Kids’ Books That Celebrate the Great Outdoors
The moment my family hears that first bird chirp of the season and feels the hint of warmth after a long winter, we can’t wait to get outside. From tiny treasures waiting to be discovered to the splendor of the natural world and the wonder of Earth’s creatures, this collection of picture books celebrates the beauty and joy of the great outdoors. Whether you’re looking for read-alouds for Earth Day or a seasonal story that captures the delights of nature, these wonderfully wild reads are not to be missed.
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1
Add to BookshelfHow to Say Hello to a Worm
by Kari Percival
Little ones get a joyful introduction to gardening in this cheerful, colorful story about a diverse group of children planting peas, strawberries, and carrots together. As they wait for their garden to bloom, they gently welcome the insects that visit. Helpful tips for gardening with toddlers are included, making it easy for families to dig in and cultivate their own plants.
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2
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A Pocket Full of Rocks
by Kristin Mahoney
Kids with big imaginations will relish this enchanting story about a child who collects treasures from nature throughout the year. Although his family doesn’t understand his growing collection, he knows that with a little creativity, each item holds endless possibilities, including memories of past adventures.
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3
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Bees, Bugs, and Butterflies
by Ben Raskin
This appealing guide combines real-life photographs, beautiful illustrations, and fascinating facts to introduce readers to the essential role pollinators play in nature. Crafts, games, and gardening tips are also included, offering plenty of hands-on learning opportunities.
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$16.95Buy from Other Retailers:
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4
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Wonder in the Garden
by Talia Aikens-Nuñez
Vibrant colors fill the pages of this joyful story about a girl and her dog as they help harvest fresh vegetables from the garden to prepare for dinner. Sprinkled with Spanish vocabulary words, this delightful read-aloud celebrates the simple pleasures of gardening, family, and sharing a meal together.
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5
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More than a Tree
by Sarah Kurpiel
Trees can hold a special kind of magic. For one young girl, the tree in her backyard is a source of comfort, joy, and cherished memories. When it must be taken down, she learns to navigate her grief with the support of her family. Over time, she finds healing in a touching reminder of life’s quiet cycles.
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6
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The Wildest Thing
by Emily Winfield Martin
Eleanor’s wild side springs to life in this whimsical tale that effortlessly blends fantasy with reality. Charming illustrations capture her boundless imagination as her world fills with playful creatures. When the adventure winds down, Eleanor settles in for bed, making this a wonderful choice for a cozy bedtime read.
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7
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If You Find a Fawn
by Kellie DuBay Gillis
It can be exciting to discover an animal in the wild, but every creature deserves to be treated with care and respect. With warm, inviting artwork, this thoughtful book gently teaches children what to do if they encounter a baby animal in nature.
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8
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The Children’s Book of Birdwatching
by Dan Rouse
This engaging guide introduces children to the world of birds, helping them learn how to identify, understand, and care for them. Packed with interesting tidbits and interactive activities, it’s a wonderful choice for kids curious about the birds and wildlife in their own backyard.
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$14.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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9
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The Dirt!
by Lindsey Leigh
Readers may be surprised to discover that an entire ecosystem exists right beneath our feet! Through attention-grabbing graphics and lively explanations, Lindsey Leigh shares little-known facts about a variety of soil-dwelling animals. This is truly a fun book to “dig” into.
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10
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Hike
by Pete Oswald
The beauty of the natural world shines through in this wordless tale about a boy on a special hike with his father. Expressive illustrations capture the quiet magic of their journey as they discover wildlife, take in the wonders of the forest, face small fears, and, most importantly, deepen the bond between parent and child.
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$8.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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11
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The Magic and Mystery of Earth
by Jason Bittel
Perfect for inquisitive children, this beautifully illustrated book explores the marvels of planet Earth. From powerful volcanoes and intriguing weather patterns to the incredible wildlife that inhabits our world, each topic is presented in an engaging way that makes learning about our planet both exciting and accessible.
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12
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The Wild
by Yuval Zommer
Yuval Zommer’s distinctive artistic style immediately draws readers into this modern fable, where Earth is imagined as a great wild beast that generously provides for humankind. When people’s greed harms the Wild, one brave boy stands up to protect it. With clear environmental themes, this powerful story makes an excellent choice for Earth Day storytimes.
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13
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Weird and Wonderful Nature
by Ben Hoare
Prepare to be dazzled by more than 100 remarkable stories of bizarre animals and incredible natural phenomena from around the world. Filled with eye-catching photographs, this captivating book will spark curiosity and wonder in young readers.
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14
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My Big Book of Outdoors
by Tim Hopgood
Bright, bold illustrations leap off the pages of this exceptional treasury celebrating the wonders of all four seasons. Alongside fascinating facts, touches of whimsy, such as poetry and activities, make this an enthralling book that readers will return to again and again.
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15
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Fatima’s Great Outdoors
by Ambreen Tariq
After a tough week at school, Fatima looks forward to escaping into the woods on her very first camping trip with her family. Surrounded by nature, she finds space to reset and rediscover her confidence. This warm coming-of-age story gently weaves in elements of Indian culture while celebrating family, resilience, and the joy of spending time outdoors.
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16
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Zonia’s Rain Forest
by Juana Martinez-Neal
Zonia delights in the beauty of her rainforest home, greeting the animals of the jungle each morning, until one day she discovers an area of deforestation. Though frightened at first, she bravely resolves to help protect her land. Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal brings the story to life with stunning artwork, while introducing readers to rainforest wildlife, the Asháninka people, and the urgent need to protect this endangered habitat.
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