How can we explore, discover, connect, and grow while experiencing nature’s beauty and benefits—indoors or outdoors?
While many rightly associate many of nature’s benefits with being outdoors, I wanted to find ways that we could foster greater connection and well-being by helping families and communities like yours explore and discover, connect, and grow while making lasting memories and bonds and sparking imagination and wonder—whether you’re inside or outdoors.
There’s something very special about sharing stories with our little ones or in a classroom, along with the memories of being read to, building bonds, and developing strong imaginations while visualizing the stories in our minds.
Below, I’ve shared several children’s stories that not only have teachable moments but also incorporate nature-based elements throughout their stories, whether it’s in the story setting, topic, or main characters. These books allow you to bring the outdoors and its benefits inside your homes, hearts, and minds through the gift of storytelling—or in a classroom, library, or on a picnic.
In no particular order — Try to find these in your local library or find online and then journey with us inside or outdoors.
What the Road Said by Cleo Wade Illustrated by Lucie de Moyencourt
Have you ever wondered what the road would say as you navigate the unknown path of life? In this book, you’ll journey alongside an adventurous and curious child who follows and holds a conversation through questions about the road they’re on. It is a beautiful book that both children and adults will find encouraging no matter their stage in life.
Teaching moments: Courage to keep going, The beauty of a journey
For children & adults.
A Feiwel & Friends book.
Kindness Grows by Britta Teckentrup
With nature on every page, this book teaches children how kindness can help save friendships and resolve conflict or disagreement. It gently highlights what can hurt friendships and how kindness is grown and shown in our relationships and actions with others—demonstrating opposites through story and nature-based visual form. This is an excellent book for young children ages ten and under.
Teaching moments: The importance of kindness and openness in managing conflict.
Caterpillar Books Ltd.
nell plants a tree by Anne Wynter & Daniel Miyares
What journeys, memories, and family stories were made possible because Nell planted a tiny seed? Go on a little family adventure to discover what a tree can bring, inside and out — and how Nell brings it to life through this book, which inspires a love of nature-based play & memories.
Teaching moments: Seed to Tree Observations, Family Memory Making
Splendid for children ages 4 to 8.
HarperCollins Children’s Books.
In the Tall, Tall Grass by Denise Fleming
A fun, oldie, but goody rhyming children’s book for toddlers — Tag alongside the main character as they journey through the Tall, Tall Grass and come across nature’s treasures, from caterpillars, bees, birds, rabbits, bats, and fireflies. This story presents an excellent opportunity to get animated in your presentation — making the sounds and movements you come across in the Tall, Tall Grass. If you enjoy this book, you should also check out her “In the Small, Small Pond” book.
Teaching moments: Sounds, Insects & Animals
Great for toddlers & young children.
Henry Holt & Company.
Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light by Apryl Stott
Set in the snowy woods among many woodland animals, learn how kindness can overcome the initial judgment based on one’s “Beary” appearance through a wholesome picture book story. Find out as a saddened big bear, and his human friend, Coco, try to help the other animals see how kind and friendly Bear is — and when their initial ways don’t work, which act of kindness allows them to truly see Bear for who he really is.
Teaching moments: Importance of kindness, the impact of exclusion, Being kind even when others are mean, the importance of getting to know someone beyond their appearance.
Great for children ages 4 to 8.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
The Tree Book: For Kids and Their Grown-ups by Gina Ingoglia, ASLA
Ever wanted to learn about trees that greet us in some way every day — or help teach your children about trees? From learning about what trees need to thrive to learning why trees change colors, to the clues they leave us that tell a story, to seeing some of the best-illustrated photos and essential information about common trees and leaves, you’ll ever discover that both children and adults will find as a treasure. You’ll find yourself saving this book for a long time. Garden Writers Association Award Winner.
Teaching moments: Tree lifecycle and needs, Visual Identification
For children and adults (all ages).
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Inc.
Why Do Leaves Change Colors?
by Betsy Maestro, Illustrated by Loretta Krupinski
Discover the fascinating world of leaves, their shapes, and why they change colors, making it a perfect read to introduce young children to the wonders of nature’s cycles.
Primarily for ages 4-7.
HarperCollins Children’s Books
The Worry Box by Suzanne Chiew, Illustrated by Sean Julian
Journey with Murray Bear as he learns how to face and overcome his worries to go on an adventure through the forests and meadows to explore the “big and loud waterfall.” Discover what and who he finds along the way and how he shares what he’s learned with another fellow nature pal.
Part of their “Let’s Read Together” series, it is great to read with your toddlers and young children.
Teaching moments: Overcoming worry, anxious thoughts.
Tiger Tales Press Ltd.
Treehouse Town by Gideon Sterer, Illustrated by Charlie Mylie
Hidden high in the trees, read to visually explore the adventures and treasures within Treehouse Town. A highly visually engaging book filled with one’s greatest imagination of what the absolute best “Treehouse Town” could be, you’ll discover all the experiences that await you on top of this unique treehouse. This book offers a great “seek & find” opportunity, allowing readers to ask young children to “Find” certain items or animals on each page.
Teaching moments: Item, Animal, and Visualized Verb Identification
Wonderful for children ages 3 to 8.
Little, Brown and Company.
The Children's Book of Birdwatching by Dan Rouse, Illustrations by Abby Cook
Want to feed your child’s curiosity and help them explore and learn about birds while giving them some fun outdoor activities to attract birds to your backyard?
This book will help you not only know where to find birds and how to attract them, but you’ll also learn about parts of a bird’s body, different types of common birds, what they eat and drink, and how to care for them. This book has many teaching moments and activities for young children and adults.
Great for children and adults.
Penguin Random House, DK Publishing.
Explore, Discover, Connect, and Grow With Us
If you enjoyed these book recommendations and want to take your nature fun to another level, explore our new Nature Expeditions and Activities for Young Adventurers and Families Starter Kit. This explorer kit brings you the materials and activities to take your nature explorations outdoors as a family or classroom. Share with friends and family.
Are any of these books your favorites? Do you have any additional children’s books to consider? Let me know in the comments.
The books included in this article are not paid endorsements. Inclusion of these book titles do not imply brand endorsement.