Nature-themed children’s book recommendations

The following are our picks to inspire young nature lovers. The books are organized by age group:

Preschool and pre-readers

Bee & Me  by Alison Jay: A little girl befriends a bee who takes her on a journey of discovery, revealing ways in which every child can take to aid in conservation. This beautiful, wordless picture book brings a personal note to the plight of the honeybee and offers a message of hope.

Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies: This gorgeously illustrated volume of poetry, sprinkled with facts and fun things to do, sows an early love for nature in all its beauty and wonder.

I Am Earth: An Earth Day Book for Kids, by Rebecca McDonald: This volume introduces kids to the basic concepts of earth science while also encouraging the importance of taking care of our special planet through environmental awareness and sustainability.

Nerdy Babies: Ocean By Emmy Kastner: A sweet book on Oceans for the youngest beginners. This book talks all about the different parts of the ocean and gives a lot of very good facts that kids will love.

Find me! Adventures in the Forest By Agnese Baruzzi: This search and find book is fun and engaging for kids who love to interact. Find forest friends, and then head outside to find the same themes from the book, outside!

Elementary School

Myrtle The Turtle by Celeste Meiffren-Swango: Written by the director of Environment Oregon, this wonderful tale focuses on our need to address plastic waste pollution in order to save sea creatures. The story stars Myrtle, who is a young, adventurous sea turtle in the Pacific Ocean. She mistakes a plastic bag for a jellyfish before realizing she needs our help to keep her ocean home safe and beautiful.

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss: A classic, this beloved story follows the Lorax as he “speaks for the trees.” It’s a timeless tale that reminds us that just one small seed, or one small child, can make a difference.

Don’t Let Them Disappear: 12 Endangered Species Across the Globe by Chelsea Clinton: This book introduces young readers to a selection of endangered animals, sharing what makes them special — and also what threatens them.

Over & Under The Pond by Kate Messner: In this book, readers will discover the plants and animals that make up the rich, interconnected ecosystem of a mountain pond.

Bird count by Susan Edwards Richmond: This book is a great introduction to birding, counting birds and wildlife conservation.

Middle and High School

The Hatchet by Gary Paulson: A story about a 13 year old boy who finds himself alone in the Canadian wilderness with only a hatchet as a tool. 

Front Country by Sara St. Antoine: Set in Montana’s sweeping wilderness, young Ginny is between middle and high school, feeling like the world is out of control around her. This is a story about her gaining awareness of herself and the world, while connecting the two. It will leave you wanting to go to the back country!

The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth: Understanding Our World & Its Ecosystems by Rachel Ignotofksy: An illustrated tour of the planet, Ignotofksy’s work explores ecosystems large and small — from reefs, deserts and rainforests to a single drop of water. This book makes earth science accessible and entertaining through art, maps and infographics. 

How to Change Everything by Naomi Klein: Climate change is such a large problem, and approaching it can feel daunting. This is a manageable and digestible guide on how teens can change their own actions and routines to combat climate change.

Earth Heroes by Lily Dyu: This book looks closely at 20 different naturalists, and tells their story. Each story shows that an individual person can change the world.