Most 'Giftable’ Nature Reads
We have asked our community, what are your all time favorite nature-themed books?
People answered with their favorite books to read as children and their favorite books to read to children, here is the list:
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Fifteen-year-old Sam was tired of living in New York City in his crowded apartment, so he decided to run away to the Catskill Mountains. It’s an adventurous read with beautiful wilderness descriptions, helpful survival tips, and character growth. It transports children and adults into a world where they question, could I runaway from life and just live in the woods?
After reading this story, If you are feeing adventurous-take a trip to the woods and try to live like Sam for a day (or more!). Create a journal to document the experience. If that isn’t possible- write your own story of what life would be like if you escaped to live in the woods.
Thank you for your shared love of the wonderful outdoors and books Donna!
A young boy finds a salamander and wants to bring it home with him. The boy uses his imagination to think of the best salamander habitat for his room. It is a wonderful book to help teach about habitats and ecosystems. As well as, truly help children understand the needs of wild things and think before taking a critter home with them.
After reading this story, go on a hike outside and look for critters. Have the children think about how they would make a ‘room’ for a critter they find. Depending on children’s ages go in depth about the critter’s needs- habitat, food, how this critter’s absence could effect the ecosystem.
Thank you for your thoughtful recommendations Erin
Children always wonder where do the animals go in the winter when it snows? The blanket answer is always- they hibernate! But this nonfiction book describes and illustrates the seen and unseen animals in the snow. It explores something called the subnivium zone- the tunnels/caves formed above ground, but below snow. Beautifully written and illustrated, it will answer children’s questions while provoking more curiosity.
After reading this book, read more like it: Over and Under the Pond, Over and Under the Rainforest. Explore tracks and tunnels in your yard or on a hike. Make predictions of what made each hole or track and then research to see if you are right!
Thank you for sharing the wonderful Kate Messner with us Adam
A book filled with star constellations of animals. The pictures are captivating and the words are easy, yet informative! It’s the perfect read for star and/or animal lovers.
After reading this book, look for constellations from the book or make your own animals from star formations you see in the sky!
Thank you for your interest in stars Sam
As you were walking down the street have you ever wondered what was under you? Even if you have never wondered this before, this book will answer questions you didn’t even know you had! It has magical illustrations on each page, and the pages fold out like an accordion. (Pages unfold out to about 8 feet in length! Children love this feature!!) Half of the book is about the ground beneath a city and the other half is about the ground beneath the countryside. The book is a wonderful mix of science and social studies.
After reading this book, have children create what is beneath their feet. This could be done through thorough research (older children) or imagination and the book as a resource. Children could also use this book as a compare and contrast activity between rural and city areas.
Thank you for this unique book share Shannon
Children love cooking (especially when they get to eat at the end of the cooking adventure!) This book has identification information on common plants you may find in a local forest, park, or even your yard. It also has directions on how to prepare kid-friendly recipes including kebabs, spreads, and muffins.
After reading this book, go out foraging with your children. Be sure to be safe! From sharing this book as a family, children will learn about plant identification, sustainability, and following directions.
Thank you for the inspiration Gina and we think we may need to make a nature cookbook similar to the one you had as a child!
This nonfiction book allows children to really experience the size of animals. Children will be up close with animals they wouldn’t otherwise be able to “touch” or see. This book is wonderful for learning about animals, understanding size and measurements, and comparing and contrasting.
While reading this book, let children compare their bodies and body parts to the animals on the page. After reading this book, put the animals in size order, compare and contrast the animals, or even make your own actual size book with new animals or people!
Kacie is a huge fan of all Steve Jenkins books. She sees how his books draw children in. After reading a Jenkins book, children always learn something new, have new ideas they’re wondering about, and then ask to read the book again.
Other great Steve Jenkins books: Biggest, Strongest, Fastest - What do you do with a tail like this? - Creatures Features - Move! - Animal Dads
This is the perfect story for nature lovers of all ages & just might make some new nature lovers as well. It is a lovely illustrated story that reinforces the idea that one single person can make a big impact. Caroline moves into a new house with a manicured lawn and discovers only a single wildflower growing. She helps her family and neighbors realize we can live alongside nature in our very own backyards.
After reading this book, take a look around your neighborhood, backyard or school yard & look for wildlife or signs of wildlife. Who inhabits your yard and how can you help enrich their habitat? Build rock piles, brush piles, bird feeders and puddling stations.
Sandy has seen children so inspired by the book that they asked to make a bird sanctuary in their backyard as their birthday gift. Inspire someone to make a difference!
The Nature Alphabet Book is an interactive book for children to bring along on outdoor adventures. The perfect tool to help strengthen literacy, observation, & cognitive skills in a VERY fun way!
This book allows children to see their natural world through a whole new lens. As children are exploring, they will begin to see letters in trees, roots, leaves, flowers and even animals! Some children ache for a purpose during hiking before they can develop their appreciation for just being in the outdoor world. Children might like looking for habitats, birds, a perfect hiking stick, etc. and now children can look for letters! They will be SO excited when they see a letter and get to add it to their book.
This book is near and dear to our hearts for obvious reasons, but we truly believe it will bring joy and learning to many!
What’s YOUR favorite nature read?
