Introduce kids to plants, animals, bugs, and the world around them with a few of these nature books for kids ages 3 to 12.
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Nature is all around us. Encourage kids to explore their own backyard and beyond by reading a few of these nature books. There’s something for everyone in this collection of nonfiction books, along with a few that are fiction or poetry.
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The Hike
The Hike is a picture book by Alison Farrell. It’s a cute story about three kids who go on an adventure in their local forest.
The Big Book of Bugs
The Big Book of Bugs by Yuval Zommer is an illustrated introduction to all kinds of bugs. It includes facts and tips to help kids find bugs in their own backyard.
Tiny Explorers: Into the Wild
Tiny Explorers: Into the Wild by Miro Tartan is an illustrated book of activities. There are outdoor projects, art ideas, and learning play.
Trees, Leaves, Flowers and Seeds
Trees, Leaves, Flowers and Seeds: A Visual Encyclopedia of the Plant Kingdom is a collaboration between DK and Smithsonian. It’s packed with photos and facts about plants of all kinds.
The Wonders of Nature
The Wonders of Nature by Ben Hoare is a detailed reference guide of plants, animals, rocks and minerals, and microscopic life.
Over and Under the Pond
Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner is one of several books in a collection. This one introduces kids to a secret world hidden in and around a pond.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees
The Magic and Mystery of Trees by Jen Green is an illustrated introduction to the world of trees, from how they grow and communicate to habitats and humans.
The Backyard Bug Book for Kids
The Backyard Bug Book for Kids by Lauren Davidson is a photographic guide to bugs for kids. It’s a mix of nonfiction story, facts, and activities for age 3 to 5.
A Walk Through the Woods
A Walk Through the Woods by Louise Greig is a unique book that combines poetry and papercut illustrations.
The Tree Book for Kids and Their Grown-Ups
The Tree Book for Kids and Their Grown-Ups is written by Gina Ingoglia. The illustrated guide includes 33 North American trees.
Ultimate Bugopedia
Ultimate Bugopedia: The Most Complete Bug Reference Ever is in the National Geographic Kids series by Nancy Honovich. With tons of detailed photographs, this book shares facts about bugs in a friendly way.
Nature Anatomy
Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World is by author and illustrator Julia Rothman. Take a look at the world in a new way with kid-friendly information on the natural world.
Life Cycles
Life Cycles: Everything from Start to Finish is illustrated by Sam Falconer and published by DK. Kids can learn about life cycles from the solar system, to oceans and mountains, to plants and animals.
National Parks of the USA
National Parks of the USA by Kate Siber is filled with maps and facts about 21 parks. Learn about different regions and the plants and animals that live there.
Tall Tall Tree
Tall Tall Tree by Anthony D. Fredericks is about the redwood forests along the California coast. Prose and detailed illustrations make this a great read-aloud.
Bird Builds a Nest
Bird Builds a Nest by Martin Jenkins is a First Science Storybook. This cute story about a bird who builds a nest will encourage conversations with parents for kids are 4 to 6.
Geology for Kids
Geology for Kids: A Junior Scientist’s Guide to Rocks, Minerals, and the Earth Beneath Our Feet is by Meghan Vestal. Learn about the layers of the earth, earthquakes, volcanoes, and more.
Outside Your Window
Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies is a book of illustrated poetry for kids age 3 to 7.
A Stone Sat Still
A Stone Sat Still by Brendan Wenzel is a lovely story for kids age 3 to 5 about a little rock that simply sits as the world of plants and animals moves around it.
Nature’s Wildflowers
Nature’s Wildflowers: A Child’s Field Guide Exploring the Science and Beauty of Wildflowers is written and illustrated by Alyx Nicole Morrill. This book introduces kids to wildflowers, both in general and specific varieties.
What’s Inside A Flower?
What’s Inside A Flower? And Other Questions About Science & Nature is a picture book by Rachel Ignotofsky. This wonderfully illustrated book takes children through the world of backyard science and answers common questions.
The Snail with the Right Heart
The Snail with the Right Heart by Maria Popova is based on a surprisingly true story about a scientist and a snail. Although most snails’ shells spiral to the right (with their hearts on the left), this snail is the opposite.
The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth
The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth: Understanding Our World and Its Ecosystems is by Rachel Ignotofsky. Older kids will enjoy learning about ecosystems around the world and how living things are connected.
Curious About Fossils
Curious About Fossils by Kate Waters is an introduction to dinosaurs and fossils for kids age 6 to 8.
There are Bugs Everywhere
There are Bugs Everywhere by Britta Teckentrup is a picture book about all kinds of bugs and where they live.
Order a few of these nature books online or pick them up from your local library and plan a nature week at your backyard summer camp.
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