There’s a lot that books about nature can teach us, from empathy with the great outdoors, to boosting our knowledge of ecosystems. It can even do wonders for our health and well-being as well. And the same goes for books about nature for children, too.

For some, those books take us even further. They develop a sense of duty in us to care for the environment. 

Photo by Katya Ross on Unsplash.

Books About Nature For Children | Recommended Reads

When it comes to inspiring that same wonder in young readers, as ever with any books. where do you start? Well that’s where this list of helpful nature books for children comes in. So take a look and see what you think.

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

In this classic tale about how we should look after our green spaces, the Once-ler recounts how their greed led to the loss of all the Truffula Trees, harming the land around them, even though the Lorax, who “speaks for the trees,” tried to stop it. 

The Messy Magpie by Twinkl

This children’s book is a captivating look into the life of a magpie as it discovers all its shiny gifts from humans. But as time goes on, it starts to realise the gifts are more trouble than they’re worth. A great book to explain the impact of litter and caring for the environment.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

We all know this one! Follow the journey of a caterpillar as it eats its way through various foods before turning into a butterfly. A great teaching tool for showing the life cycle of a butterfly and the importance of nature’s rhythms.

Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner

Do you kids ever wonder what goes on under the surface of a pond? This book takes young readers on a deep dive into the vibrant ecosystem of a pond. It’s a beautiful illustration of  aquatic life.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

A classic novel about a young girl named Mary who discovers a neglected garden on her uncle’s estate – much to his dislike. As she starts to care for the garden, she realises there’s more of a connection between the withered plants and uncle’s life of secrecy than she thought.

Finding Wild by Megan Wagner Lloyd

If you like lyrical prose, this book will read like flowing water! Through gorgeous illustrations, this book celebrates the wildness and beauty of nature that can be found everywhere, from the depths of the forest to the cracks in the sidewalk. 

The Plastic Problem by Aubre Andrus

If your kids prefer their non fiction, and are looking for ways to help the environment already, this might be more up their street. This book looks at over 50 ways we can help the wildlife around us by cutting out plastic. And it doesn’t cost the reader the Earth.

Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney

The story of Miss Rumphius, who sets out to make the world more beautiful by planting lupine seeds wherever she goes. With small yet impactful actions, she teaches readers that even small actions can leave the world a better place than when they entered it.

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen

A beautifully illustrated tale about a girl who goes owling with her father one night. As they trek through the snow and wintry woods, they experience the magic of nature and the bond between parent and child.

The Salamander Room by Anne Mazer

In this creative and off-beat tale, a boy dreams that his bedroom transforms into a habitat suitable for a salamander. As the changes come alive in his mind, readers are drawn into a world where nature and imagination intertwine.

More On Books About Nature For Children

Whether a tale about a tiny caterpillar, or a battle cry for climate change, children’s books themed around nature are instrumental. They inspire awe. A bird in flight. A solitary deer sighting. Nature makes us stop and really appreciate the world around us. 

If that’s something you’re really keen on doing, there’s plenty more where this came from! Feel free to take a look at some of our other recommendations on books about nature for children, or brush up on knowledge around helping the environment with your kids below:

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