books

  • Books for Outdoor Parents – Best Books for Raising Outdoorsy Kids & Adventure Parenting Books

    As parents, we all know the benefits of getting our kids outside, but sometimes it’s easier said than done. Between school, sports, screen time battles, and just trying to survive daily life, it can be tough to make outdoor time a priority. That’s where these books come in. I’ve rounded up a collection of outdoor parenting books that’ll give you the tips, inspiration, and gentle nudges we all need to get back into nature (without feeling like a complete failure for not doing it already). Whether you’re looking for advice on how to peel your kids off the couch or just need a good read to remind you why nature is actually worth the effort, this list has something for you. Because let’s be honest—we could all use a little extra encouragement to make outdoor time happen, and these books are the perfect place to start.

    *This post contains affiliate links.

    Outdoor Parenting Books - Best Books For Raising Outdoorsy Kids

    The benefits of spending time outside

    You are probably already familiar with the multitude of reasons why getting kids outside is important—it boosts their mood, improves focus, builds confidence, improves health, and gets their little bodies moving! Outdoor play helps kids develop in ways that screens and indoor activities just can’t.

    Mentally, being in nature helps reduce stress and anxiety, something even the smallest kids can feel (hello, temper tantrums). Fresh air and open spaces are calming and give kids a chance to decompress. Studies have shown that outdoor time can improve focus and concentration, making it easier for kids to tackle schoolwork or daily challenges with a clearer head. It also encourages creativity and problem-solving, since nature invites them to explore, imagine, and figure things out in a way that structured indoor play can’t match.

    Physically, outdoor play gets kids moving their bodies in all the ways they should—running, jumping, climbing, balancing—all of which helps build strong muscles, bones, and coordination. It’s not just about burning off energy (though, let’s be honest, that’s a big plus). Regular time outside promotes better sleep, helps combat childhood obesity, and improves overall fitness. Kids who spend more time in nature also tend to develop stronger immune systems because of exposure to different environments.

    Developmentally, outdoor play is crucial for building social skills, independence, and resilience. When kids are free to explore, they learn to take calculated risks, work through frustrations, and solve problems on their own, which boosts confidence. Plus, when they play outside with others, they learn teamwork, cooperation, and communication skills in a natural, less structured setting. All of these factors combine to help kids grow into well-rounded, capable, and confident humans who understand that the world is bigger than the screens in front of them.

    Best Books for Outdoorsy Parents

    Best books for raising outdoor kids

    Getting outside is good for you…but don’t just take my word for it! There’s a mountain of research and countless books that back this up. I put together this list of some of our favorite outdoor parenting books to give you practical advice, fresh ideas, and a little inspiration to help make getting outside easier and more enjoyable for your whole family. These books break it down, offering guidance on how to make nature a regular part of your routine, creative ways to get your kids engaged, and some pretty amazing real-life stories that’ll remind you why it’s all worth it. 

    Two types of outdoor books

    In this post, I’m sharing two different types of books that are absolute game-changers for getting your family outside more often.

    1. Outdoor Parenting – First, there are the practical parenting and advice books—full of tips, tricks, and strategies to help you make outdoor time a regular part of your family’s routine without losing your sanity.
    2. Adventure Stories – Then, there are the adventure stories and memoirs—perfect for when you need a little inspiration from families who’ve made nature a priority in their lives (and lived to tell the tale).

    From parenting how-tos to tales of adventure, these books are sure to spark your imagination and help you discover new ways to bring a little more fresh air into your family’s day-to-day life. Because if we’re being honest, we could all use a bit more time outside!

    Outdoor Parenting Books

    When it comes to outdoor parenting, sometimes we all need a little help figuring out how to get the kids out the door. That’s where these outdoor parenting and advice books come in. Packed with practical tips, relatable stories, and strategies that actually work, these books are like having a seasoned outdoorsy parent whispering in your ear, reminding you that getting your kids outside doesn’t have to be a Herculean effort. Whether you’re trying to balance screen time with fresh air, looking for ways to make nature a part of your daily routine, or just want to understand why outdoor play is so important for your child’s development, these books offer a treasure trove of advice that’s down-to-earth, supportive, and totally doable. Here are a few of our favorite books on raising outdoorsy kids. 

    How to Raise a Wild Child - Best Books for Outdoor Parents

    How to Raise a Wild Child: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature
    by Scott D. Sampson

    This book, written by a paleontologist and host of PBS’s Dinosaur Train, is a guide for parents, teachers, and caregivers on fostering a lifelong love of nature in children. Sampson discusses the increasing disconnect between kids and nature (nature deficit disorder), and offers practical tips for becoming a “nature mentor” to help reverse this trend. The book explores how adults can help kids reconnect with the natural world, whether through technology as an ally or by finding urban nature spots. Sampson uses personal anecdotes and research to provide strategies for all ages, with 10 “secrets” to building a stronger connection with nature.

    Best Outdoor Parenting Books - Balanced and Barefoot

    Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children
    by Angela J. Hanscom

    Written by a pediatric occupational therapist, this book emphasizes the critical importance of unstructured outdoor play for children’s development. Hanscom argues that modern children, often confined to indoor spaces and structured activities, are missing out on essential physical and emotional benefits. She outlines how unrestricted play helps build strength, confidence, and sensory integration, improving children’s physical health and mental well-being. The book also offers parents practical advice on encouraging more outdoor time, free play, and balancing indoor activities with time in nature.

    Best Outdoor Parenting Books - Free Range Kids

    Free-Range Kids, How to Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children (Without Going Nuts with Worry)
    by Lenore Skenazy

    Lenore Skenazy, known for her advocacy of giving children more independence, writes about the benefits of allowing kids to explore, take risks, and become more self-reliant. She pushes back against the culture of fear that keeps children indoors and overprotected, arguing that kids need the freedom to roam, play, and discover the world on their own terms. With humor and insight, Skenazy provides tips for raising confident, capable children without succumbing to the anxieties of modern parenting.

    There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather - Best Books for Parenting Outdoorsy Kids

    There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather: A Scandinavian Mom’s Secrets for Raising Healthy, Resilient, and Confident Kids
    by Linda Åkeson McGurk

    This book is a blend of memoir and parenting advice, where the author contrasts the American approach to raising children with her native Scandinavian culture’s emphasis on outdoor play in all weather conditions. McGurk shares the philosophy of “Friluftsliv” (open-air living), advocating for outdoor time as essential, no matter the weather. She offers practical tips to encourage parents to embrace outdoor adventures year-round, debunking myths about needing perfect conditions for outdoor fun. Her personal experiences and research provide inspiration for fostering resilience and a love of nature in kids.

    Best Parenting Books for Raising Outdoor Kids - Free To Learn

    Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life
    by Peter Gray

    Peter Gray explores the role of play in children’s development. He argues that allowing children more freedom to play, explore, and take risks is essential for their emotional and cognitive growth. Drawing from research in anthropology, psychology, and education, Gray critiques modern schooling and structured activities that restrict children’s autonomy. He makes a compelling case for free play as a powerful, natural form of learning, helping children develop critical life skills like problem-solving, creativity, and independence​.

    Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature

    Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature
    by Jon Young

    A practical and spiritual guide for parents, teachers, and mentors, this book focuses on the practice of “nature mentoring” to inspire a deep connection with the natural world. Jon Young and his co-authors combine indigenous wisdom with modern environmental education techniques, offering exercises, games, and activities to foster curiosity and a lasting relationship with nature. The book is designed to help children and adults alike rekindle their love for the outdoors through observation, storytelling, and hands-on experiences​.

    Last Child In the Woods - Best Outdoor Parenting Books

    Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder
    by Richard Louv

    This groundbreaking book coined the term “nature-deficit disorder” to describe the growing disconnect between children and nature and is usually the first book recommended to outdoorsy parents. Louv links this alienation to rising rates of childhood obesity, ADHD, and depression. He argues that direct exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood development—physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Through data and personal anecdotes, Louv emphasizes how critical it is for parents, educators, and society to prioritize getting kids back into nature, which offers benefits ranging from reduced stress to improved cognitive skills. His message is clear: spending time outdoors isn’t just fun; it’s necessary for a healthy life. This book is considered a must-read for parents and has sparked global conversations about reconnecting kids with the natural world.

    Best Outdoor Parenting Books - Nature Principle

    The Nature Principle: Reconnecting with Life in a Virtual Age
    by Richard Louv

    In The Nature Principle, Richard Louv expands on his previous work, emphasizing that adults, not just children, need nature for emotional, physical, and mental well-being. He offers solutions for how individuals and communities can restore their relationship with nature, even in the midst of our tech-obsessed world. Louv provides practical ideas for making nature a part of daily life, showing how reconnecting with the outdoors can improve health, creativity, and happiness.​

    The Nature Fix - Books for Outdoorsy Parents

    The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative
    by Florence Williams

    Florence Williams explores the science behind how nature impacts our mental and physical health. Drawing on research from around the world, she shows that time spent in natural environments can lower stress, boost mood, enhance creativity, and even improve cognitive function. Williams visits a variety of places—from forests in Japan to wilderness therapy programs—to demonstrate how different cultures embrace nature to enhance well-being. The book is a mix of storytelling, science, and practical advice on incorporating more outdoor time into our busy lives.

    Your Brain on Nature - Books for Raising Outdoor Kids

    Your Brain On Nature: Become Smarter, Happier, and More Productive, While Protecting Your Brain Health for Life
    by Eva M. Selhub and Alan C. Logan

    This book dives into the impact of the natural world on brain health, explaining how exposure to nature can improve cognitive function, emotional well-being, and physical health. Selhub and Logan use scientific research to support their claims and offer practical ways for people to incorporate more nature into their daily routines. They also highlight how spending time in natural environments can help with stress reduction and even prevent certain mental health issues.

    Books about Raising Wild Kids - Vitamin N

    Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life
    by Richard Louv

    In this companion to Last Child in the Woods, Louv offers a practical guide filled with ideas and tips for incorporating more nature into everyday life. The “N” stands for nature, and this book provides hundreds of activities and strategies for families, schools, and communities to connect with the outdoors. Louv emphasizes the importance of fostering a nature-rich life, offering advice for parents and educators on how to create a lasting relationship with the natural world.

    Outdoor Parenting - Outdoor Kids in an Inside World

    Outdoor Kids in an Inside World: Getting Your Family Out of the House and Radically Engaged with Nature
    by Steven Rinella

    A practical guide for parents who want to inspire their kids to spend more time outdoors in an era dominated by screens. As a seasoned outdoorsman, Rinella offers a refreshing approach to modern parenting by sharing ways to re-engage children with nature, no matter where you live—whether in an urban, suburban, or rural setting. The book emphasizes the physical, mental, and developmental benefits of outdoor activities, offering ideas such as camping, gardening, fishing, and even hunting (with a focus on sustainable practices). These activities help kids develop resilience, patience, self-reliance, and a deeper connection with the natural world. Rinella’s advice is both hands-on and down-to-earth, with suggestions for how families can incorporate more outdoor experiences into their daily lives. From conquering fears around the campfire to teaching the value of hard work through gardening, the book provides tips for building tough, curious, and capable kids while creating lasting family memories in nature.

    The Green Hour - Books for Raising Outdoorsy Kids

    The Green Hour: A Daily Dose of Nature for Happier, Healthier, Smarter Kids
    by Todd Christopher

    The National Wildlife Federation, on its website GreenHour.org, recommends that parents give their child a “green hour” every day–a time for unstructured play and interaction with the natural world. Whether in the backyard, the local park, or a green space farther afield, time spent outdoors is essential to the healthy development of young minds, bodies, and spirits. Todd Christopher, the creator of GreenHour.org, has filled this book with activities designed to encourage discovery, creative play, and a wonder of nature. Here, you’ll find a range of projects, fun facts, and science lessons meant to engage and invigorate your child, as well as practical advice for parents that makes getting outdoors easy and worry-free. With creative, science-based ideas for a variety of natural settings, getting your family’s daily dose of nature just got easier.

    Let Them Eat Dirt

    Let Them Eat Dirt: Saving Your Child from an Oversanitized World
    by B. Brett Finlay and Marie-Claire Arrieta

    This book explores the importance of exposing children to microbes for their long-term health. Drawing on the latest scientific research, the authors argue that modern hygiene practices, while important for fighting infections, have gone too far, potentially leading to an increase in chronic conditions like allergies, asthma, and obesity. The book explains how exposure to natural environments, pets, and even dirt can help build a child’s immune system. It offers practical advice for parents on matters like childbirth, breastfeeding, and diet to support their children’s microbiome. This engaging read challenges conventional ideas about cleanliness and advocates for a more balanced approach to raising healthy, resilient kids in a hyper-sanitized world.

    Unplugged - Raising Nature Kids

    UNPLUGGED: 15 Steps to Disconnect from Technology and Reconnect with Nature, Yourself, Friends, and Family
    by Jason Runkel Sperling

    What if a few new activities could completely transform your family? Imagine waking up in the morning feeling excited to take on the day. This book will show you how to increase your happiness, health, and connection with a few simple steps. This book covers 15 steps to improve your connection with nature, the great outdoors, yourself, friends, and family, such as how to apply the Law of Attraction to help you unplug, build your tribe when you’re starting from zero, utilize your circle of influence to inspire motivation, and disconnect from technology to focus on what really is important.

    Adventure Parenting Books

    Adventure Stories (and parenting along the way)

    Adventure stories have a special way of sparking our imagination and reminding us of the possibilities that come with spending time outdoors. In this section, we’re diving into books that blend tales of adventure with the ups and downs of parenting. These books don’t just entertain—they inspire us to pack up the kids, hit the trails, and embrace the messy, unpredictable joys of family life in the wild. They’re a great read when you’re in the mood for adventure or in between adventures. 

    Whether it’s epic journeys through remote landscapes or heartwarming stories of small backyard discoveries, these adventure memoirs remind us that parenting and outdoor exploration go hand-in-hand. Along the way, these authors share wisdom about resilience, patience, and the beauty of experiencing nature with our children, even when things don’t always go as planned (because, let’s face it, they rarely do). So, if you’re in need of a little inspiration to take that next big (or small) adventure with your kids, these books are for you.

     

    2,000 Miles Together: The Story of the Largest Family to Hike the Appalachian Trail
    by Ben Crawford

    2,000 Miles Together is the story of the largest family ever to complete a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, defying skeptics and finding friends in the unlikeliest of places. On the trail, Ben Crawford battled not only the many dangers and obstacles presented by the wilderness – snowstorms, record-breaking heat, Lyme disease, overflowing rivers, toothaches, rattlesnakes, forest fires, and spending the night with a cult – but also his own self-doubt. In an effort to bring his family closer together, was he jeopardizing his future relationship with his kids? When the hike was done, would any of them speak to him again? The Crawford family’s self-discovery over five months, thousands of miles, and countless gummy bears proves that there’s more than one way to experience life to the fullest. You don’t have to accept the story you’ve been shown. By leaving home, you’ll find more than just adventure – you’ll find a new perspective on the relationships we often take for granted, and open yourself up to a level of connection you never thought possible.

    Mother Daughter Hiking Adventure Book

    This One Wild Life: A Mother-Daughter Wilderness Memoir
    by Angie Abdou

    This personal memoir of self-discovery tackles the problems of modern parenting in a digital age. Disillusioned with overly competitive organized sports and concerned about her lively daughter’s growing shyness, author Angie Abdou sets herself a challenge: to hike a peak a week over the summer holidays with Katie. They will bond in nature and discover the glories of outdoor activity. What could go wrong? Well, among other things, it turns out that Angie loves hiking, but Katie doesn’t. Hilarious, poignant, and deeply felt, This One Wild Life explores parenting and marriage in a summer of unexpected outcomes and growth for both mother and daughter.

    The Curve of Time - Amazing Stories of Adventure Moms

    The Curve of Time
    by M. Wylie Blanchet

    The 50th anniversary edition of this coastal British Columbia classic, now in beautifully illustrated hardcover, will make a timeless keepsake. This is a biography and astonishing adventure story of a woman who, left a widow in 1927, packed her five children onto a 25-foot boat and cruised the coastal waters of British Columbia, summer after summer. Muriel Wylie Blanchet acted single-handedly as skipper, navigator, engineer and, of course, mother, as she saw her crew through encounters with tides, fog, storms, rapids, cougars and bears. She sharpened in her children a special interest in Haida culture and in nature itself. In this book, she left us with a sensitive and compelling account of their journeys.

    Worldschooling Books - The Wonder Year

    Wonder Year: A Guide to Long-Term Family Travel and Worldschooling
    by Julie Frieder, Angela Heisten, Annika Paradise

    If you’ve ever dreamed about an epic family adventure and heading out on the road for a few months or more, Wonder Year is for you. Part inspiration and part how-to, this book demystifies the seemingly outrageous prospect of embarking on a long-term family trip and using the world as a classroom for your kids―a trailblazing approach known as worldschooling. Packed with practical information, Wonder Year offers invaluable guidance to help transform your dream into a well-planned reality for your family. Woven throughout the book are evocative travelogues and photos from families sharing worldschooling experiences. Paddling a wild and scenic Oregon river, stargazing in New Mexico, and visiting World War II sites in France are just a few of the colorful stories that will no doubt stir you to envision your own journey.

    Adventure Parenting Books - Outdoorsy Parents - Portage

    Portage: A Family, a Canoe, and the Search for the Good Life
    by Sue Leaf 

    When as a child she first saw a canoe gliding on Lake Alexander in central Minnesota, Sue Leaf was mesmerized. The enchantment stayed with her and shimmers throughout this book as we join Leaf and her family in canoeing the waterways of North America, always on the lookout for the good life amid the splendors and surprises of the natural world. The journey begins with a trip to the border lakes of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, then wanders into the many beautiful little rivers of Minnesota and Wisconsin, the provincial parks of Canada, the Louisiana bayou, and the arid West. A biologist and birder, Leaf considers natural history and geology, noticing which plants are growing along the water and which birds are flitting among the branches. Part travelogue, part natural and cultural history, Portage is the memoir of one family’s thirty-five-year venture into the watery expanse of the world.

    Parenting Outdoor Adventure Story Books - Wild Mama

    Wild Mama: One Woman’s Quest to Live Her Best Life, Escape Traditional Parenthood, and Travel the World
    by Carrie Visintainer

    When Carrie Visintainer became a mother at the age of thirty-two, she worried it was all over, that her adventurous life was done. World travel? Adios. Solo explorations in the mountains? Ciao. Creative outlets? She wondered, are diapers my new white canvas? Immersed in a whirlwind of sleeplessness and spit-up, she was madly in love with her new baby, yet she also felt her adventurous spirit and core identity crumbling. So Carrie laced up her boots and set out on a soul-searching journey, with revelations near and far. Inside a local Walmart, she realized that new motherhood is like traveling to a foreign country, with a new vocabulary, unknowable customs, and extreme jetlag. Lying in a yurt in the Colorado forest, she came to terms with her postpartum depression. While sailing on a gullet off the coast of Turkey, she examined feelings of guilt about leaving her child in pursuit of adventure. And then, while perched in a handsome stranger’s motorcycle sidecar in the Mexican jungle, she found herself face-to-face with her central quandary: Domesticity vs. Wanderlust. Finally, she discovered she could—and should—have both.

    Parenting Outdoor Adventure Story Books - Up - Mother Daughter Climbing Book

    Up: A Mother and Daughter’s Peakbagging Adventure
    by Patricia Ellis Herr

    When Trish Herr became pregnant with her first daughter, Alex, she and her husband, Hugh, vowed to instill a bond with nature in their children. By the time Alex was five, her over-the-top energy levels led Trish to believe that her very young daughter might be capable of hiking adult-sized mountains. In Up, Trish recounts their always exhilarating–and sometimes harrowing–adventures climbing all forty-eight of New Hampshire’s highest mountains.  This is, at heart, a resonant, emotionally honest account of a mother’s determination to foster independence and fearlessness in her daughter, to teach her “that small doesn’t necessarily mean weak; that girls can be strong; and that big, bold things are possible.”

    Parenting Outdoor Adventure Story Books - Moms Who Hike

    Moms Who Hike: Walking with America’s Most Inspiring Adventurers
    by Heather Balogh Rochfort

    Moms Who Hike celebrates the athleticism, wisdom, and skill of over twenty of America’s most inspiring adventurer mothers ranging from legends to rising stars of today. The book is both inspirational and aspirational as each adventurer tells her story in her own words through featuring their favorite hike, highlighting personal challenges, accomplishments, and philosophy, as well as providing readers with practical how-to suggestions on maximizing not only their own potential in hiking but in life. The profiles are complemented by stunning color photographs. Each profile includes a map of the hike being profiled, hike specs, miles and directions, GPS coordinates to the trailhead, and a sidebar of something noteworthy about the hike, the location, or the adventurer.

    Parenting Outdoor Adventure Story Books - World of Wonders

    World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments
    by Aimee Nezhukumatathil

    From beloved, award-winning poet Aimee Nezhukumatathil comes a debut work of nonfiction – a collection of essays about the natural world, and the way its inhabitants can teach, support, and inspire us. As a child, Nezhukumatathil called many places home: the grounds of a Kansas mental institution, where her Filipina mother was a doctor; the open skies and tall mountains of Arizona, where she hiked with her Indian father; and the chillier climes of western New York and Ohio. But no matter where she was transplanted – no matter how awkward the fit or forbidding the landscape – she was able to turn to our world’s fierce and funny creatures for guidance. “What the peacock can do,” she tells us, “is remind you of a home you will run away from and run back to all your life.” The axolotl teaches us to smile, even in the face of unkindness; the touch-me-not plant shows us how to shake off unwanted advances; the narwhal demonstrates how to survive in hostile environments. Even in the strange and the unlovely, Nezhukumatathil finds beauty and kinship. For it is this way with wonder: it requires that we are curious enough to look past the distractions in order to fully appreciate the world’s gifts.

    Il Bel Centro: A Year in the Beautiful Center
    by Michelle Damiani

    When Michelle Damiani dreamed of living in Italy, she imagined her family as it was in Virginia – her husband filling every moment with work, her teenage son experimenting with sarcasm, her daughter smiling at the scent of lilacs, her baby-cheeked son methodically clicking Legos together, and herself hovering over the happiness of them all – only surrounded by ancient cobblestone alleys and the sound of ringing Italian. What she didn’t know was how Italy would work to change them all.

    Parenting Outdoor Adventure Story Books - Home Grown

    Home Grown: Adventures in Parenting off the Beaten Path, Unschooling, and Reconnecting with the Natural World
    by Ben Hewitt

    When Ben Hewitt and his wife bought a sprawling acreage of field and forest in northern Vermont, they were eager to start a self-sustaining family farm. But over the years, the land became so much more than a building site; it became the birthplace of their two sons, the main source of family income and food, and even a classroom for their children. Through self-directed play, exploration, and experimentation on their farm, Hewitt’s children learned how to play and read, test boundaries and challenge themselves, fail and recover. Best of all, this environment allowed their personalities to flourish, fueling further growth. In Home Grown, Hewitt shows us how small, mindful decisions about day-to-day life can lead to greater awareness of the world in our backyards and beyond. In telling the story of his sons’ unconventional education in the fields and forests surrounding his family’s farm, he demonstrates that the sparks of learning are all around us, just waiting to be discovered. Learning is a lifelong process—and the best education is never confined to a classroom.

    Adventure Parenting Books - National Parks with Kids

    Before They’re Gone: A Family’s Year-Long Quest to Explore America’s Most Endangered National Parks
    by Michael Lanza

    A longtime backpacker, climber, and skier, Michael Lanza knows our national parks like the back of his hand. As a father, he hopes to share these special places with his two young children. But he has seen firsthand the changes wrought by the warming climate and understands what lies ahead: Alaska’s tidewater glaciers are rapidly retreating, and the abundant sea life in their shadow departs with them. Painfully aware of the ecological—and spiritual—calamity that global warming will bring to our nation’s parks, Lanza sets out to show his children these wonders before they have changed forever. He takes his nine-year-old son, Nate, and seven-year-old daughter, Alex, on an ambitious journey to see as many climate-threatened wild places as he can fit into a year. Through these poignant and humorous adventures, Lanza shares the beauty of each place and shows how his children connect with nature when given “unscripted” time. Ultimately, he writes, this is more their story than his, for whatever comes of our changing world, they are the ones who will live in it.

    Parenting Outdoor Adventure Story Books - Braiding Sweetgrass

    Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
    by Robin Wall Kimmerer

    Drawing on her life as an indigenous scientist, and as a woman and mother, Kimmerer shows how other living beings―asters and goldenrod, strawberries and squash, salamanders, algae, and sweetgrass―offer us gifts and lessons, even if we’ve forgotten how to hear their voices. In reflections that range from the creation of Turtle Island to the forces that threaten its flourishing today, she circles toward a central argument: that the awakening of ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgment and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world. For only when we can hear the languages of other beings will we be capable of understanding the generosity of the earth, and learn to give our own gifts in return.

    Best magazine for outdoorsy parents

    Run Wild My Child magazine

    For outdoorsy moms who love to explore with their kids, the Run Wild My Child Magazine is a must-have. While not a book, this stunning seasonal magazine is filled with inspiration, stories, tips, and ideas to help families embrace the outdoors and make the most of every season. From practical advice on raising adventurous kids to heartfelt stories of adventure (and misadventure), triumph and connection, each issue is thoughtfully curated to inspire moms to connect with nature and create unforgettable memories with their children.

    Beautifully printed on high-quality paper, the seasonally-themed magazine is delivered straight to your door four times a year. With its vibrant photography, engaging articles, and interactive elements, the Run Wild My Child Magazine is more than just a read—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of publication you’ll want to keep on your coffee table, flip through over and over, and share with friends. Each issue celebrates the joys and challenges of outdoor parenting, offering moms the tools and encouragement they need to get outside with their kids, no matter the weather.

    As the only magazine on the market designed specifically for outdoor parents, the Run Wild My Child Magazine is truly one of a kind. It’s perfect for moms who want to raise confident, resilient kids who love nature, and it makes a thoughtful gift for any adventurous parent. Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas to get outside, ways to embrace seasonal adventures, or simply some encouragement, this magazine is your go-to resource for year-round outdoor inspiration.

    Best books for outdoorsy parents

    These favorite books are perfect for nature-loving parents who want to inspire their kids to spend more time outside. Whether you’re looking for a great read full of useful tips, benefits of spending time outside, or a great way to motivate your family to take more camping and road trips, this book list has something for everyone. From practical parenting advice to adventurous memoirs, these books cover all the great things nature has to offer—no matter the age of your children. They are the perfect books to borrow from your local library or add to your book lists for future outdoor adventures.

    Whether you’re planning your next family adventure or just looking for a great read to help you prioritize outdoor time, this roundup is full of great things that will resonate with both first-time and seasoned parents alike. So grab one of these books, hit the library or bookstore, and get ready to reconnect with nature!

    What’s your favorite outdoor parenting book? 

  • 25 Best Nature Books for Outdoor Adventures

    As the summer sun’s golden rays beckon us outdoors, it’s the perfect time to embark on a literary journey that seamlessly blends the joy of reading with the thrill of outdoor exploration! Whether you’re planning a family hike, a camping escapade, or a simple stroll through the local park, the right nature book can transform your outdoor activities into unforgettable experiences of wonder and discovery. Today, Utah mom of three, Emily Liebel of @inclusivelibrary, is here sharing 25+ nature books that are the perfect companions to enhance your children’s understanding, ignite their imagination, and instill a lifelong love for the great outdoors. So pack your (book)bags and prepare to embark on a literary expedition that will inspire your young nature enthusiasts to embrace the beauty, mystery, and boundless potential of the world that lies just beyond their doorstep.

    Grid of 10 nature books for adventures outdoors

    Nature books that inspire adventure

    Now that you know many wonderful ways to use your public library for outdoor adventuring, let’s highlight some of the best nature books for going on outdoor adventures. In this post, we’ll delve into a handpicked selection of the best 25+ nature books for kids that are tailor-made to ignite the spirit of adventure and foster a deep appreciation for the great outdoors.

    These literary companions aren’t just meant to be read – they’re designed to inspire adventure and provide valuable insights, fascinating facts, and imaginative tales that will make every step feel like a page turned in real life. These books can be used to prepare for an adventure or to take along with you to your outdoor activities to enhance nature appreciation and play.

    Whether our kids are preparing to try a new outdoor activity, or they are getting excited for an adventure tradition, books can bring joy and fun to the experience. Books can give kids a chance to view an experience from the outside looking in. They can help a child explore how they might feel or act in the situation. Through the lens of the characters, our kids can imagine themselves solving problems, exploring, or jumping in water in similar situations.

    Where to find the recommended books

    Of course, I love public libraries and will always support them by checking out books. However, if you’d like to purchase any of these recommendations, this post contains affiliate links, so your purchase helps RWMC earn a tiny commission (with no extra cost to you), which our small business really appreciates! Or finally, if you would like to support independent and local bookstores by buying these books, we recommend Bookshop!

    Best nature books for spring & summer outdoor adventures

    In this post, I have gathered some of the best books that highlight outdoor adventures to be done in the spring and summer. We are enjoying the warm weather and all the unique experiences we can have as a family during this time of year.

    I love these books because they are beautifully made and capture exactly what we want our kids to see and experience on our outdoor adventures. There are so many different climates, situations, locations, etc., that nature books can highlight. I have compiled a wide variety of those.

    I have also chosen these books because they cover a wide variety of attitudes, emotions, and approaches to nature adventures. There are board books for babies, early chapter and non-fiction books for older kids, and picture books for all. There is problem-solving, appreciation and celebration, sensory processing, and fun.

    And finally, there is inclusion. If we want kids with many different identities to enjoy the outdoors, they must be able to see someone like them enjoying it as well. This opens a world of possibilities and thrills they might not have connected with otherwise. 

    Child reading outside in the grass, seen from above

    How to use these nature books

    Before an adventure (preparing for an adventure)

    Use these books leading up to your adventure to prepare and enhance! Start reading the selected books with your kids in the weeks leading up to your planned outdoor adventure. Make it a family activity by setting aside dedicated reading time. Encourage discussions about the topics covered in the books, and let your kids ask questions and share their thoughts. This shared exploration will build excitement and anticipation for the upcoming outdoor adventure.

    When we take kids to an outdoor adventure they have never experienced before, we want to prepare them to know what to expect. Just as you might pretend-play going to the doctor with your kids, you can read books to help kids imagine the experience. Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall can help calm your child’s nerves before swimming. And This Beach is Loud! by Samantha Cotterill can help give you and your child some calming tips when sensory overload threatens to derail an adventure. With tools and examples found in these nature books, our kids can feel confident in themselves as they head out to a new adventure. 

    During an adventure

    Bring the books onto your adventure so your kids can read them on the long drive, while taking a break for lunch, or relaxing outdoors. Give your kids one of these books when they have some downtime on an adventure, and simply observe how they might use the world around them to build off of the story.

    During the actual outdoor adventure, encourage your kids to reference the books they’ve read whenever they come across a plant, animal, or landmark they recognize. Discuss the real-world connections between what they’ve learned from the books and what they’re experiencing firsthand. Engage in conversations about the environment, ecosystems, and conservation based on the themes explored in the books.

    Incorporate activities and challenges inspired by the books into your outdoor adventure plans. For example, if you’ve read about tracking animals in the wild, make it a game to identify animal tracks during the hike. If a story mentioned building a shelter, try constructing a simple one together during your camping trip. These interactive experiences will make the adventure feel like a real-life extension of the books and encourage hands-on learning.

    After the adventure

    After the adventure, set aside time to reflect on the experience together. Have your kids write or draw in their journals, documenting the things they discovered, the challenges they overcame, and the moments of awe and wonder they experienced. This reflection process reinforces the lessons learned from the books and helps cement their newfound appreciation for nature.

    Nature books for kids of all ages

    There are many picture books, some board books, and some early chapter books. Whether your kids are pre-readers, new readers, or venturing into books all on their own, there is something for everyone on this list. Besides, the research shows that reading out loud with kids of ALL ages is beneficial to their retention.

    Toddlers and preschoolers

    For the youngest adventurers, I’ve included some beautifully illustrated picture books that showcase the diversity of nature. When reading these books with your little ones, point out animals, plants, and landscapes in the pictures, sparking their curiosity and vocabulary. You can also engage with the book through tactile experiences like touching leaves or feeling textures. Let them mimic animal sounds or movements mentioned in the book, encouraging playful learning.

    Elementary school age 

    For elementary school kids, I’ve included some books that dive deeper into specific nature-related topics like rocks, weather, or animal behavior. If they want to go beyond the book, have them research the ecosystem of the adventure site, making them feel like junior naturalists. Feel free to also utilize beginner-friendly field guides that focus on local wildlife, trees, and insects. Teach them how to use the guide to identify species, and encourage them to make their own nature journal.

    This is also a great age to start reading adventure novels set in the great outdoors. These stories can inspire imagination and creativity, while also teaching valuable lessons about teamwork, problem-solving, and environmental awareness.

    Two kids finding books in a Little Free Library at a park

    25 of the best nature books for outdoor adventures

    Four nature books about national parks

    Books about national parks

    1. All Aboard! National Parks by Kevin and Haily Meyers
    2. The Sequoia Lives On by Joanna Cooke
    3. Oliver: The Second Largest Living Thing on Earth by Josh Crute
    4. National Parks of the U.S.A. by Kate Siber

    There are many National Parks to explore, and these books can provide you and your kids with information about the history and the uniqueness of each one. If you are taking a road trip or flying to a National Park this summer, bring these books along to get ready. The Sequoia Lives On and Oliver both showcase the mystery and awe of trees. All Aboard! Nationals Parks is a board book and contains basic information on National Parks and National Parks of the U.S.A. is a lovely and more in-depth look at each park. 

    Three nature books about camping

    Books about camping

    1. Fatima’s Great Outdoors by Ambreen Tariq
    2. The Camping Trip by Jennifer K. Mann
    3. C is for Camping by Greg Paprocki

    All three of these books can help you are your kids prepare for a camping trip. Camping requires a lot of arrangements, and these books will give your kids the chance to gather and pack their own gear and supplies, as well as prime them for the things they can help with and do once you are at the site. They also highlight the many fun things they might do on the camping trip- like hiking and making s’mores.   

    Three nature books about hiking

    Books about hiking

    1. Cece Loves Science and Adventure by Kimberly Derting and Shelli R Johannes
    2. Hike by Pete Oswald
    3. The Hike by Alison Farrell

    We hike weekly with our friends, and each of my kids finds something different to enjoy on these adventures. We can be on a trail for hours and only travel one mile because of the many climbing, stick-collecting, and building stops we make. Other times, we can summit a hike and feel so accomplished as we take in the beauty. These books showcase the wonderful experience of heading outdoors and starting and stopping along a path in order to see the interesting things around you. 

    Six nature books about swimming. Three about pools and three about the beach.

    Books about visiting the beach and swimming

    1. Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
    2. The Whale in My Swimming Pool by Joyce Wan
    3. Our Pool by Lucy Ruth Cummins
    4. Bluey: The Beach
    5. This Beach is Loud! by Samantha Cotterill
    6. Day at the Beach by Tom Booth

    Swimming and heading to the beach are great group and family outings, and each of these books celebrates the joy and confidence that kids can find through water play. Our Pool encapsulates an exciting summer day spent at the pool with games and snacks, and all-around fun. All the other books present problem-solving scenarios for kids to learn from, prepare, and even laugh through with imagination. Every book here would be an entertaining addition to your pool or beach trip.   

    Seven nature books about bugs, animals, and collecting things.

    Books about collecting and observing bugs, animals, natural objects

    1. Look What I Found in the Woods by Moira Butterfield
    2. Hank’s Big Day by Evan Kuhlman
    3. Howl Like a Wolf by Kathleen Yale
    4. Billy Loves Birds by Jess French
    5. What’s in Your Pocket by Heather L. Montgomery
    6. The Bug Collector by Alex G. Griffiths
    7. Zoey and Sassafras by Asia Citro

    Do your kids love to come home with pockets full of rocks or watch bugs in the yard? Do they know a lot about different animals or want to keep journals of all the things they learn? Any of these books would thrill your kids! 

    Each of these books help kids know how to safely, ethically, and interestingly connect to the living world around them. Look What I Found is a series, and I love that there are non-fiction and seek-and-find pages mixed into the story. Zoey and Sassafras is an early chapter book series that mixes scientific facts and processes with mythical creatures living around Zoey’s house. Howl Like a Wolf even encourages kids to act like animals through games as they learn about animal behaviors.   

    Books about exploring different environments (series)

    1. Over and Under the Canyon by Kate Messner
    2. Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner
    3. Over and Under the Rainforest by Kate Messner
    4. Over and Under the Waves by Kate Messner
    5. Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner

    This series highlights multiple environments, from your own backyard garden to the rainforest. The books draw specific attention to sights and sounds above the water or below the dirt of a canyon. Find the book that best fits the environment you will be visiting to help kids familiarize themselves with the unique things they might see on your adventure. 

    Nature books enhance adventures

    Just as important as gathering all the gear for an adventure is enhancing our kids’ imagination *on* the adventure. If we read books about swimming at a pool or the beach, our kids can imagine themselves there as well. They will have a well-rounded picture of what they could or want to experience. When we read with our kids, we are encouraging their imagination, inspiring creativity, eliminating some apprehension, and helping them prepare for getting outside and exploring. 

    I have seen firsthand how reading has prepared my kids for our outdoor activities and adventures. I’ve watched them reenact or extend the story from a book we’ve read while they are outdoors, which is just amazing to see! After reading The Camping Trip by Jennifer K. Mann, we went on a nature trail with friends. My toddler and her friends built pretend fires and “warmed” themselves. And the older siblings dragged logs together to build forts or bed platforms. The information from the story I had read them combined with their own imaginative play led to hours of entertainment and cross-age playtime. They engaged in cooperative and imaginative play that wonderfully included everyone. This led to a more immersive outdoor experience because they were using the nature around them to make the game possible.  

    How will you use these nature books?

    About the author

    Emily and her family have moved across the US multiple times, and the best things about each state have been the outdoor adventures and the public libraries! Now living in Utah, Emily has continued her love for both. She explores both mountain and city outdoor spaces weekly with her three kids and friends and attends library story times, as well as leads a local story time. Emily has a passion for children’s literature. She uses books to educate, promote inclusion, understanding, and justice, and inspire adventure and creativity. Emily loves how reading and being outdoors overlap in so many exciting ways!

    You can find Emily online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @inclusivelibrary
    RWMC Posts: Emily Liebel

  • 10 Ways Your Public Library Can Help You Get Outdoors

    Public libraries have always been places for learning and exploring, but they can also play a role in promoting outdoor activities and helping families spend more time outside. Libraries today can provide families with so much more than just books. Emily Liebel, Salt Lake City mom of three and book lover over at Inclusive Library, is here sharing 10 creative ways public libraries can help kids and families learn about their environment, appreciate local nature, and spend more time outside adventuring together! By promoting outdoor activities and environmental education, public libraries can play a vital role in fostering a love of nature and sustainability in the next generation.

    How hour library can help you get outdoors over three images of kids

    How your public library can help you get outdoors

    Public libraries are meant to be hubs for community and education. But, they can be underutilized in many ways beyond checking out interesting books. There are wonderful (and free!) resources curated by attentive librarians that we should be taking advantage of, many of which can actually be a springboard for helping kids and families spend more time outdoors.

    Here is a list of 10 ways that libraries can help kids and families spend more time outdoors, each of which I’ll cover in more detail below:

    1. outdoor reading and storytimes
    2. park passes and library partnerships
    3. community exploration programs
    4. nature-themed book kits
    5. seed libraries and gardening programs
    6. story walks
    7. gear and equipment loans
    8. outdoor classes, workshops, and events
    9. books
    10. outdoor architecture of the library

    Literacy Kit Contents. A seed packet, pot, and book.

    1. Outdoor reading programs and storytime

    Public libraries can organize outdoor reading programs where children can enjoy books while being outdoors. The library can set up reading tents, chairs, and blankets in a park or a garden and encourage children to read books or listen to stories while being surrounded by nature.

    Many libraries plan their story time events to be outdoors when the weather is warm enough.  This is a great way to get a little extra time outside while also participating in other enriching programs. The downtown branch in SLC has amphitheater seating connected to the children’s section for this purpose. Some libraries provide blankets or mats for the children to sit on and brings out books and games for kids to read and play with outside.

    2. Outdoor park passes and library partnerships

    Some libraries partner with local parks and recreation departments, as well as outdoor educational places, to offer passes (or discounted admission) to nearby parks, zoos, conservation areas, botanical gardens, arboretums, wildlife centers, and nature preserves. This allows families to explore the natural beauty of their community and get immersed in nature.

    These partnerships can also include joint programs, such as educational workshops, presentations, or storytimes hosted at these outdoor venues. By partnering with these organizations, libraries can offer unique learning experiences that allow children to engage with and learn about the natural world.

    For example, while living in Georgia, I took my child to the Atlanta Zoo for free through our local public library. The Pines Library System has a DVD that you can check out and learn about the history and information on the Atlanta Zoo. When you return the DVD, the librarian prints a receipt that you take directly to the zoo to free admission for four. You can check out the DVD once a year.

    The Georgia Public Library Service also provides state park passes to patrons. You can check these out the same way you’d borrow a book. You can also check out a discovery pack along with the pass. These packs have information about the 48 state parks that participate and a pair of binoculars.

    Some libraries also offer national park passes that you can check out! 

    A child and adult holding hands while wading in water with a waterfall in the background

    3. Community exploration programs

    Public libraries can offer community exploration programs that encourage families to get out and explore their local area. These programs can take many forms, such as scavenger hunts, self-guided tours, or neighborhood walking groups. These activities can highlight interesting landmarks, historical sites and architecture, public art, or hidden gems in the area.

    Community exploration programs not only encourage families to get outside and be physically active but also help them develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of their local area. By discovering new places and learning about the history and ecology of their community, families can feel more connected to their environment and to each other.

    In Michigan, the Ann Arbor Public Library System hosts “The Summer Games“. Kids spend the summer earning badges and prizes by solving puzzles or riddles, looking for clues at each library location, and walking around their neighborhoods and the city at large looking for hidden QR codes at volunteer houses or businesses. Our first year participating was during 2020 lockdowns, and the library  organized the games to be almost entirely outdoors while finding codes in windows or yards.

    Now we live in Utah and the Salt Lake City Library (SLC) System offers a lottery system for Community Exploration Cards. Each month, a limited number of enrolled people are provided with free passes for four people to city centers like the Tracy Aviary, Red Butte Gardens, the Natural History Museum, and more. I enjoy taking my kids to Tracy Aviary because there are so many interesting and active birds, they do regular shows and classes, and there are fun playgrounds and sand pits. 

    a child looking at an elephant at the zoo4. Nature-themed book kits

    Every library I’ve visited has “book kits,” which are curated backpacks or tote bags full of books and supplies on a specific theme. You can find kits on animals, insects,  instruments, food, the weather, languages, botany, geology, outdoor activities (e.g. camping, hiking, etc.), and so much more. They can also include field guides, outdoor activity books, and exploration tools such as magnifying glasses or binoculars. The kits are a great way to encourage kids to learn about the habitats and ecosystems of their local area, and develop a lifelong love of nature and environmental stewardship.

    In addition to the books and tools included in the kit, libraries can also provide activity suggestions or challenges that encourage kids to get outside and put their newfound knowledge into practice. For example, we’ve participated in library challenges for kids where they’re expected to identify and photograph different birds or insects they find on a hike or to create a nature journal to document their outdoor adventures.

    Our most recent kit had a gardening theme. In the SLC libraries, the kits include five books and a small selection of free-to-keep materials. The gardening kit ‘keep’ portion included a seed packet and a pot, a book, and some stickers. My kids check on their small wildflower pot daily. We read the books outdoors while planning where to plant all our seeds- which were also provided by the library!

    Library literacy kit backpack about gardeninga child looking through a library display called the seed library

    5. Seed libraries and gardening programs

    Public libraries can use seed libraries and gardening programs to help get kids outside and engaged in nature. Seed libraries allow library patrons to borrow packets of seeds to plant in their own gardens or outdoor spaces. These seed libraries can include a variety of seeds, such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs, and can be used to encourage children and families to start their own gardens at home.

    In addition to seed libraries, many public libraries offer gardening programs that provide educational opportunities for children to learn about gardening and environmental stewardship. These programs include information on starting a garden, caring for plants, and harvesting fruits and vegetables. They can also include activities such as creating a compost bin or building a birdhouse to attract local wildlife.

    Through seed libraries and gardening programs, public libraries can inspire children to get outside and engage with nature. Children can learn about the natural world, the importance of sustainability, and the benefits of growing their own food. Gardening can also promote physical activity and healthy habits, as well as provide a sense of accomplishment and connection to the environment.

    The seeds we will be planting in our home garden this year were all provided for free by our local public library. Many SLC and Salt Lake County branches have displays full of seed packets. You pick out the ones you want from an incredible selection, and a librarian will add them to your account. Once you plant your seeds, you take the leftovers back to be checked out by someone else. We will be spending many hours this spring outdoors planting and tending green beans, tomatoes, strawberries, and wildflowers that we found at our local branch. 

    a library display of seeds. books about gardening and a packet of green bean seeds can be seen

    6. Story walks

    A story walk is an outdoor literary experience where pages of a children’s book are posted along a walking path or trail. As children walk along the path, they read the story in order and engage in physical activity.

    Story walks can be used to promote literacy, physical activity, and outdoor exploration. Often they’re hosted at local parks or nature reserves, allowing children to engage with nature while also enjoying a fun and educational experience. The stories selected for story walks can be just for fun, or themed around nature, ecology, or adventure, and can be curated to fit the interests and reading levels of different age groups.

    Public libraries can partner with local parks and community organizations to organize story walks in their area. They can also provide additional resources and activities related to the story, such as craft activities or educational worksheets, to further engage children in the story and encourage them to learn more about the topic.

    7. Gear and equipment loans

    Depending on where you live, your local public library could offer a variety of outdoor equipment and gear that help and encourage families to get outside and explore the natural world.

    The “library of things” movement has gained a lot of traction in libraries across the country. This movement refers to libraries loaning items well outside the traditional realm of books and audiovisual materials. Popular collections now include toys and games, camping equipment, and fishing gear. The gear is FREE to rent and use and can dramatically reduce the often-heavy and burdensome price point of entry for outdoor activities and hobbies.

    Here are some examples of gear and equipment you could get from your local public library to help you spend more time outside:

    • Outdoor games and sports equipment: Some public libraries offer equipment for outdoor sports and games such as frisbee, soccer, basketball, and tennis. We’ve heard of libraries that loan kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes!
    • Camping gear: There are libraries that provide camping equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, and portable stoves to help families plan and enjoy outdoor camping trips.
    • Biking gear: Libraries can provide bikes for families to borrow, as well as helmets, locks, and bike repair kits to ensure safety and convenience.
    • Fishing equipment: Libraries can offer fishing rods, reels, and tackle boxes to encourage families to try their hand at fishing. 
    • Technology gear: Some public libraries also let you check out technological equipment such as microscopes, telescopes, GoPros, and binoculars.  

    a child reading books outdoors next to some flowers

    8. Outdoor classes, workshops, and events

    Events such as classes, workshops or presentations where kids learn about nature are great ways that public libraries can help you get outside. If you check your local library website, you will find events listed that cater to different age groups. These can be recurring meeting or special events. Not every class will be geared towards the outdoors, but we can find many that do. Outdoor classes and events hosted by libraries in local parks or natural areas can provide a fun and interactive way for families to explore nature and learn about their community, while also engaging in a creative activity.

    Our local library host outdoor crafting workshops where kids can make crafts using materials found in nature, such as leaves, flowers, and twigs, which can spark an interest in exploring the natural world and encourage kids to spend more time outside collecting materials for future crafts. Books, guides, and online resources can give kids ideas for outdoor crafts, such as making birdhouses, nature collages, or planters using recycled materials.

    If you are looking for simpler materials that you bring along outside, ask your children’s librarian what they have available. Each week, our local public library will print coloring pages, bookmarks, and other crafting packets that you can pick up for free. These are great to color outdoors: in your backyard, on a picnic, or take on your hike.

    a stack of library books outdoors

    9. Books

    Of course, there are always books to check out! Any book you and your children find interesting from the library can be packed along and taken with you on your outdoor adventures. Take a book to a park or read on your patio furniture for a relaxing moment outdoors.

    You can also check out books that are specifically about nature, wildlife, the environment, and the outdoors. These are great options to learn more about an activity you’re about to do or to enjoy fun stories about spending time outside. 

    Check out books about a state park you will soon visit to learn about the best trails and the history. Check out a book with information about insects that you can then find in your own yard. Whether you browse for these books yourself or ask your librarian for recommendations, there are books that cover many interesting topics. Additionally, many library systems can borrow books from other locations if your specific branch doesn’t carry what you’re looking for. 

    two children walking outdoors next to a library

    10. The outdoor architecture of the library

    I love visiting every library branch when I move somewhere new. I have even been known to seek out the local branch of places I visit on vacation. This is because each and every building is unique to simply physically visit. As I said in the beginning, libraries are meant to be hubs for the community. Their spaces must then be inviting and useful to the community they serve. I have found libraries in which I would love to spend hours meeting with others from my community.  

    Some branches I’ve visited, such as the Glendale and Marmalade branches in SLC and the Oconee branch in Georgia, have courtyards where kids can enjoy their newly checked-out books or eat their snacks in the sun. In some of these courtyards, librarians provide chalk or bubbles that the kids can use while out in the space.

    In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Tippecanoe branch has a spectacular outdoor space complete with a “Secret Garden” inspired garden and bioswales. This library has also taken steps to combat some of its carbon footprint. They use solar panels and have a permeable parking lot to reduce stormwater runoff. Visiting a library such as this one is a great way to supplement our kids’ education on caring for our planet.

    The downtown branch in SLC is an impressive building with a rooftop terrace. There are trees, grass, and multiple seating areas for all patrons. The terrace has 360-degree views of the valley and the Wasatch Mountains. It is always engaging to take kids up to point out different sights on the mountains or areas they might recognize. 

    a child walking outdoors in the library eco-garden

    Ways your public library can help families get outside

    When you are short on ideas, supplies, or money for new outdoor adventures, your library will help you out. I have lived in five different states, and the public libraries in each have helped me acclimate and learn about cool places in my new home area. Head to your local public library to ask about the unique outdoors benefits they provide- like the ones I mention here. 

    How does your local public library help you get outside?

    About the author

    Emily and her family have moved across the US multiple times, and the best things about each state have been the outdoor adventures and the public libraries! Now living in Utah, Emily has continued her love for both. She explores both mountain and city outdoor spaces weekly with her three kids and friends and attends library story times, as well as leads a local story time. Emily has a passion for children’s literature. She uses books to educate, promote inclusion, understanding, and justice, and inspire adventure and creativity. Emily loves how reading and being outdoors overlap in so many exciting ways!

    You can find Emily online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @inclusivelibrary
    RWMC Posts: Emily Liebel

  • 10 Must Read Exploration & Adventure Chapter Books For Kids

    We’re BIG fans of books around here. We’ve featured the most beautiful picture books about nature, diverse nature books, the best nature-themed holiday books, and even a huge list of educational nature books. As our kids get older and want books that are more substantial than just pretty pictures, we’re moving our young readers into chapter books. But not all chapter books are equal. We love finding chapter books that have a nature theme, lovable characters, and showcase traits that are admirable like courage, curiosity, empathy, bravery, kindness, and tenacity. Today, California mom and founder of Wonder Club ExplorersMichelle Garret is here sharing her son’s favorite 10 chapter books that encourage adventure and exploration. These 10 adventure chapter books are sure to inspire your young reader to keep the pages turning and foster a love of reading (and nature) in your little one. 
    10 chapter books that encourage adventure and exploration
    {This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through a link on our website. Thank you for supporting a small business.}

    Raising a reader

    Developmental milestones are the landmarks of one’s childhood. Learning to crawl, learning to walk, speaking the first word are just a few of the milestones celebrated by parents and grandparents everywhere. As kids transition from their toddler years to early childhood, parents rejoice for the first days of school and the days when you can hike with your child and not carry them!
     
    One important milestone our family is currently experiencing is watching our child develop into a budding reader. We’ve moved past picture books and little stories, two types of books that were easy to source and read together. We’re now venturing into chapter books. We have been on the hunt for books that are not only at the right reading level but also capture our son’s imagination. On top of all of that, I’ve been in search of books that encourage a love for adventure and the outdoors.
     
    Kids reading outside

    Benefits of reading

    It goes without saying that the benefits of reading are enormous! It is often said that kids are like sponges- they absorb practically everything in their environments. Reading to your kids, with your kids, or having them read to you all boost brain development.  
     
    The act of reading helps to expand vocabulary, develop key concentration and self-discipline skills, can teach kids how to cope with difficult or stressful experiences, and model life lessons. For families that want to encourage their kids to be outdoorsy and adventurous, finding books with these lessons can help reinforce those values.

    You can do anything for 20 minutes!

    According to education and literacy experts, kids should read (or be read to) at least 20 minutes a day. In truth, there are recommended reading targets for children at different grade levels. In our school, we go by:
    • Pre-K to Kindergarten 10-15 minutes a day
    • Grades 1-3 15-20 minutes a day
    • Grades 4-5 20-30 minutes a day
    There are a number of ways kids can meet their target minutes. Kids can try reading before or after school, while traveling in a vehicle, reading aloud to parents, pets, or stuffed animals, or being read to by someone else. As parents, we should also do our part to encourage literacy by reading ourselves. Sadly, according to a BLS study, most American adults find time to read just 17 minutes per day. If we’re asking our kids to read 20 minutes a day, let’s join in on the fun and read, too!

    Adventure chapter books for curious courageous kids

    If you’re a parent like me, a little bit of a book worm who loves adventure stories, making lists, and gets a thrill from the outdoors, then I’ve got a treat for you. I enjoy picking out books with my seven-year-old (books to hold with your hands, not contained on an e-reader) and having a list of good reads on tap. I’ve compiled a list of books we’ve read together and books we will be tackling soon.

    10 outdoor exploration and adventure chapter books for young readers

    1. Kondo & Kezumi by David Goodner
    2. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
    3. The Minpins by Roald Dahl
    4. Bear Grylls Adventures by Bear Grylls
    5. S.W.I.T.C.H. by Ali Sparkes 
    6. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lundgrin 
    7. The Boy Who Biked the World by Alastair Humphreys
    8. Alastair Humphreys’ Great Adventurers by Alastair Humphreys 
    9. National Parks of the USA by Kate Siber 
    10. Atlas Obscura for the World’s Most Adventurous Kid by Dylan Thuras & Rosemary Mosco
    Each of the adventure chapter books on this list encourages literacy but also features feel-good topics that inspire a love for exploration and the outdoors. There’s nothing like hearing a seven-year-old ask questions about what they read or giggle out loud when something is funny. These reactions may not be milestones in and of themselves, but they are music to a parent’s ears. I hope you take the time to experience the same!
     
    Adventure Chapter Books Fun Nature Book- Kondo & Kezumi

    Kondo & Kezumi by David Goodner

    This title is new on the scene and was first published in 2020. These early chapter books are full of colorful pictures and are great for young readers. The titular characters are complete opposites, but best friends. One friend is big, the other friend is little. One is adventurous, the other more reserved. Each of the books in the series follows these two lovable characters on outdoor adventures, exploring the unknown and learning how to navigate challenging situations while their friendship and understanding of one another deepen.
     

    Why did my seven-year-old love these books?

    The characters are sweet, their adventures are fun and they teach kids what it means to be brave whether in small moments or epic adventures.
     
    Nature Book Wild Robot - Adventure Chapter Books for Young Readers

    The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

    Kids today are more technologically savvy than ever. Their fluency with computers and electronics is impressive, if not a sign of the potential for the future. But what happens when nature collides with technology? In the Wild Robot, a robot learns how to survive in the wilderness. To survive anywhere, a person, animal, or thing has to adapt to its surroundings. Rossum, a.k.a. the wild robot, learns from other creatures, becomes part of their natural family, and goes on to foster and protect wildlings from predators or foes. In the process of doing so, the robot gains their trust and the feeling is reciprocated.
     

    Why did my seven-year-old love this book?

    First, it has a robot. Second, there’s a deserted island filled with talking creatures, each with their own unique personality. This is a beautifully written story and the chapters are short, making it very manageable for an early reader to tackle.
     
    Nature Chapter Books for Kids - Minpins

    The Minpins by Roald Dahl

    This was the last published book of beloved children’s author, Roald Dahl. The Minpins story follows the brave adventures of a little boy who yearns to explore but (gasp!) is discouraged by his mom. If childhood embodies the possibility of magic for you, then this imaginative story inspired by the countryside will delight you. Nature is meant to be experienced and explored, and The Minpins is a great reminder that there’s no better time than childhood to do that.

    Why did my seven-year-old love this book?

    He was hanging on to Dahl’s every word to see what surprising twist would happen next. Where was this story going? What would the little boy see next? While not a chapter book, this story is sentimental and features one of the author’s most memorable quotes about the magic of childhood.
     
    Nature Books Bear Grylls Adventures

    Bear Grylls Adventures by Bear Grylls

    In this 12-book series, Bear Grylls combines children’s fiction with outdoor survival skills. With locations and nature events ranging from rivers and blizzards to volcanos and earthquakes, kids will experience the energy and expert advice from one of the best-known modern-day adventures. Bear’s passion for empowering others to find their own adventure is evident in each short chapter of each book in the series.
     

    Why did my seven-year-old love this book?

    Who doesn’t live a little vicariously through Bear Grylls? He’s smart, knowledgeable, experienced, and has a very approachable manner for people of all ages- including, and especially, kids. Moreover, his message “In the wild, you’re stronger together” is another way of encouraging important life lessons like teamwork and collaboration.
     
    Best Chapter Books for Adventurous Kids - S.W.I.T.C.H. Series

    S.W.I.T.C.H. by Ali Sparkes

    If your kids like to bug out with nature and don’t mind creepy-crawlies, amphibians, and lizards of the sort, then the S.W.I.T.C.H. series will be perfect for your littles. If your child is into science, even better. The S.W.I.T.C.H. series follows the nature and science adventures of two twins and their best friend. The twins live next to a mad scientist who develops potions to switch humans into a variety of animals. The Serum Which Imitates Total Cellular Hijack (SWITCH) sets in motion these fast-paced chapter books. 
     

    Why did my seven-year-old love these books?

    Each book in the S.W.I.T.C.H. Series highlights a different creature- newts, geckos, turtles, anacondas, crazy flies, and chameleons. If you have a curious kid who is fascinated by nature then they’ll especially love these books because they are chock-full of fascinating facts about the natural world.
     
    Nature-Inspired Chapter Books for Kids - Pippi Longstocking

    Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lundgrin

    First published in 1945, Pippi Longstocking is an unconventional story about a nine-year-old girl named Pippi. She is the daughter of a pirate and lives by herself. Pippi Longstocking is bold, playful, unpredictable, and bears superhuman strength. The Pippi Longstocking adventure stories have entertained for decades. Pippi dances to the beat of her own drum and is as independent as they come.
     
    This might seem an unusual choice for a modern-day booklist, but if you want to pique your child’s interest in reading with tall tales about adventures, Pippi Longstocking is a fun addition to any bookshelf. If you’re lucky enough to find a copy of the 1969 television/movie series, watching these after reading the books is a fun treat to reward a young reader.

    Why did my seven-year-old enjoy these books?

    Pippi is hilariously funny and her adventures are madcap. These two qualities were enough to capture his attention and his imagination.
     
    Adventure Books for Young Reader - Boy Who Biked The World

    The Boy Who Biked the World by Alastair Humphreys

    This adventure chapter book is for the kids whose heads aren’t in the clouds but in an atlas!  This story follows a young kid who one day decides to cycle around the world. It’s actually a caricature of the author himself, British Adventurer Alastair Humphreys, and his own famous circumnavigation of the world on his bike. Both educational and entertaining, this book covers a variety of subjects including geography, religion, languages, and a number of other subjects all under one cover. It also demonstrates important life lessons like perseverance and following one’s dreams.
     

    Why does my seven-year-old like this book?

    This is a nice blend of biography interwoven with geography and history. My son loves Nat Geo documentaries so this is a great way to introduce new subjects in book form.
     
    Nature Books Alastair Humphreys Great Adventurers

    Alastair Humphreys’ Great Adventurers by Alastair Humphreys

    While not technically a chapter book, this is a fantastic book to read as a break from longer books. Alastair Humphrey’s Great Adventurers is a pictorial showcase of some of history’s greatest adventurers. The people profiled in this book include men and women who have ventured into space, oceans, deserts, and jungles. Profiles include people like Sacagawea and Amelia Earhart as well as Jacques Picard and Thor Heyerdahl, there are 20 profiles in total that retrace the steps of these great adventurers, their essential skills, and what they packed. It’s enough to inspire a little wanderlust in anybody.

    Why did my seven-year-old enjoy this book?

    It’s great to learn about new role models and how ordinary people can do extraordinary things.
     
    Nature Books National Parks of the USA

    National Parks of the USA by Kate Siber

    The National Parks of the USA book is beautiful enough for a coffee table collection. But books are meant to be read, not just sit on a table, so crack that book open! Inside readers take a tour of America’s great outdoors and discover America’s great parks. Each National Park highlighted features maps and facts about fauna and flora unique to the park’s location. This book is sure to spark an interest in travel and the outdoors.
     
    Accompanying activity book: National Parks of the USA: Activity Book

    Why did my seven-year-old enjoy this book?

    He is now at the age when he remembers our travels. He’s had the opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon,  Zion, and Mount Rushmore so his thirst for adventure travel is growing. I didn’t get to travel much as a kid myself, so to experience it with him is a blessing.
     
    Nature Books Atlas Obscura for the World's Most Adventurous Kid

    Atlas Obscura for the World’s Most Adventurous Kid by Dylan Thuras & Rosemary Mosco

    The Atlas Obscura for the World’s Most Adventurous Kid features 100 extraordinary places to visit in 47 countries. This was a book that my son and I read together. We would drop pins into a globe to track all of the countries we visited throughout the book.  It was remarkable to read about the unique and odd places that exist all over the world. Homeschooling parents will especially appreciate the companion educator’s guide to complement the passages in the book.

    Why did my seven-year-old enjoy this book?

    We eventually started making a game out of this book. He would read passages and the adults in his life would show him how to use context clues to guess the country or continent he read about. He loved it when he could stump us!
     
    Nature Books Boy Reading Outside

    Reading strategies

    As your emerging reader starts tackling chapter books, I’m here to say that some days are easier than others. To encourage your kids to stretch their reading abilities, sometimes we take turns reading pages. Or, maybe we take breaks and find a nice place to read outside, in the grass, on a bench, or perched atop a big rock.
     
    Even though my seven-year-old is learning to sound out more challenging words, developing cadence, and every once in a while incorporating character voices, I still like to read stories to him. Listening to stories read by someone else and checking for reading comprehension are great ways to build up a child’s literacy. At the end of the day, it is good to encourage reading as a fun activity and not a chore.
     
    Wonder Club Explorers Super Reader Patch

    Earn a Super Readers patch! 

    The benefits of reading are enormous! The benefits of being outdoors are huge! When you combine the two together, it’s like magic. It is an understatement to say that there are too many books and too little time to get through them all. 
     
    The knowledge, joy, and wonder contained inside the pages of books are just a few of the reasons why the Super Reader merit patch is one of the first 18 patches to be released as part of the Wonder Club Explorers program. Wonder Club Explorers is an independent scouting program for kids. Through Wonder Club Explorers, kids earn colorful patches doing age-appropriate activities with parents and caregivers. And, yep, reading is one of them! 

    Make reading fun

    Remember, reading is fundamental and should be fun! We hope you enjoy the adventure chapter books on this list and even more so, we hope they inspire your little one to get outdoors, go explore and find adventure! Have fun exploring and remember to tag #runwildmychild. Until next time!
     
     

    About the author

    Michelle spends her days working on projects to improve the quality of life for the citizens of her community and her nights reading books to her 6-year-old about every kind of dinosaur there ever was (there are 900 validated species, in case you’re wondering). Together with her son, Michelle created Wonder Club Explorers, a company to inspire wonder and curiosity in kids. She carves out time for herself on the weekends as an early morning exerciser and metalsmith of fine jewelry. Michelle is also the co-host of the Run Wild My Child podcast. She resides in Altadena with her husband and son amongst California Oak trees and a stone’s throw of the San Gabriel Mountains. 

    You can find Michelle online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @wonderclubexplorers
    Website: http://www.wonderclubexplorers.co
    RWMC posts: Outdoor Etiquette & Nature Manners for KidsOutdoor Resolutions for Nature KidsHow to Cultivate Nature-Inspired Literacy in Kids, Sandcastle Building 101

     
  • Tips for Fossil Hunting with Kids

    Are your kids dinosaur-obsessed?  Do they love treasure hunts? Do they enjoy using tools? Then this outdoor activity is going to blow you away! Today, teacher and UK mom, Hannah Martin, is sharing all the best tips and advice on how to go fossil hunting with kids. Fossil hunting is a fun, exciting, and educational activity for the entire family!  You can do it nearly anywhere and it doesn’t take a lot of fancy gear or equipment. Just a love of learning and exploring. Let’s go fossil hunting!

    The case for dinosaur-obsessed kids

    Before I had a child, I didn’t have a clue about dinosaurs or fossil hunting. Another confession, despite hours upon hours of reading dinosaur books and taking all things dinosaur, I am still no dinosaur expert. However, I admit that I have enjoyed learning all about them with my son. From the armored Ankylosaurus to the sea-dwelling Plesiosaurus, we have played, watched, and read about what feels like every dinosaur possible.

    Interest in dinosaurs not only evokes questions and learning about history, geography and nature: a study by the University of Indiana and the University of Wisconsin reported that interest in dinosaurs as a child, leads to enhanced perseverance (definitely a skill needed when fossil hunting!), improved attention and “enhanced skills of complex thinking, such as processing information.” Turns out that your child’s dino-obsession just might be good for them! 

    Child using magnifying glass to examine leaf fossil imprint

    Benefits of fossil hunting with kids 

    While I’m not expecting my son’s interest in dinosaurs to turn him into an archeologist or paleontologist, I like that it’s made him curious about the world around him (and what came before us). Fossil hunting is an activity that we use to connect the past (and his interest in dinosaurs) to the present (and our interest in nature and outdoor activities).

    Fossil hunting takes patience and perseverance. This is an activity that definitely suits his characteristics; he’s calm and always interested in facts. Fossil hunting is a fun outdoor family activity with many benefits for children: improving their fine-motor skills when selecting small treasures amongst pebbles, risk management when working with tools along the coastline and under cliffs, sorting and ordering, encouraging reading about and researching what you collect, and best of all, it seems to have a positive effect on mental well-being.

    In my son’s own words “Fossil hunting makes me feel calm.”

    Fossil Hunting encourages reading to discover what treasures you've found

    Where and when to go fossil hunting with kids?

    We are very lucky to live near the Jurassic Coast in the UK. It’s a coastline where thousands of sea-dwelling creatures and dinosaur fossils have been discovered over the years. It is a UNESCO site for its outstanding value of rocks, fossils, and land formations.

    But don’t worry! You don’t have to live in a UNESCO site to enjoy fossil hunting and find fossils. Every continent on earth has many fossils. And new species are yet to be discovered in all areas. So, no matter where you live, you can go fossil hunting.

    From research (but sadly not personal experience), I learned that there are tons of amazing fossil hunting locations across the US. There have been hundreds of great dinosaur and ancient discoveries from Texas to Montana, Alaska to Hawaii. The Morrison Formation in the Western part of the US is a great place to be inspired, with Aptasaurus, Allosaurus and Stegosaurus fossils on display.

    There are many other amazing places across the US where you can actually fossil yourself, check out this website for an array of destinations.

    Fossil hunting can be done at any time of year but in the UK, the best months are between November and April. This is due to the rough seas churning up the beach and revealing more fossils. In the US, more fossils are found inland so, lucky for you, it can be an all-year-round activity!

    How to get started fossil hunting with kids

    Fossil hunting books for kids

    The only thing you really need to get started fossil hunting with kids is an interest in the activity! If you have a dino-loving kid, the interest has already been ignited. In order to help your kids make the connection between dinosaurs of the past and the rocks they can find today, check out Fossils for Kids or Dino Dana Both will help your child identify and understand dinosaurs and how they’re still relevant (and being discovered) today. 

    We set the scene for our first fossil hunting day out by using a story by Linda Skeers titled Dinosaur Lady. It’s about the historical figure, Mary Annings, who is now known as one of the most successful palaeontologists in UK history. What excited our son was that the story was based in the place we were planning to visit so he was expecting to find a whole dinosaur, just like Annings did!

    Best fossil hunting dinosaur books for kids

    Fossil hunting songs, games, and activities

    On the journey to our destination, we carry on the fossil theme and, as a family, we sing along to “I’m a Palaeontologist” by They Might Be Giants. It’s a fun and catchy tune that will get kids excited about fossil hunting and the fun things they can potentially find.

    We also play a game where we named a dinosaur for every letter of the alphabet. I warn you this gets pretty tricky at N and O but we had help from our 199 Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals book. 

    The Etches Museum, inspiring kids about fossils

    Dinosaur museums

    In order to give your child a better understanding of what they are looking for and how cool fossil hunting is, consider taking them to a local, child-friendly dinosaur museum. We are lucky since where we fossil hunt, there is a small museum set up by a local man who started fossil hunting at the age of 6 and now, 50 years on, he has a great collection of fossils including a whole Pliosaur and an Ichthyosaur. Our son was very inspired by The Etches Museum and was definitely in the mood to find his own fossils once we left.

    There are loads of museums around the world with great collections of fossils and dinosaur bones. If you’re lucky enough to be near any of these places, they were listed as the 10 best Dinosaur Museums in the world by http://www.thetravel.com:

    1.  Zigong Dinosaur Museum (Zigong, China)
    2. Natural History Museum (Paris, France)
    3. Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Science (Brussels, Belgium)
    4. Royal Tyrell Museum of Paleontology (Alberta, Canada)
    5. Natural History Museum (London, England)
    6. The Field Museum (Chicago, Illinois, USA)
    7. Fukui Dinosaur Museum (Katsuyama, Japan)
    8. Badlands Dinosaur Museum (Dickinson, North Dakota, USA)
    9. Smithsonian Museum of Natural History (Washington D.C, USA)
    10. National Dinosaur Museum (Canberra, Australia)

    Fossils we collected on day out fossil hunting

    Fossil hunting gear and equipment

    There’s really not a lot of gear or equipment you need when fossil hunting with kids. There are a few things that help make the experience safer and feel more legitimate for kids, though. I’ve included a list of optional fossil hunting gear below. 

    Fossil Hammer – While not essential, a fossil hammer will make the fossil hunting experience more of an adventure for your child and give him/her more independence and responsibility.  Our son was very excited that he had his own fossil hammer, but of course, always make sure you talk through safety with them and supervise them while using it.

    Eye Protection – If you’ll be using a hammer and smashing rocks and chipping away at stone and dirt, safety goggles are a good idea to protect their eyes from flying stone and debris. Nothing spoils fossil hunting like a piece of stone in a little eye.

    Collection Tools – Another great thing to have is a little tin or a small collection bag so the children can collect and look after their own treasures. Our son also enjoyed using a small brush to clear away the dust (a paintbrush will work just fine), and a magnifying glass to inspect his findings.

    Hammers make fossil hunting super fun

    What else to bring on a fossil hunting outing

    That’s all the essentials tools you’ll need for fossil hunting; however, there are a few other things you should bring along on your outing. Make sure to pack and dress for the weather. A spare change of clothes is always useful whenever you’re out near the water We’ve learned this lesson the hard way – once we fossil hunted around rock pools and it was a rather soggy affair. We now take our lightweight waterproof suit whenever we’re out and about. Then again, we do live in England!

    Shoes with a good grip are also recommended as some areas can be slippery under cliffs. Also, don’t forget lots of snacks and a picnic for a day trip. In the winter we always take our Kelly kettle so we can have a hot chocolate to warm up and refuel.

    Keep the kids energy and motivation high with regular snack breaks when fossil hunting

    Where and how to look for fossils

    The most important tool you need for fossil hunting is your eyes! While you can find lots of tips on where to look for fossils, fossil hunting success is largely down to luck. The longer you spend on the activity, the more chance you have of spotting some cool finds. Here are a few of the places we tend to find the most and best fossils.

    Look for fossils in and at the bottom of cliffs

    Look for sedimentary rock in the cliffs, so anything from sandstone to limestone or shale. On our last fossil-hunting expedition, there was slate which is composed of volcanic ash and clay. It is soft and can be flaked apart or gently tapped with the hammer, which was ideal for fossil hunting with kids. The main fossil you want to look out for in the cliffs are ammonites. But, also look out for Coprolites (dino poop) and leaf imprints. We discovered lots of imprints when splitting rocks apart and along the coastline on large rocks. Sadly, many of these rocks were way too big to take home!

    Make sure that you do not hammer the cliffs, as this can cause landslides and displace large amounts of earth. Just hammer the rocks that have already fallen from the cliffs on the beach. Sometimes, when you look along the side of a rock you can see different layers of earth. This is a good sign that there might be a fossil inside. We didn’t spend too much time under the cliffs as they were constantly falling around us as we had rain the night before.

    Ammonite imprint in rock - fossil hunting with kids

    Fossil hunting in shingle and sand

    When fossil hunting, we enjoy sitting down amongst the shingle and just gently moving the sand and pebbles back. This is usually when some chill-out time is needed. Some of our most successful finds have been here!

    Keep a lookout for “precious jewels”, or sea glass gemstones (small pieces of different colored glass).  Occasionally, you can find semi-precious gemstones such as Rhodonite.  All of these treasures have history and we enjoy looking in our rocks and fossils book to see what they are and learning about them.

    We love looking in the shingle for sea glass gemstonesfossil hunting tips for kids

    Shoreline fossil hunting adventures

    During our shoreline fossil hunt, we play a game we call ‘dinosaur footprints.’ We follow behind our son, walking like dinosaurs, and whenever he turns around we have to freeze. While you’re playing, keep your eyes down and look out for black or white stone-looking objects. You will probably need to pick in the sand with your hands to find them.

    When you’re at the shore, it’s also worth looking for sea snails, echinoids (fossilized sea urchins – they are quite rare), Belemnites (sea creatures similar to modern-day squids), and Crinoid stems (ancient animals related to sea urchins and starfish).

    If you are unsure what you are looking for, there are loads of websites specific to certain areas that you can look up and research before leaving for your fossil hunting adventure.

    The great thing about fossil hunting on the coast is that if you or your kids get bored, impatient, or tired of searching there are rock pools and the sea to splash in and explore, too! Activities on the beach are endless, we love making rock towers (but remember to put rocks back when you leave), and why not have a sandcastle competition or look for wildlife in a rock pool.

    Searching along the shore line for smaller fossils and shark teethThere are loads of things to look out for along the shorelineRock pooling

    Sorting and displaying your treasures

    One of our favorite parts of fossil hunting is coming back home and seeing all the treasures we found. We put our fossils into a collection box and have even made a little resin display for them. Hobie loves taking his collection to school for show and tell and even gets them out sometimes when playing with his dinosaurs.

    Idea for displaying and presenting fossil treasures found

    Fossil fun for the whole family

    Fossil hunting is a great activity for all the whole family. We always come back from our fossil hunting adventures invigorated by the fresh air, with a good feeling of tiredness from walking and playing. We go home feeling a sense of achievement and with a tin full of historical, educational, free goodies!

    I hope this post has inspired you to get outside and see what fossils you can find in your area. We hope to see you out fossil hunting sometime soon!

    Are your kids into dinosaurs?
    Have you ever gone fossil hunting?

    About the author

    Hannah Martin has worked as a PE Teacher in the UK for 15 years. She has always loved being active outdoors. However, she discovered a new passion for nature and appreciating the environment when she had her son Hobie (now 5 years old). Hannah and Hobie’s vision is to inspire parents to spend time doing fun, creative, nature activities outdoors with their children; no matter where they live and whatever the weather. They believe spending time together outdoors as a family will encourage future generations to love and care for the world, wildlife, and environment.

    Find more from Hannah (and Hobie) in the following locations:
    Instagram: @hobies_nature_club
    Website: hobiesnatureclub.co.uk
    YouTube channel: Hobie’s Nature Club

  • Nature Books for Little Naturalists

    In a world where research for so many young people takes place on the internet, it’s so nice to find books that are both educational and beautiful! Today, Jemma, English teacher and mom of 4 is here sharing 9 awesome nature books from Quarto Publishers that will help inspire a love of nature in your children. These nature-focused books are perfect for homeschoolers or for any kids excited about learning about the world around them and how they can help save and protect it. These books cover a range of nature-related topics, from the environment to endangered animals, and celebrate the diversity of our beautiful world. Each of these books will encourage your child to appreciate nature, want to protect it, and inspire action.

    {This post contains affiliate links}

    Nature books for kids

    We’re huge fans of nature books around our house. If we can’t get outside, I like giving my kids the next best thing…books about the outdoors! Many nature books are filled with facts, beautiful illustrations, and lots to learn. Kids love reading them over and over, learning something, or noticing something different every time. Today, I’m sharing nine beautiful children’s picture books about nature, all from Quarto Publishers. I hope these nature books will inspire, educate and help your children develop a deep sense of love for nature and the outdoors.

    Here’s a quick list of the books I’m reviewing and a link to purchase from Amazon (affiliate link). Additional info and my review of each book are below. I hope you’ll find some new reads, add some of these beautiful books to your shelves at home, give as gifts to a nature-loving kid or add to your library wishlist.

    1. The Lost Book of Adventure
    2. North Pole South Pole by Michael Bright
    3. 50 Reasons to Love Endangered Animals
    4. National Parks of the USA: Activity Book 
    5. The Secret Life of Trees
    6. Experiment with Outdoor Science
    7. Glow in the Dark: Nature’s Light Spectacular
    8. Let’s Save Our Planet: Forests
    9. Encyclopedia of Insects

    Nature Books for Kids - outdoor adventure books for kids and families

    The Lost Book of Adventure: from the notebooks of the Unknown

    For the ultimate guide to outdoor adventuring, this book is the best and most beautiful guide to inspire kids to get outside that we’ve seen. It has lovely illustrations, this would make a great coffee table book to pore over and inspire kids to get out and explore. Adults, teenagers and young kids all enjoy this book on different levels. The illustrations are really beautiful and very detailed with plenty of scope for many, many discussions on various adventures and skills you need to survive them. We love this book it’s one we shall treasure, refer to and use for a very long time. 

    North Pole South Pole by Michael Bright

    Beginning with the North Pole, this lovely children’s book introduces the geography and climate of the Arctic. This book is great for helping with homework. It’s also a great resource for kids to research how climate change is affecting the sea and why ice is so important to walruses and polar bears. The best thing about the book is that you flip it over and you arrive in the South Pole… The famous race to reach the Pole in 1911 is retold and readers will discover why the orca is the ultimate polar predator. The icebergs, sub-glacial lakes, and ice chimneys of the Antarctic are brought to life with beautiful illustrations which makes it a lovely read for kids of all ages.

    Beautiful and Educational Nature Books for Kids about our planet, endangered animals and national parks

    50 Reasons To Love Endangered Animals

    50 Reasons To Love Endangered Animals is such a great book for explaining why we need to love and care for endangered animals! The book explains show there are so many reasons to love animals: lions have magnificent shaggy manes, penguins go tobogganing on their tummies, bears wiggle and dance as they scratch, whales sing songs, and elephants can feel sadness. But the book explains that all the animals in this book especially need our love – now more than ever. It’s very accessible for young readers making complicated environmental topics easier to understand. It also gives children a variety of ways they can help protect endangered animals, which gives them a sense of empowerment.  I believe this book would be a great classroom reader – it’s a vital resource for younger children, the illustrations are absolutely beautiful, some of the loveliest animal images I’ve come across in children’s literature which really does help to engage even younger children on environmental issues in the book.

    National Parks of the USA: Activity Book 

    I don’t live in the US, but that certainly doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy and appreciate this beautiful book. Many moons ago, I traveled to some of America’s most beautiful National Parks and would have loved this activity book. If you’re planning a road trip to any of the National Parks – this would be such a great keepsake. Take a tour of America’s great outdoors and discover the beauty and diversity of majestic national parks. The book is packed with maps and fascinating facts about the 21 different US National Parks. You can explore Florida’s Everglades, travel down the white water rapids of the Grand Canyon, trek across the deserts of Death Valley, and scale the soaring summits of the Rocky Mountains! This book brings you up close to nature’s greatest adventures. 

    Nature Books for Kids - books about trees and forestsNature Books for kids research environment trees forests

    The Secret Life of Trees

    Did you know that trees can talk to each other? Or that the oldest living thing on the planet is a tree? Let the ancient and mysterious Oakheart, the oldest and wisest tree in the forest, lead you through this beautiful guide to trees. Oakheart knows all the trees’ secrets, and he’s going to share them with you! This collection of stories about trees will inspire you to look after the world around you. The stories in this book are so sweet and adorable. They each provide fun and engaging tree/forest facts that inspire curiosity and wonder in kids. They’ll impart a love of nature, and inspire you to look after the world around you. The illustrations are so magical and whimsical. This is a book that we’ll read over and over. 

    Experiment with Outdoor Science

    Are you looking for ways to learn while also enjoying the great outdoors? Look no further! This book is great for the kid that loves science or is always asking “why?” The book is filled with hands-on outdoor science projects and activities for kids will help them explore and understand the world around them. The Experiment with Outdoor Science book shows that science isn’t limited to the classroom – it can be found out in the garden or in the kitchen step-by-step instructions with an emphasis on fun, achievable experiments to give kids hands-on experiences. The science behind each experiment is explained so that kids can understand how the science happens!

    The best nature research books for kids

    Glow in the Dark: Nature’s Light Spectacular 

    Nature’s Light Spectacular by Kay Flint (with colorful fun drawings by Cornelia Li) is a wonderful book that teaches children to appreciate the wonders of the world by examining one of the many phenomena of lights. This is such an interesting topic for a children’s book and really beautifully done. This book teaches kids (and adults) about lots of different light phenomena that I wasn’t even aware of! Examples include a firework of meteor showers, solar eclipses, double rainbows, super blood moon, and brocken spectre. Have you ever heard or seen any of those? It also discusses volcano lightning, polar lights, and glowworm caves! How amazing is that? It’s a real beauty of a book that you’ll learn a lot from.

    Let’s Save Our Planet: Forests

    There are lots of research books for kids about forests but this one is special. It is (most obviously) all about forests, the animals who live in forests, the environmental danger of deforestation and different ways in which we can tackle deforestation. It covers how scientists and conservationists are helping to protect forest creatures and tech inventions like robot tree-planters, which help kids become aware of the incredible solutions to deforestation that are being worked on around the world right now! But the best thing about it is how it has a clear list of facts that kids can learn or use for homework help or a project support a clear list of actions of how we can help save the forests. This book is great for the budding naturalist in your family and filled with actionable items that they can start making a difference right now! 

    Encyclopedia of Insects

    If you have kids that love worms, bugs and creepy-crawlies like mine do, then this Encyclopedia of Insects is going to be a perfect read! This book is such a wonderful resource for kids wanting to look up and learn about bugs and insects. It’s packed with hundreds (300, actually) of bugs in fascinating detail written by a natural history expert. It covers the cutest and most beautiful bugs, to the deadliest and most disgusting ones! It’s got a little something for everyone. Plus, it does a really great job of showing how and why bugs and insects are important to the planet and what they do for us humans. It’s educational, informative, and fun! 

    Nature Books for Kids - how to raise a naturalist through readingNature Books for Kids - Resource Books that Help Raise Little Naturalists

    Raising little naturalists through books

    Kids learn to love what they experience, know and understand. Reading books about nature, our planet and the great outdoors is a wonderful way to spark their interest and curiosity about the world around them. Hopefully, that curiosity will lead to a love and appreciation of our planet, and the plants and animals that live on it. These books would be a perfect addition to your outdoor education and will help you raise a kid that loves and appreciates nature. I hope they help you and yours connect to our planet, nature, and the great outdoors this year!

    Which book is your favorite?

    About the author

    Jemma lives in London, England with her husband and kids. Her all-time favorite thing to do is take photos and capture memories of her family. She’s on a mission to ensure parenthood doesn’t rush by so quickly by creating mini family outdoor adventures and hopefully some big adventures too, one day! She’s a mum to four and an English teacher to many. She loves sharing her passion for storytelling, adventures, and nature crafts on her blog and here. 

    Find more from Jemma in the following locations:
    Instagram: @thimbleandtwig
    Blog: http://www.thimbleandtwig.com
    Facebook: @thimbleandtwig
    Etsy shop: ThimbleandTwig
    RWMC posts: Jemma

  • Nature-Themed Holiday Books for Kids

    With the holidays fast approaching, we wanted to put together a big list of some of our favorite nature-themed holiday books for kids. We hope this list will help you find the perfect books for celebrating the season with your children. Add a few of these to your Christmas wishlist, shopping list, gift-giving list, or library list. 

    {This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. Thank you for supporting a small business.}40+ Nature-Themed Holiday Books for Kids

    Holiday book countdown

    One of my kids’ (and my) favorite holiday traditions is our monthly countdown to Christmas with holiday books. Our house is filled with books – they’re one of those things I think belong in every room of the house. For the most part, all our books stay out and are available year-round. However, there are special “holiday” books that only come out once a year. 

    Every December 1, I pull out the bins full of our holiday books from the attic. Each night in December, the kids get to each pick out a book from the bin and we read them together before bedtime. You can wrap them individually (we used to do this, but it takes a lot of time and is a bit of a waste of paper with three kids) or put them in a bin, box, or bag. The kids love this tradition so much and start talking about their favorite books in October! 

    After nine years, we’ve built up quite a collection of holiday books. We have enough now that each kid gets their own bin of 24 books – all the books are related to winter, snow, or the December holidays.

    Building a holiday book collection

    If you’re new to the concept, it might sound expensive to collect all these books. But, don’t worry, there are definitely ways to make this project inexpensive (or even free!). You don’t have to start with 24 books. Even just a handful of books will work just fine. You probably already have some holiday books at home that you can use to get started. Instead of doing a book every day, choose a book each week or one book every 3-4 days. Or start later in the month and only do the last week leading up to the holidays.

    Local libraries usually have HUGE holiday kid’s book sections. You could easily check out some holiday books for a few weeks to do this project. Ask your local librarian to put together a fun mixed assortment of holiday and winter books that are age-appropriate for your kids. They usually have really great suggestions and you might be surprised to find some new favorites. This is also a great way to supplement the books you already have or add a few new books to the rotation each year to mix things up!

    If you’re looking to purchase the books, I love hitting up thrift stores and second-hand bookstores for kids’ holiday books. Thriftbooks.com and Half Price Books are a few of my favorite places to find quality pre-loved books. I purchase them throughout the year and add them to the collection whenever I pick one up. A lot of the books on this list are for older (not recent) books, which means they’re more likely to be available at second-hand bookshops.

    Check out garage sales, local BST pages or even Facebook pages for books swaps or “no buy” groups. Many families with older kids probably have lots of holiday books that their kids have outgrown that they’d be willing to gift down to a new family. If you know of families that have kids much older than yours, ask them if they have old books they’d like to pass on. Or organize your own book swap party! 

    Or, give this list to relatives, friends, and grandparents to help stock your kids’ bookshelves full of fun outdoor nature-themed holiday books for next year (and beyond). In my opinion, books make the best presents! 

    nature themed christmas books for kids

    Holiday books for everyone

    We have a lot of “traditional” holiday books (How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Polar Express, etc.), but I’m not including those on this list. While those are wonderful and have a special place in our heart, I’m focusing today on nature books. I love finding books that incorporate nature, animals, wildlife into stories and encourage kids to get outside during the cold winter months. Those are the books that I’ve included here. Most of these we either own, have read, or were recommended by friends and followers. 

    While our family celebrates Christmas, that’s certainly not the only holiday this time of year and we appreciate reading books about how others celebrate the season, as well. I’ve added a few books to our collection about other holidays and celebrations so that my kids are aware that not everyone celebrates the same thing and we can learn about other holidays. I’ve listed a few of the nature-themed ones here.

    Finally, I threw in a few general “winter” books about snow, hibernation, the winter solstice, and general winter observations. The first day of winter comes right around the holidays and the change in seasons is always a reason to celebrate. Hopefully, there’s something on this list for everyone!

    holiday nature books for kids

    Nature-themed holiday books for kids

    Here are over 40 nature-themed holiday books for kids. From animal characters to beautiful winterscapes, each of these books incorporates aspects of nature and the outdoors. We hope you’ll add a few of these to your holiday book collection and that they inspire your child to love and appreciate nature and the world around them. 

    Best Nature Holiday Books for Kids 1

    The Little Reindeer by Nicola Killen

    Little Christmas Tree by Jessica Courtney-Tickle

    Hanukkah Bear by Eric A. Kimmel

    The Christmas Quiet Book  by Deborah Underwood

    The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola

     

    The Great Spruce by John Duvall

    A Wish to Be a Christmas Tree by Colleen Monroe

    Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht

    A Piñata in a Pine Tree: A Latino Twelve Days of Christmas by Pat Mora

    Little Red Sleigh by Erin Guendelsberger

     

    Best Nature Holiday Books for Kids 3

    The Tree That’s Meant to Be by Yuval Zommer

    The Story of Hanukkah by David A. Adler

    Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever by Matt Tavares

    Little Robin’s Christmas by Jan Fearnley

    The Christmas Garden by Caroline Tuohey

     

    Best Outdoor Nature-Themed Holiday Books for Kids 4

    Christmas with the Mousekins by Maggie Smith

    The Christmas Wish by Lori Evert

    Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story by Angela Shelf Medearis

    A Christmas Tree for Pyn by Olivier Dunrea

    Yoon and the Christmas Mitten by Helen Recorvits

     

    The Lost Gift: A Christmas Story by Kallie George

    This Is Christmas by Tom Booth

    Simon and the Bear: A Hanukkah Tale by Eric A. Kimmel

    The Wish Tree by Kyo Maclear

    Lights for Gita by Rachna Gilmore

     


    Walking in a Winter Wonderland by Richard B. Smith

    The Stars Will Still Shine by Cynthia Rylant

    Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson

    Night Tree by Eve Bunting

    Over the River & Through the Wood: A Holiday Adventure by Linda Ashman

     


    The Deep and Snowy Wood by Elwyn Tate

    Stick Man by Julia Donaldson

    The Chanukkah Guest by Eric A. Kimmel

    La Noche Buena: A Christmas Story by Antonio Sacre 

    The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

     

    Best Nature Holiday Books for Kids 8
    Christmas Farm by Mary Lyn Ray

    The Message of the Birds by Kate Westerlund

    Goodnight Stories from the Life of the Prophet Muhammad by Saniyasnain Khan

    Mice Skating by Annie Silvestro

    Home for Christmas by Jan Brett

     

    Best Nature-Inspired Christmas Books for Kids
    My Wonderful Christmas Tree by Dahlov Ipcar

    All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings by Gayle Boss

    Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy by Carl R. Sams

    The Tomten by Astrid Lindgren

    Lucia Morning in Sweden by Ewa Rydaker

     

    Best Nature-Inspired Christmas Books for Kids
    The Yule Tomte and the Little Rabbits: A Christmas Story for Advent by Ulf Stark

    Why Christmas Trees Aren’t Perfect by Richard H. Schneider by Richard H. Schneider

    Red and Lulu by Matt Tavares

    Penguin and Pinecone by Salina Yoon

    Fox’s Garden by Princesse Camcam

    The Snow Tree by Caroline Repchuk

    The Mukluk Ball by Katharine Johnson 

     

    Winter nature books for kids

    Here are a few of our favorite winter-themed nature books for kids. These books are not holiday-related (per se) – they are more about the celebration of the winter season and solstice. I love incorporating a few of these into our holiday reading to educate the kids on what’s going on in the world outside around them this time of year. 

    Best Winter Nature Books for Kids

    Winter Song: A Day In The Life Of A Kid by Anetta Kotowicz

    Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Pak

    Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner

    The Solstice Badger by Robin McFadden

    The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper

     

    Best Winter Nature Books for Kids 2

    Winter’s Coming: A Story of Seasonal Change by Jan Thornhill 

    The Snowy Nap by Jan Brett

    The Snow Dancer by Addie Boswell

    Sleep Tight Farm: A Farm Prepares for Winter by Eugenie Doyle

    Winter Sleep: A Hibernation Story by Sean Taylor

     

    The Story of the Snow Children by Sibylle von Olfers

    Snow Still by Holly Surplice

    Little Owl’s Snow by Divya Srinivasan

    Cold Snap by Eileen Spinelli

    When Winter Comes by Nancy Van Laan

     

    Snow by Cynthia Rylant

    The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

    Snowballs by Lois Ehlert

    The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice by Wendy Pfeffer

    Owl Moon by Jane Yolen

     

    Anything we missed?
    What are your favorite nature holiday books for kids?

  • 10 Diverse Nature Books for Kids

    Nature is full of color and diversity…children’s books about nature should be, too! Diverse books are incredibly important, not only for children who are looking to see their own lives reflected in literature, but to introduce new thoughts and ideas to all children so they know there is so much more to our beautiful world. Diversity can be brought out in the character’s background, race, skin color, religion, socio-economic status, or family life as well. Or diverse books can also deal with characters that have disabilities. Today, we have Kathleen White, photographer and Arizona mom of 3 here sharing her family’s 10 favorite diverse nature books for kids. We hope you’ll add a few of these to your bookshelves or library wishlist! 

    {Post contains affiliate links}
    10 Diverse Nature Books for Kids

    The importance of diverse books

    As a homeschool mama of three, books are a staple in our house. I love watching my kids turn the pages, learn, and get excited as the stories come alive. And as the matriarch of a mixed family, it is extremely important for me to provide my kids with books that show diversity so they see kids that look like them and they can relate to in the stories as well. When kids open a book and see a character that looks, thinks, feels, and loves the way that they do, they feel less alone. Kids need to feel confident in who they are from the earliest stages of development, and normalizing diversity is key to that goal.

    Diverse books are also a great way to allow children to walk in another’s shoes and learn about another’s world and experiences. In a book, they get the chance to see things from a new perspective, in a place they may never go, and live in a culture they may never experience. Diverse books can help cultivate compassion, awareness, and understanding.

    Research on prejudice shows that coming in contact with people who are different from us helps to reduce stereotypes by giving us the opportunity to learn about them and their stories. And while it would be ideal for children to actually meet people from different backgrounds in person, if that isn’t possible, books can serve as a wonderful next best thing and introduce kids to diverse people, experiences, and cultures.

    Diverse nature books for kids

    10 diverse nature books for kids

    Today I’m excited to share a few of our favorite diverse nature books for kids to hopefully inspire and encourage conversations about diversity with your kiddos. When compiling this list, I tried to narrow it down to include books about different topics, as well as books that all ages can enjoy. I have a 9 (almost 10) year-old, 4-year-old, and a 2-year-old and they all couldn’t put these down! This list of topics in these book range from an inspiring story of the first African American entomologist, to weather, to taking care of our Earth, planting gardens, and going on hikes! There is bound to be something here for all of your little readers. Not only are these books vivid and fun to read, but they are excellent conversation starters! As we all begin a new school year, I hope that this helps add to your home library! 

    Best diverse nature books for kids

    1. All About Weather by Huda Harajli MA 

    All About Weather is the perfect book for your preschooler. It will keep your kids entertained, while giving them a first look at all the different types of weather. I love the interactive questions at the end too!

    2. Green Green: A Community Gardening Story by Marie Lamba 

    Green Green: A Community Gardening Story is a short and sweet story about the importance of community, as well as creating a garden that everyone can share. It also helps children identify their colors, which is a perfect activity and lesson for preschool-age children, as well! 

    3. Only a Tree Knows How to Be a Tree by Mary Murphy

    Only a Tree Knows How to Be a Tree is a great reminder to kiddos that we are all created in our own unique ways and that we are the only ones who know how to be us. It’s simple, joyful, and colorful. All of my kids love it! 

    Diverse nature books for kids

    4. One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree by Daniel Bernstrom

    One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree is so much fun to read aloud! It keeps my kids entertained the whole time as they try to find out if the boy can escape the snake! Also, it’s beautifully illustrated and really colorful. A hungry snake. A beautiful brown boy. What more can a young reader ask for?

    5. Are Your Stars Like My Stars? by Leslie Helakoski

    Are Your Stars Like My Stars is a precious book. It “teaches children that no matter where they live, all children gaze at the blue sky, bask in the warmth of the golden sun, dig in the rich dirt, and watch clouds grow soft and rosy at end of day. Through the eyes of one inquisitive and thoughtful young narrator, young readers explore the idea of perspective, and come to realize that all of us, everywhere, share the colors of the world.”

    10 favorite diverse books for outdoorsy kids

    6. Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn

    Lola Plants a Garden starts out with Lola’s mom reading her a classic garden poem which inspires her to create a garden of her own. They go to the library and learn all about gardening, buy their seeds, and get to planting. But, of course, Lola wants the flowers to grow right away! She creates a flower book and spends time with friends in her new garden. This book is part of the Lola Reads series, which I highly recommend!  

    7. My Friend Earth by Patricia MacLachlan

    My Friend Earth is a super interactive and stunning book! It contains die-cut pages and flaps that engage your kids while reading. My daughter especially loved it! Little readers might try to damage the pages (like my 2-year-old, for example!) but it is still one I will keep around as it teaches important lessons about taking care of the Earth. 

     

    creating a diverse library for kids

    8. Buzzing with Questions: The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner by Janice N. Harrington

    Buzzing with Questions: The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner tells the story of the first African American entomologist. It showcases his ideas and discoveries about ants, bees, and other insects and how far his inquisitive mind got him. I love that it shows real photos of him in the back of the book too! It is perfect for older readers, but of course, you can always read it to your littler kids.

    9. The Hike by Alison Farrell 

    The Hike is a wonderful book about three friends who set out on an adventure together! It features a glossary, a sketchbook by one of the characters that highlights aspects of the hike, and labels throughout that encourages scientific learning. This book is perfect for kids who love exploring!

    the importance of diversity in children's nature books

    10. National Parks of the USA by Kate Siber

    Finally, it wouldn’t be a nature book list without including one all about the National Parks of the USA, right?! Not only will you want to put this book on display, but it also includes maps and information about 21 different parks. We are National Park lovers and this book is amazing. 

    Divided by region (East, Central, Rocky Mountains, West, Tropics, and Alaska), a pictographic map at the start of each section shows the locations of the parks to be covered. Each park is introduced by a stunning, poster-worthy illustration of one of its scenes and a summary of its makeup, followed by individual illustrations of the animals and plants that make their homes there.

    There is also a “Can you spot this…?” page at the back that challenges kids to find a pictured critter or plant for every letter of the alphabet. My kids love this page.

    The parks include: Acadia, Badlands, Big Bend, Biscayne, Bryce Canyon, Channel Islands, Death Valley, Denali, Everglades, Glacier, Glacier Bay, Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, Hawaii volcanoes, Isle Royale, Mesa Verde, Olympic, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Virgin Islands, Yellowstone, and Yosemite.

    Diverse nature books for kidsCreating a diverse nature book library for kids

    What are your favorite diverse nature books for kids?

    For more book recommendations, check out the following posts:

    About the author

    Kathleen is married to her high school sweetheart and is the mama to 3 energetic littles. She is passionate about natural and intentional living, photography, and documenting her family’s travels in their RV. They just wrapped up traveling full-time around the United States in their RV for nearly a year! When she’s not planning her family’s next adventure, she is running a health and wellness business and homeschooling her three kiddos. 

    You can find more from Kathleen in the following locations:
    Website: www.faithboundtravel.com
    YouTube: Faith Bound Travel
    Instagram at @faithboundtravel
    Other RWMC posts: Kathleen

  • Best Educational Nature Books for Kids

    Books are one of my biggest passions and biggest weaknesses. I am a self-proclaimed book addict and can’t ever pass up a good book recommendation. Children’s books are no different. Our shelves at home are lined with picture books containing incredible stories, silly rhymes, and beautiful images. I especially love to find books that not only captivate my children visually but teach us something about life, nature and our planet. Today, I’ve put together a giant comprehensive list of more than 80 gorgeous educational nature books for kids. These nature-inspired children’s books are sure to teach your children about the world around them and become some of your child’s favorite resources for years to come.

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    Best educational children’s books about nature & our planet

    This list of the best educational nature books for kids has been in the works for a long time! It’s taken me months to put together a list of mostly non-fiction nature-inspired books that will teach your child about the beautiful world around them in a fun way that doesn’t feel like learning. From learning about the tiny microbes in your home to the giant whales in the ocean, we’ve included books about all kinds of aspects of our planet and nature. We’ve included animal fact books, nature poetry, children’s atlases and encyclopedias. From bees to birds, bugs to bark, we’ve got something for everyone! Exploring a book with a child is one of the best ways to spend time together, inside or out! We hope you’ll use this list to encourage your child to love and appreciate our planet and its animals in a whole new way.

    Save this list!

    Don’t forget that books make GREAT gifts! If you’re looking for a way to cut down on the amount of cheap plastic and toys you give/get this upcoming holiday season, consider investing in some of these amazing books instead. They’ll serve your children well for years and can be passed down to the next generation or donated to a library/charity. Consider gifting a few of these to the special kids in your life to add to their shelves. Feel free to pass this list of educational nature books to grandparents and family members when they ask you what your children want for the next holiday or birthday.

    We’ve even made it easy for you to save and share – here’s a free printable PDF of the books for you to pass on to friends and family members, save for future reference, or print out and take it to your local library or bookstore.

    best nature and animal books for kids

    1. Atlas of Ocean Adventures: A Collection of Natural Wonders, Marine Marvels and Undersea Antics from Across the Globe by Emily Hawkins
    2. What Do They Do with All That Poo? by Jane Kurtz
    3. Everything & Everywhere: A Fact-Filled Adventure for Curious Globe-Trotters by Marc Martin
    4. Wild World by Angela McAllister
    5. Nature’s Day: Discover the world of wonder on your doorstep by Kay Maguire
    6. How to Be a Good Creature: A Memoir in Thirteen Animals by Sy Montgomery
    7. Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner
    8. Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes by Nicola Davies

    educational children's books about nature, trees, bugs, animals and the environment

    9. Children’s Illustrated Animal Atlas by DK
    10. A Nest Is Noisy by Dianna Hutts Aston
    11. Bees: A Honeyed History by Piotr Socha
    12. Follow the Moon Home: A Tale of One Idea, Twenty Kids, and a Hundred Sea Turtles by Philippe Cousteau
    13. Trees, Leaves & Bark (Take Along Guides) by Diane Burns
    14. National Parks of the USA by Kate Siber
    15. How to Survive as a Shark by Kristen Foote
    16. The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs: Use Outdoor Clues to Find Your Way, Predict the Weather, Locate Water, Track Animals―and Other Forgotten Skills by Tristan Gooley

    best nature books for kids

    17. The Animal Book: A Collection of the Fastest, Fiercest, Toughest, Cleverest, Shyest―and Most Surprising―Animals on Earth by Steve Jenkins
    18. Octopus Escapes Again! by Laurie Ellen Angus
    19. When the Whales Walked: And Other Incredible Evolutionary Journeys by Dougal Dixon
    20. A Rock Is Lively by Dianna Hutts Aston
    21. The Big Book of Beasts by Yuval Zommer
    22. Water Is Water: A Book About the Water Cycle by Miranda Paul
    23. Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner
    24. Cuddly Critters for Little Geniuses (Big Words for Little Geniuses) by Susan Patterson

    educational nature inspired children's books

    25. Farm Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of Country Life by Julia Rothman
    26. Owls: Our Most Charming Bird by Matt Sewell
    27. The Big Book of Birds by Yuval Zommer
    28. Redwoods by Jason Chin
    29. The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter’s Wonder by Mark Cassino
    30. Trees: A Rooted History by Piotr Socha
    31. The Honeybee by Kirsten Hall
    32. This Phenomenal Life: The Amazing Ways We Are Connected with Our Universe by Misha Blaise

    best children's educational nature books

    33. The Big Book of Bugs by Yuval Zommer
    34. A Tree for All Seasons (Rise and Shine) by Robin Bernard
    35. Animals of a Bygone Era by Maja Säfström
    36. Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner
    37. D’Aulaires’ Book of Animals by Ingri d’Aulaire
    38. Atlas of Adventures: A collection of natural wonders, exciting experiences and fun festivities from the four corners of the globe by Rachel Williams
    39. A Year of Nature Poems by by Joseph Coelho
    40. Who Eats What?: Food Chains and Food Webs by Patricia Lauber

    children's nature books and encyclopedias

    41. The Magic and Mystery of Trees by Jen Green
    42. A Seed Is Sleepy by Dianna Aston
    43. How Mountains Are Made by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld
    44. Botanicum: Welcome to the Museum by Kathy Willis
    45. Song of the Wild: A First Book of Animals by Nicola Davies
    46. Bird Builds a Nest: A First Science Storybook by Martin Jenkins
    47. The Wonders of Nature by Ben Hoare
    48. The Illustrated Compendium of Amazing Animal Facts by Maja Säfström

    educational non-fiction nature books for kids

    49. Many: The Diversity of Life on Earth by Nicola Davies
    50. Earth Verse: Haiku from the Ground Up by Sally M. Walker
    51. Island: A Story of the Galápagos by Jason Chin
    52. The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth: Understanding Our World and Its Ecosystems by Rachel Ignotofsky
    53. A Butterfly Is Patient by Dianna Aston
    54. Food Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of Our Edible World by Julia Rothman
    55. The Bee Book by Charlotte Milner
    56. The Animal Book: A Visual Encyclopedia of Life on Earth by DK

    nature books and encyclopedias for kids

    57. Animalium: Welcome to the Museum by Jenny Broom
    58. An Anthology of Intriguing Animals by DK
    59. In the Past: From Trilobites to Dinosaurs to Mammoths in More Than 500 Million Years by David Elliott
    60. Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies
    61. A World Full of Animal Stories US: 50 favorite animal folk tales, myths and legends by Angela McAllister
    62. The Big Book of the Blue by Yuval Zommer
    63. Nature All Around: Bugs by Pamela Hickman
    64. Curious Kids Nature Guide: Explore the Amazing Outdoors of the Pacific Northwest by Fiona Cohen

    beautiful educational nature-inspired children's books

    65. Caterpillars, Bugs and Butterflies (Take Along Guides) by Mel Boring
    66. Flying Frogs and Walking Fish: Leaping Lemurs, Tumbling Toads, Jet-Propelled Jellyfish, and More Surprising Ways That Animals Move by Steve Jenkins
    67. Animals by the Numbers: A Book of Infographics by Steve Jenkins
    68. Nature All Around: Trees by Pamela Hickman
    69. A Beetle Is Shy by Dianna Hutts Aston
    70. Atlas of Animal Adventures: A collection of nature’s most unmissable events, epic migrations and extraordinary behaviours by Rachel Williams
    71. The Tree Book for Kids and Their Grown-Ups by Gina Ingoglia
    72. Does It Fart?: The Definitive Field Guide to Animal Flatulence by Nick Caruso

    Best Educational Nature Books for Kids

    73. Lots by Marc Martin
    74. Amazing Facts About Baby Animals by Maja Säfström
    75. The Variety of Life by Nicola Davies
    76. Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World by Julia Rothman
    77. Fish Tricks: The Wild and Wacky World of Fish by Haude Levesque
    78. An Egg Is Quiet by Dianna Hutts Aston
    79. Strange Trees: And the Stories Behind Them by Bernadette Pourquie
    80. The Life and Times of the Honeybee by Charles Micucci

    educational nature books for kids

    81. Birds, Nests & Eggs (Take Along Guides) by Mel Boring
    82. Caterpillar and Bean: A First Science Storybook by Martin Jenkins
    83. The Butterfly House by Katy Flint
    84. Sing a Song of Seasons: A Nature Poem for Each Day of the Year by Nosy Crow
    85.  Feathers: Not Just for Flying by Melissa Stewart
    86. The Wonder Garden by Jenny Broom
    87. A Drop Around the World by Barbara McKinney
    88. A Log’s Life by Wendy Pfeffer

    What’s your favorite educational nature books for kids?

    For more children’s nature book recommendations, check out all our Nature Books posts.

  • 40+ More Beautiful Nature Books for Kids

    Books are a big deal at our house! I have a 1st grader learning to read and a preschooler that would listen to 500 books a night if I had that kind of time. We voraciously go through books. I’m always on the hunt for fun new (to us) books for my little readers. Since we’re an outdoorsy family, we naturally love children’s books about nature and animals. Picture books are favorites since both kids can follow along – my son reads the words he knows and my daughter enjoys the illustrations.

    (This post contains affiliate links. We make a small commission on each purchase made using our links. Thank you for supporting a small business.)Beautiful Nature Books for Kids

    Below we have compiled a list of more than forty beautiful children’s picture books about nature. This list was curated from our personal favorites and those of a number of family, friends, and fellow nature-loving parents. These books will inspire, educate and help your children develop a deep sense of love for nature and the outdoors. They have beautiful pictures and beautiful words. They teach lessons about nurturing, love and compassion. This list is perfect if you’re looking to add some beautiful books to your shelves at home, give them as a gift or add them to your library wishlist.

    This is part 2 of our series on beautiful nature books for kids. If you want even more recommendations, make sure to check out part 1 of the series: 30+ Beautiful Children’s Books About Nature.

    1. As an Oak Tree Grows by G. Brian Karas
    2. Mice Skating by Annie Silvestro
    3. On a Magical Do-Nothing Day by Beatrice Alemagna
    4. Who Eats Orange? by Dianne White
    5. Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert
    6. A Hippy-Hoppy Toad by Peggy Archer
    7. Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers
    8. Animals in the Outhouse by Anja Frohlich
    9. The Forever Tree by Tereasa Surratt
    10. Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell
    11. The Skies Above My Eyes by Charlotte Gullain
    12. We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger
    13. Elmore Hardcover by Holly Hobbie
    14. Little Butterfly by Laura Logan
    15. Pond by Jim LaMarche
    16. Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner
    17. A Whiff of Pine, a Hint of Skunk: A Forest of Poems by Deborah Ruddell
    18. Step Gently Out by Helen Frost
    19. Bruno Munari’s Zoo by Bruno Munari
    20. Wendell the Narwhal by Emily Dove
    21. The Tiptoeing Tiger by Philippa Leathers
    22. Yellow Kayak by Nina Laden
    23. All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon
    24. Shy by Deborah Freedman
    25. This Is Sadie by Sara O’Leary
    26. Moon, Gorgeous Moon by M.H. Bradford
    27. Roly-Polies (Mini-Animalist) by Mónica Carretero
    28. If You Hold a Seed by Elly MacKay
    29. Everything You Need for a Treehouse by Carter Higgins
    30. Night Animals by Gianna Marino
    31. Guess Who, Haiku by Deanna Caswell
    32. Apples and Robins by Lucie Felix
    33. Backyard Fairies by Phoebe Wahl
    34. Ocean Meets Sky by Terry Fan
    35. The House of Four Seasons by Roger Duvoisin
    36. Looking for a Moose by Phyllis Root
    37. Prickly Hedgehogs! by Jane McGuinness
    38. Adventures with Barefoot Critters by Teagan White
    39. Baby Wren and the Great Gift by Sally Lloyd-Jones
    40. The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse by Mac Barnett
    41. Kate, Who Tamed the Wind by Liz Garton Scanlon
    42. Tiny, Perfect Things by M. H. Clark
    43. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
    44. And Then It’s Spring by Julie Fogliano
    45. The Story of Charlie the Coyote by London Michaels
    46. The Things That I LOVE about TREES by Chris Butterworth
    47. Bunny Roo, I Love You by Melissa Marr
    48. Miss Maple’s Seeds by Eliza Wheeler
    49. Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht
    50. Where is Bear Going? by Mark Janssen

    And be sure to check out part 1 of this series
    30+ Beautiful Children’s Picture Books About Nature
    for even more books!

  • Beautiful Children’s Picture Books About Nature

    If your kids are anything like mine, they devour books. Rarely do we read a book just once. We read them over and over again until the words are memorized and the pictures are etched in our minds. My son loves silly books that make him laugh. My daughter loves sing-songy books that rhyme. And I love nature books that teach the kids about the wonder and beauty of the outdoors. One thing we all agree on, the more beautiful illustrations, the better. That’s why we’ve put together this giant comprehensive list of the most beautiful books about nature for kids. These are some of the best children’s books about nature out there and we can’t wait for you to fall in love with them, like we have!

    (This post contains affiliate links. We make a small commission on each purchase made using our links. Thank you for supporting a small business.)
    30 Beautiful Children's Picture Books about Nature - nature books for kids{PIN IT}

    Nature books for kids

    We’ve put together a list of more than thirty of the most beautiful children’s picture books about nature. This list was curated from our personal favorite nature books for kids and recommendations from a number of families, friends, and fellow nature-loving mamas. These nature books will inspire, educate and help your children develop a deep sense of love for nature and the outdoors. They have beautiful pictures and beautiful words. They teach lessons about nurturing, love and compassion. This list of nature books is perfect if you’re looking to add some beautiful books to your shelves at home, give them as a gift or add them to your library wishlist.

    Best nature books for kids

    Most beautiful nature books for kids

    1. Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies
    2. Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
    3. You Belong Here by M.H. Clark
    4. Tree: A Peek-Through Picture Book by Britta Teckentrup
    5. Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak
    6. Little Owl’s Night by Divya Srinivasan
    7. Percy the Park Keeper by Nick Butterworth
    8. Finding Wild by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Abigail Halpin
    9. Seeds, Bees, Butterflies, and More! by Carole Gerber and Eugene Yelchin
    10. The Big Alfie Out of Doors Storybook by Shirley Hughes
    11. The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson
    12. Because of an Acorn by Lola M. Schaefer
    13. An Egg Is Quiet by Dianna Hutts Aston (also, A Seed Is SleepyA Butterfly Is PatientA Nest Is Noisy, and A Rock Is Lively)
    14. The Big Book of Bugs by Yuval Zommer
    15. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen
    16. Beyond the Pond by Joseph Kuefler
    17. The Curious Garden by Peter Brown
    18. This Moose Belongs to Me by Oliver Jeffers (also, Here We Are and Stuck)
    19. The Road Home by Katie Cotton and Sarah Jacoby
    20. The Wonder Garden by Jenny Broom
    21. Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World by Julia Rothman
    22. Strange Trees by Bernadette Porquie
    23. Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert
    24. The Little Gardner by Emily Hughes
    25. The Tea Party in the Woods by Akiko Miyakoshi
    26. A Walk in the Forest by Maria Dek
    27. When the World Is Dreaming by Rita Gray (also, Have You Heard the Nesting Bird? and Flowers are Calling)
    28. When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons by Julie Fogliano and Julie Morstad
    29. The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger
    30. A River by Marc Martin
    31. Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal
    32. The Midsummer Tomte and the Little Rabbits by Ulf Stark and Eva Eriksson
    33. The Night Gardener by Terry Fan and Eric Fan
    34. Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey by Emily Winfield Martin
    35. The Mermaid and the Shoe by K.G. Campbell
    36. The Tree Lady by H. Joseph Hopkins and Jill McElmurry

    The importance of nature books

    We all want to raise kids that love being outside and love nature. Reading about nature is a great way to encourage kids to love and respect the great outdoors. One of the most important things that we can teach kids is how to care for our planet and protect it. The care of our planet, its land, minerals, animals, and their habitats is of the utmost importance. Kids need to understand that what we do today affects tomorrow and how they can make a difference. Reading gives kids this opportunity and helps them make these connections. Books about nature foster a love of learning and give kids knowledge and appreciation of the planet we live on. Use books about nature to explore how our planet works and what we can do to help preserve it. 

    Encouraging young readers

    Raising kids that love to read as much as they love to be outside can be a challenge. I find that my super active kids sometimes find it hard to settle down long enough to read. There’s nothing wrong with kids on-the-go, but I also want to be sure they develop a love of reading in a way that’s natural and not forced. Here are a few things you can do at home to encourage your young ones to develop strong reading habits.

    1. Model the behavior – Let your kids see YOU reading at home and enjoying it. Kids learn so much through modeling. If they see you reading in your free time, they’ll be more likely to give it a try when they have downtime.
    2.  Read together every day – Read to your children for around 30 minutes a day. Young readers are made on the lap of their parents during storytime. Read your kids’ favorites to them, try new books, make up your own story in a picture book, or read them a favorite of yours from childhood. 
    3. Practice makes perfect – Let your early readers read familiar books they’ve read dozens of times. Re-reading the same books can help build speed and accuracy and help with confidence.
    4. Make reading real through connections – Help your child make connections between what they’re reading in books and what’s happening in real life. Nature books are a great way to do this. You can read about nature, bugs, weather, animals, etc. in a nature book and then make observations in real life outside that ties the experiences together. 

    Additional nature books

    We have compiled a few other posts filled with our favorite nature books for kids (and we’re adding more all the time). If you’re on the hunt for the perfect book, check out some of these posts for more inspiration! 

    What’s your favorite children’s book about nature?