Books that inspire a love of nature and a sense of curiosity about the natural world are a crucial addition to any bookshelf, whether they are stories or non-fiction. They introduce young minds to the intricate beauty of ecosystems, the marvels of wildlife, and the delicate balance of our environment. Through engaging narratives and captivating illustrations, children can learn about the life cycles of plants and animals, the changing seasons, or the importance of conservation. They spark a sense of adventure, encouraging kids to explore, ask questions, and develop a deep appreciation for the natural world. Here are some great children's books about nature that are both educational and engaging, across a variety of formats:
Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner is a beautifully illustrated picture book that explores the hidden world beneath the pond and its ecosystem.
Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies is a gorgeous collection of poems and illustrations celebrating nature.
The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth: Understanding Our World and Its Ecosystems by Rachel Ignotofsky is a beautifully illustrated book explaining how ecosystems work and their significance.
The Secret Life Of Trees by Moira Butterfield is a collection of stories about trees will inspire kids to look after the world around them. Each story provide fun and engaging tree or forest facts that inspire curiosity and wonder.
Look Inside Nature by Minna Lacey, is a wonderfully visual information book for young children, with over 80 flaps to lift, in which they can explore woods, rivers, ponds and more.
Encyclopedia of Insects by Jules Howard is a perfect book for kids that love worms, bugs and creepy-crawlies! It's a wonderful resource packed with information about hundreds of bugs in fascinating detail and written by a natural history expert.
Lots: The Diversity Of Life On Earth by Nicola Davies is a stylish non-fiction picture book that conveys the magnificent diversity of life on our planet. It's an ideal introduction to the concept of biodiversity for younger readers.
Nature’s Light Spectacular by Kay Flint is a fascinating and beautifully illustrated book that examines the many phenomena of lights, from solar eclipses and double rainbows, to volcano lightning, polar lights and glowworm caves!
When We Went Wild by Isabella Tree is a heartwarming, sustainably printed picture book about the benefits of letting nature take the lead, inspired by real-life rewilding projects.
The Big Book Of The Blue by Yuval Zommer is a beautiful information book filled with fascinating facts, exploring the diversity of the underwater world. It is part of a series that also explores beasts, bugs, blooms and birds.
