limb was on the tree
And the tree was in the ground
And the green grass grew all around, all around, and the green grass grew all around And in that egg
There was a bird
The prettiest bird
That you ever did see
And the bird was in the egg
And the egg was in the nest
And the nest was on the branch
And the branch was on the limb
And the limb was on the tree
And the tree was in the ground
And the green grass grew all around, all around, and the green grass grew all around
