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Nature Lovers

Nature or nurture ... get both with camping or hiking!

Llama Llama Loves Camping

Camping

Look out, world--Llama Llama is a TV star! The beloved character, made famous by Anna Dewdney's best-selling picture books, is the star of his own original series, now airing on Netflix. In this episode-based 8x8, Llama Llama goes camping for the very first time and learns a valuable lesson: what seems scary can actually be super-duper FUN! Your little llamas will love relating to their favorite picture book character as he faces new and challenging situations.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 17997 votes, reviews

Anna Dewdney

Just Me and My Dad

Camping, Fathers

Little Critter is exploring the great outdoors with his dad in this heartwarming and funny classic. The perfect gift to celebrate dad this Father's Day--this sweet story makes a great read aloud storytime with toddlers. Whether he and his dad are canoeing, fishing, or building a campfire, parents and children alike will relate to this beloved story. A perfect gift for Father’s Day . . . or any day!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 13101 votes, reviews

Mercer Meyer

The Couch Potato

NY Times Best Sellers, Being Adaptable, Nature Lovers

Feeling fried? Peel yourself on the couch and meet your new pal-tato! The winning fourth picture book from the #1 New York Times bestselling creators of The Bad Seed, The Good Egg, and The Cool Bean, Jory John and Pete Oswald, will get you and your kids moving! The Couch Potato has everything within reach and doesn't have to move from the sunken couch cushion. But when the electricity goes out, Couch Potato is forced to peel away from the comforts of the living room and venture outside. Could fresh air and sunshine possibly be better than the views on screen? Readers of all ages will laugh along as their new best spuddy learns that balancing screen time and playtime is the root to true happiness.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 5102 votes, reviews

Jory John

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I Am a Bunny

Nature Lovers, Nostalgia, Easter

Cuddle up with Nicholas the bunny this Easter in Richard Scarry's beloved classic. I am a bunny. My name is Nicholas. I live in a hollow tree. In the spring, Nicholas picks flowers and chases butterflies, and in the summer, watches the frogs in the pond. In the autumn, he sees the animals preparing for the winter. When winter comes, Nicholas watches the snow falling from the sky, then curls up in his hollow tree and dreams about spring. In print for well over 50 years, this beautifully illustrated, gentle story has been a favorite Golden Book for generations.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 4197 votes, reviews

Ole Risom

A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee

Camping

The second book in the much-loved series about Mr. Magee and his trusty dog, Dee! Chris Van Dusen books are always a delight, combining playful rhyming text with bright, comical artwork that's alive with color and detail. In their new adventure, Mr. Magee and his dog, Dee, are enjoying a peaceful camping trip when along comes a lumbering, marshmallow-loving bear and the excitement begins. The next thing the two campers know, they are plunging down a mountain, racing down a river, and teetering on the edge of a waterfall! How will Mr. Magee and Dee find their way out of this slippery situation? ADVENTURES IN CAMPING: A funny children's book that shares a lesson on overcoming obstacles with an easy-to-follow storyline, fun illustrations, and likable characters. Perfect as a bedtime story at home or on a camping trip!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 2854 votes, reviews

Chris Van Dusen

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Weather

Nature Lovers

Young children are fascinated with weather and the seasons. Here's a book that teaches them about different types of weather and shows them how to dress for each different day. Hello, World! is a series designed to introduce first nonfiction concepts to babies and toddlers. Told in clear and easy terms and featuring bright, cheerful illustrations, Hello, World! makes learning fun for young children. Each sturdy page offers helpful prompts for engaging with your child (“Look out the window. What is the weather like today?”) plus simple scientific facts ("Mornings are cooler than afternoons because the sun doesn’t shine overnight.") It’s a perfect way to bring science and nature into the busy world of a toddler, where learning never stops.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 2449 votes, reviews

Jill McDonald

The Little House

Nature Lovers, Caldecott Medal

Seventy-five years ago, Virginia Lee Burton created the Little House, and since then generations of readers have been enchanted by the story of this happy home and her journey from the pleasures of nature to the bustling city, and back again. In celebration of this beloved classic’s seventy-fifth anniversary, this special edition features free downloadable audio (access code printed inside the book).
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 2443 votes, reviews

Virginia Lee Burton

All the World

Caldecott Medal, Nature Lovers, Gratitude

All the world is here. It is there. It is everywhere. All the world is right where you are. Now. Following a circle of family and friends through the course of a day from morning until night, this book affirms the importance of all things great and small in our world, from the tiniest shell on the beach, to the warmth of family connections, to the widest sunset sky. Now available as a Classic Board Book, this Caldecott Honor picture book written by Liz Garton Scanlon and illustrated by Marla Frazee is perfect for the youngest of readers.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 2418 votes, reviews

Liz Garton Scanlon

Let's Go Outside! (Indestructibles)

Rip Proof, Nature Lovers

Enjoy the wonders of nature in a book that’s indestructible! Look up at the BIG BLUE sky. SPLISH in the water just like a fish. Take a walk and STRETCH like tall, tall trees. Indestructibles is the trusted series for easing little ones into story time. Beloved by babies and their parents, Indestructibles are built for the way babies “read” (i.e., with their hands and mouths) and are: -Rip Proof—made of ultra-durable tight-woven material -Waterproof—can be chewed on, drooled on, and washed! -Emergent Literacy Tool—bright pictures and few or no words encourage dialogic reading -Portable—lightweight books can go anywhere, perfect for the diaper bag and for travel -Safe for Baby—meets ASTM safety standards
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 2335 votes, reviews

Amy Pixton

Little Owl's Night

Nature Lovers, Bedtime

It's evening in the forest and Little Owl wakes up from his day-long sleep to watch his friends enjoying the night. Hedgehog sniffs for mushrooms, Skunk nibbles at berries, Frog croaks, and Cricket sings. A full moon rises and Little Owl can't understand why anyone would want to miss it. Could the daytime be nearly as wonderful? Mama Owl begins to describe it to him, but as the sun comes up, Little Owl falls fast asleep. Putting a twist on the bedtime book, Little Owl's Night is sure to comfort any child with a curiosity about the night.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 2226 votes, reviews

Divya Srinivasan

The Leaf Thief

Nature Lovers, NY Times Best Sellers, Being Adaptable

Perfect for fans of Fletcher and the Falling Leaves, The Leaf Thief is a funny picture book that teaches kids about autumn, adapting to change, and the seasons. Squirrel loves counting the leaves on his tree―red leaves, gold leaves, orange, and more. But hold on! One of his leaves is missing! On a quest to find the missing leaf, Squirrel teams up with his good friend Bird to discover who the leaf thief could be among their forest friends. With vibrant art and captivating characters, the magic of autumn is captured beautifully on each page as readers tag along Squirrel's forest adventure. Is there truly a leaf thief afoot, or is something else going on in Squirrel's forest? A perfect exploration of change―both seasonal, and the anxiety that change sometimes causes. Bonus material explaining about the changing of the seasons. Poised to be a new fall classic.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 2209 votes, reviews

Alice Hemming

Moon

Nature Lovers, Space

From the popular series that launched with Tree: A Peek-Through Picture Book comes a book with peek-through holes that show the moon's different phases with each turn of the page. Over deserts and forests, Arctic tundra and tropical beaches, the moon shines down on creatures around the world. Children will love discovering how it changes from day to day as the lunar cycle is shown through clever peek-through holes, each revealing the moon in a different size and shape. It's the perfect light nonfiction book for young stargazers—and an ideal bedtime book, ending with a giant moon hovering over a sleepy town hunkered down for bed.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1745 votes, reviews

Britta Teckentrup

National Parks: A Wildlife Primer

Camping

This new board book series written by the husband and wife team of Haily and Kevin Meyers and illustrated by Haily, celebrates the unique qualities of each city while employing a fun primer element to tell the story. These books will have you and baby seeing the world by train and will turn story time into a globetrotting event. Perfect as a souvenir or as part of a geography collection for brilliant babies, the All Aboard! series will be pulling into your station next!
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 1696 votes, reviews

Haily Meyers

Some Bugs

Nature Lovers

Grab your magnifying glass! Find your field guide! And come hop, hide, swim, and glide through this buggy backyard world! Featuring butterflies and moths, crickets and cicadas, bumblebees and beetles, this zippy rhyming exploration of backyard-bug behavior is sure to have young insect enthusiasts bugging out with excitement!
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 1692 votes, reviews

Angela DiTerlizzi

Tap the Magic Tree

Nature Lovers, Interactive

The acclaimed interactive picture book about the changing seasons. “Like Hervé Tullet’s Press Here, Matheson’s Tap the Magic Tree proves you don’t need apps for interactivity,” praised the New York Times. This board book edition is perfect for little hands. Every book needs you to turn the pages. But not every book needs you to tap it, shake it, jiggle it, or even blow it a kiss. Innovative and timeless, Tap the Magic Tree asks you to help one lonely tree change with the seasons. Now that’s interactive—and magical! It begins with a bare brown tree. But tap that tree, turn the page, and one bright green leaf has sprouted! Tap again—one, two, three, four—and four more leaves have grown on the next page. Pat, clap, wiggle, jiggle, and see blossoms bloom, apples grow, and the leaves swirl away with the autumn breeze. The collage-and-watercolor art evokes the bright simplicity of Lois Ehlert and Eric Carle and the interactive concept will delight fans of Pat the Bunny. Combining a playful spirit and a sense of wonder about nature, Christie Matheson has created a new modern classic that is a winner in every season—and every story time!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1598 votes, reviews

Christie Matheson

Fletcher and the Falling Leaves

Nature Lovers

Celebrate fall with the sweet and charming Fletcher the fox! As the leaves fall from his favorite tree, Fletcher worries that something is terribly wrong. But then winter comes, and with it a wonderful surprise. Do you know what it is? Join Fletcher and find out. . . . Fletcher the fox is concerned about nature and wants to understand the changing of the seasons. Young readers will share the feelings of wonder and empathy as they curl up with a parent or gather in circle time to enjoy this beautiful picture book.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 1468 votes, reviews

Julia Rawlinson

Birds & Colors

Colors, Nature Lovers

The colorful world of birds! Birds come in all different shapes, sizes, and yes, colors, too! From the eastern bluebird and blue jay to the scarlet tanager and northern cardinal, little ones will discover the natural world and learn the names and colors of Phyllis Limbacher Tildes’s exquisitely illustrated birds in their natural habitats. The color word appears large and bold, and each bird is labeled by name, as are flowers, fruits, and foliage. Each bird is color coded and has a name and gender for children to easily identify.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 1416 votes, reviews

Phyllis Limbacher Tildes

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A Child's Garden of Verses

Poetry, Nature Lovers

Here is a delightful look at childhood, written by master poet and storyteller Robert Louis Stevenson. In this collection of sixty-six poems, Stevenson recalls the joys of his childhood, from sailing boats down a river, to waiting for the lamplighter, to sailing off to foreign lands in his imagination. Tasha Tudor's watercolor paintings evoke a simpler time in the past, and celebrate two of the things she loves most -- children and nature. Her talents are the perfect match for these inspiring poems, making this a handsome gift edition that will be cherished by families for generations.
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 1387 votes, reviews

Robert Louis Stevenson

Hello Hello

Nature Lovers, Animals

Hello, Hello! Beginning with two cats, one black and one white, a chain of animals appears before the reader, linked together by at least one common trait. From simple colors and shapes to more complex and abstract associations, each unexpected encounter celebrates the magnificent diversity of our world—and ultimately paints a story of connection. Brendan Wenzel's joyous, rhythmic text and exuberant art encourage readers to delight in nature's infinite differences and to look for—and marvel at—its gorgeous similarities. It all starts with a simple "Hello."
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 1004 votes, reviews

Brendan Wenzel

A Walk Through the Woods

Nature Lovers

This stunning gift book, with hand-cut paper art and lyrical text by an award-winning poet, leads you deep into the forest . . . and out again into the light. Listen: the forest is calling. Take a quiet walk through the woods, where shadows fall in the darkness, eyes peek out, and some animals sleep while others run and leap. Simple, poetic text and intricate papercut illustrations introduce children to a deer, black rook, fox, rabbit, and many more beautiful creatures as they wait for morning—and spring—to come.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 913 votes, reviews

Louise Greig

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Little Owl's Day

Nature Lovers

Chikit-chikit-chik! A squirrel is chittering. Bees are buzzing. The sun is high in the sky. And Little Owl is supposed to be asleep, but when he wakes up early, he’s just too curious to close his eyes again. The forest he knows so well at nighttime is completely different – and exciting – in the day! After watching butterflies dance, wolf pups play, and then his very first rainbow, Little Owl returns to his tree. He has many new stories for his mama. A blue sky companion to Little Owl’s Night, Little Owl’s Day is just right for young children and the perfect introduction to the joy and wonder of the natural world.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 878 votes, reviews

Divya Srinivasan

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The Littlest Family's Big Day

Lovey Dovey, Nature Lovers, Immigrant Stories

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Wonderful Things You Will Be, meet Emily Winfield Martin's little forest family and the adventures they have on one very big day. Who is only under 5 inches tall and has just moved to the woods? The cutest and littlest bear family you have ever seen--and their adopted teeny tiny fox tot! What happens when they venture out to explore their new world...? With an easy-to-read story and the careful brushstrokes of Emily Winfield Martin's illustrations, The Littlest Family's Big Day captures the mystery and magic of the woods. Inspired by classic children’s books such as The Littlest Fur Family and Dream Animals, this is a radiant treasure to be cherished for generations.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 861 votes, reviews

Emily Winfield Martin

The Little Island

Nature Lovers, Caldecott Medal

Children’s book legend Margaret Wise Brown—author of the cherished classic Goodnight Moon—and Caldecott Medal-winner Leonard Weisgard bring young readers an enduring picture book about the magic of nature. Winner of the 1947 Caldecott Medal, this beautifully moving story centers around a little island in the midst of the wide ocean, and the curious kitten who comes to visit. As the seasons pass, the island and the creatures who call it home witness an ever-changing array of sights, smells, and sounds—proving that, no matter how small, we are all an important part of the world.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 823 votes, reviews

Margaret Wise Brown

Diary of a Worm

Nature Lovers, Perspective

This hilarious picture book from the bestselling, acclaimed author-illustrator team of Doreen Cronin and Harry Bliss tells the adventures of a worm through his daily diary entries. This is the diary of a worm. This worm lives with his parents, plays with his friends, and even goes to school. But unlike you or me, he never has to take a bath, he gets to eat his homework, and because he doesn't have legs, he just can't do the hokey pokey—no matter how hard he tries. Read the other books in the series: Diary of a Fly and Diary of a Spider!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 819 votes, reviews

Doreen Cronin

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The Night Gardener

Gardening, Nature Lovers

In the spirit of Goodnight Moon and The Curious Garden comes a stunning debut picture book filled with whimsy and creativity from brothers Terry and Eric Fan. One day, William discovers that the tree outside his window has been sculpted into a wise owl. In the following days, more topiaries appear, and each one is more beautiful than the last. Soon, William’s gray little town is full of color and life. And though the mysterious night gardener disappears as suddenly as he appeared, William—and his town—are changed forever. With breathtaking illustrations and spare, sweet text, this masterpiece about enjoying the beauty of nature is sure to become an instant classic.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 809 votes, reviews

Terry Fan

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Tiny, Perfect Things

Nature Lovers, Grandparents

The whole world is a treasure waiting to be found. Open your eyes and see the wonderful things all around. This is the story of a child and a grandfather whose walk around the neighborhood leads to a day of shared wonder as they discover all sorts of tiny, perfect things together. With rhythmic storytelling and detailed and intricate illustrations, this is a book about how childlike curiosity can transform ordinary days into extraordinary adventures.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 769 votes, reviews

M. H. Clark

Tree

Nature Lovers

Watch the tree change with the seasons as each page is turned in this beautiful and educational book for curious young minds. New York Public Library’s 100 Best Books for Kids 2016 Through a hole in the book’s cover, an owl invites you inside to meet a majestic tree and all its forest inhabitants during the changing seasons. With clever peekaboo holes throughout, each page reveals a new set of animals playing and living in the tree—baby bears frolicking in the spring, bees buzzing around apples in the summer, squirrels storing nuts in the fall, and finally the lone owl keeping warm during the winter chill—until another year begins. . . . Children will love seeing a new set of animals appear and then disappear as each page is turned, and along the way they’ll learn about the seasons and how a forest and its inhabitants change throughout the year.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 747 votes, reviews

Britta Teckentrup

Good Night Campsite

Camping

rab your tent and sleeping bags! We’re heading to the campsite! Get your little camper ready for your next camping trip. Your toddler will explore their favorite campsite and all the fun outdoor activities that come with it, like hiking and swimming. They’ll even find chipmunks, frogs, and fireflies! Roasted marshmallows by the campfire included! This book is the perfect gift for little campers everywhere, for birthdays, baby showers, housewarming and going away parties. With the Good Night Our World series, toddlers and preschool-age kids can build listening and memory skills by identifying famous landmarks and the distinct character of real places. Perfect for bedtime or naptime, reading simple, soothing phrases to your infant, toddler or preschooler will help them fall gently to sleep. Our readers love that their child will pick a favorite portion of the story to read along with you, and on top of that, these classic board books were built to last! Made from thick paperboard construction, it was designed with your kids in mind.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 715 votes, reviews

Adam Gamble

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Wild

Nature Lovers, Environment

"You cannot tame something so happily wild." In this beautiful picture book by Emily Hughes, we meet a little girl who has known nothing but nature from birth—she was taught to talk by birds, to eat by bears, and to play by foxes. She is unashamedly, irrefutably, irrepressibly wild. That is, until she is snared by some very strange animals that look oddly like her, but they don't talk right, eat right, or play correctly. She's puzzled by their behavior and their insistence on living in these strange concrete structures: there's no green here, no animals, no trees, no rivers. Now she lives in the comfort of civilization. But will civilization get comfortable with her? In her debut picture book, Hughes brings an uncanny humor to her painterly illustrations. Her work is awash with color, atmosphere, and a stunning visual splendor that will enchant children while indulging their wilder tendencies. Wild is a twenty-first-century answer to Maurice Sendak's children's classic—it has the same inventiveness, groundbreaking art, and unmissable quirkiness.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 710 votes, reviews

Emily Hughes

Good Night Beach

Ocean, Bedtime

Grab your beach ball, your towel, and discover what the beach has to offer! The beach is just waiting for your family to explore. Your toddler will discover a day of building sandcastles by the ocean, boating, swimming, exploring the seashore, waves, tidal pools, surfing, fishing, snorkeling, crabs, seagulls, picnics, campfires, sunsets, and much more. This book is the perfect gift for little beach adventurers everywhere, for birthdays, baby showers, housewarming and going away parties.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 560 votes, reviews

Adam Gamble

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You Are Stardust

Nature Lovers, Mindfulness

You Are Stardust begins by introducing the idea that every tiny atom in our bodies came from a star that exploded long before we were born. From its opening pages, the book suggests that we are intimately connected to the natural world; it compares the way we learn to speak to the way baby birds learn to sing, and the growth of human bodies to the growth of forests. Award-winning author Elin Kelsey — along with a number of concerned parents and educators around the world — believes children are losing touch with nature. This innovative picture book aims to reintroduce children to their innate relationship with the world around them by sharing many of the surprising ways that we are all connected to the natural world. Grounded in current science, this extraordinary picture book provides opportunities for children to use their imaginations and wonder about some big ideas. Soyeon Kim’s incredible diorama art enhances the poetic text, and her creative process is explored in full on the reverse side of the book’s jacket, which features comments from the artist. Young readers will want to pore over each page of this book, exploring the detailed artwork and pondering the message of the text, excited to find out just how connected to the Earth they really are.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 554 votes, reviews

Elin Kelsey

Plant the Tiny Seed

Nature Lovers, Interactive

How do you make a garden grow? In this playful companion to the popular Tap the Magic Tree and Touch the Brightest Star, you will see how tiny seeds bloom into beautiful flowers. And by tapping, clapping, waving, and more, young readers can join in the action! Christie Matheson masterfully combines the wonder of the natural world with the interactivity of reading. Now available as a board book—perfect for tiny hands. Beautiful collage-and-watercolor art follows the seed through its entire life cycle, as it grows into a zinnia in a garden full of buzzing bees, curious hummingbirds, and colorful butterflies. Children engage with the book as they wiggle their fingers to water the seeds, clap to make the sun shine after rain, and shoo away a hungry snail. Appropriate for even the youngest child, Plant the Tiny Seed is never the same book twice—no matter how many times you read it! And for curious young nature lovers, a page of facts about seeds, flowers, and the insects and animals featured in the book is included at the end. Fans of Eric Carle, Lois Ehlert, and Press Herewill find their next favorite book in Plant the Tiny Seed.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 547 votes, reviews

Christie Matheson

Outside In

Caldecott Medal, Nature Lovers, Thinking Big

From the New York Times best-selling author behind The Quiet Book comes a mindful contemplation on the many ways nature affects our everyday lives, even when we're stuck inside. Five starred reviews! Perfect for fans of Joyce Sidman and Julie Fogliano, Outside In reminds emerging readers of the ways nature creates and touches our lives in homes, apartments, and cars, and is the perfect homeschooling tool to reflect on the world's connectedness. Outside is waiting, the most patient playmate of all. The most generous friend. The most miraculous inventor. This thought-provoking picture book poetically underscores our powerful and enduring connection with nature, not so easily obscured by lives spent indoors. Rhythmic, powerful language shows us how our world is made and the many ways Outside comes in to help and heal us, and reminds us that we are all part of a much greater universe. Emotive illustrations evoke the beauty, simplicity, and wonder that await us all . . . outside.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 407 votes, reviews

Deborah Underwood

Hello Honeybees

Nature Lovers

Unique board book transforms into a stand-up beehive! Fly the bees through the story and play along in the hive: The youngest nature lovers will adore this ingenious board book that transforms into a stand-up beehive! Simply "fly" the two bee characters–attached to board book with ribbons–through the beautifully illustrated pages to visit a garden, tour the beehive, and see how honey is made. Full of playful and informative touches, this book is a sweet introduction to the hardworking honeybee that will have young readers buzzing to learn more. "A great educational book that explains what honeybees do." –Book Riot Fun and interactive book families can enjoy together Author Hannah Rogge has written many craft titles and journals, and illustrator Emily Dove is a certified naturalist. Fans of We Are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines with love moving the bees through the stand-up hive in Hello Honeybees. Fun, interactive and educational introduction to the hardworking honeybee. Interactive, fun, and engaging Great family time book Books for kids ages 3-5 Children's books for grades Preschool and up
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 377 votes, reviews

Hannah Rogge

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A Tree Is Nice

Caldecott Medal, Nature Lovers

“A radiant and buoyant picture book.” —The Horn Book A Tree Is Nice is a classic tale about the beauty of the everyday world. "Simont's watercolors perfectly complement the poetic simplicity of the text, allowing the reader room to engage in his or her own imaginative embroiderings about trees" (Children's Books and Their Creators). Trees are beautiful. They fill up the sky. If you have a tree, you can climb up its trunk, roll in its leaves, or hang a swing from one of its limbs. Cows and babies can nap in the shade of a tree. Birds can make nests in the branches. A tree is good to have around. A tree is nice.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 356 votes, reviews

Janice May Udry

Over in the Meadow

Counting, Nature Lovers

A little turtle, two little fish, three little bluebirds, four little muskrats, five little honeybees, six little crows, seven little crickets, eight little lizards, nine little frogs, and ten little fireflies all do what their mothers ask.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 355 votes, reviews

Olive A. Wadsworth

Secret Garden (BabyLit)

Nature Lovers, Gardening

As seen in the New York Times “Will delight bookish babes of all ages.” ―COOL MOM PICKS “The simplicity of these books is its genius.” ―KID LIT REVIEWS BabyLit® is a fashionable way to introduce your toddler to the world of classic literature. With clever, simple text by Jennifer Adams, paired with stylish design and illustrations by Sugar’s Alison Oliver, these books are a must for every savvy parent’s nursery library.
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 303 votes, reviews

Jennifer Adams

Tall Tall Tree

Nature Lovers

Tall Tall Tree is a tribute to the last remaining old-growth redwood forests that stand along the northern Californian coast. The perfect forest book for kids, Tall Tall Tree includes accurate scientific information about redwood trees and the habitat they create, making this book important for young readers at home and in the classroom. Tall Tall Tree is the perfect California book for kids eager to learn about the state and its surrounding environment. With its counting format and rhyming text, this book doubles as a counting book for kids and young readers. There's a world teeming with life that very few people ever see. Take a peek at some of the animals that make their home in a Tall Tall Tree―a magnificent coast redwood. Count the animals, one through ten―chipmunks chattering, bats roosting, slugs sliding, and many more. Tony Frederick's playful rhyme makes this a book young children will want to look at and listen to again and again, while early readers will enjoy reading it on their own. The turn of every page reveals a unique perspective on the redwood's many moods, illustrated with Chad Wallace's stunning colors. Enriching STEAM activities complement the content. Come discover and explore this wild and magic world!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 277 votes, reviews

Anthony D. Fredericks

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The Big Snow

Nature Lovers, Caldecott Medal

When the geese begin to fly south, the leaves flutter down from the trees and the cold winds begin to blow from the north, the animals of the woods and meadows, big and small, prepare for the long, cold winter ahead when the countryside is hidden under a deep blanket of snow. They gather food and look for warm, snug places in the ground, trees, caves or thickets, where they can find protection against the icy winds. It might have been hard for the birds and animals of the hillside to survive when the Big Snow came if their good friends, who lived in the little stone house, had not remembered to put food out for them. Here, in many beautiful pictures, the Haders show how winter comes to the woodland as the busy animals make their preparations.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 272 votes, reviews

Berta Hader

I Love the Mountains

Nature Lovers, Pacific Northwest

Boom-dee-ah-da, Boom-dee-ah-da, Boom boom boom! I love the mountains, I love the rolling hills, I love the flowers, I love the daffodils, I love the fireside, when all the lights are low, Boom-dee-ah-da, Boom-dee-ah-da, Boom-dee-ah-da, Boom-dee-ah-da… Take a walk in the mountains and sing this rollicking song, whether for you it’s a beloved campfire tradition or a brand new rhyme. Little ones will love the bouncing melody and the Meyers’ adorable illustrations, and parents will love the nostalgia of simpler times and summer camp songs.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 246 votes, reviews

Haily Meyers

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Mrs. Peanuckle's Hiking Alphabet

Camping, Alphabet

With playful text, bright illustrations, and sturdy pages, Mrs. Peanuckle's alphabet books will engage toddlers, and take them on an alphabet adventure through the natural world! Explore the wondrous world of hiking while learning the ABCs with Mrs. Peanuckle! Mrs. Peanuckle takes on the outdoors and shares all her favorite animals, plants, and more in her latest tour of the ABCs! From A to Z, Mrs. Peanuckle introduces toddlers to 26 different natural-world experiences. With bold, colorful pages, strong graphic art, and exciting design, these simple nature words are sure to be a hit with budding hikers and curious young scientists.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 239 votes, reviews

Mrs. Peanuckle

In the Tall, Tall Grass

Nature Lovers, Perspective

If you were a fuzzy caterpillar crawling through the tall, tall grass on a sunny afternoon, what would you see? To find out, just follow the tiny tour guide as he inches his way through the pages of this book. You'll see ants and bees and birds--hip-hopping bunnies too. You'll even hear the sounds some of them make. Crunch, munch, caterpillars lunch... Crack, snap, wings flap... Beginning as the sun is high in the sky and ending as fireflies blink and the moon rises above, this backyard tour is one no child will want to miss.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 236 votes, reviews

Denise Fleming

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Crazy About Cats

Nature Lovers

Did you know that the fishing cat has partially webbed paws for catching fish? Or that pumas can leap over 15 feet into trees? There are roughly 38 species of cats today, each one superbly adapted to their environment - whether that be in the rainforest or the desert!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 234 votes, reviews

Owen Davey

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How Does an Egg Hatch?

Nature Lovers

Learn how an egg becomes a baby chick with Eric Carle's classic artwork! In this nonfiction story, young readers explore the transformation of an egg into a chick. The miracles of nature come to life in this early-learning series centered around life cycles, featuring simple text and Eric Carle's classic illustrations!
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 215 votes, reviews

Eric Carle

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Hot Dog

Emotions, Caldecott Medal, NY Times Best Sellers, Nature Lovers

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • WINNER OF THE 2023 CALDECOTT MEDAL • This glowing and playful picture book features an overheated—and overwhelmed—pup who finds his calm with some sea, sand, and fresh air. Destined to become a classic! This hot dog has had enough of summer in the city! Enough of sizzling sidewalks, enough of wailing sirens, enough of people's feet right in his face. When he plops down in the middle of a crosswalk, his owner endeavors to get him the breath of fresh air he needs. She hails a taxi, hops a train, and ferries out to the beach. Here, a pup can run! With fluid art and lyrical text that have the soothing effect of waves on sand, award-winning author Doug Salati shows us how to find calm and carry it back with us so we can appreciate the small joys in a day.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 182 votes, reviews

Doug Salati

Hiking Day

Nature Lovers

Beloved author Anne Rockwell celebrates nature and the outdoors with a gorgeous new picture book about a child’s first mountain hike! A young girl and her family go hiking up a nearby mountain for the very first time. As they climb up and up the path, they see everything from a friendly toad to a prickly porcupine, tall leafy trees to tiny red berries. Anne Rockwell and her daughter, artist Lizzy Rockwell, celebrate a day the little girl will never forget, especially when she reaches the mountain’s summit. With simple, lyrical text and bright illustrations that jump off the page, Hiking Day brings the joys of spending an afternoon outdoors to life.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 175 votes, reviews

Anne Rockwell

Have You Ever Seen a Flower?

Caldecott Medal, Nature

This enchanting picture book explores the relationship between childhood and nature. In this simple yet profound story, one child experiences a flower with all five senses—from its color to its fragrance to the entire universe it evokes—revealing how a single flower can expand one's perspective in incredible ways. CELEBRATION OF NATURE: Full of bright, stunning illustrations, Have You Ever Seen a Flower? reminds readers of all ages to appreciate the beauty of the world. INCREDIBLE TALENT: Have You Ever Seen a Flower? is the authorial debut of award-winning illustrator Shawn Harris. His previous illustrated books have garnered multiple awards and starred reviews, including Her Right Foot and What Can a Citizen Do (both by Dave Eggers), Everyone’s Awake by Colin Meloy, and A Polar Bear in the Snow by Mac Barnett. CRITICS LOVE IT: This award-winning book has received praise from numerous esteemed publications. Highlights include: "[A] stunning tour de force."—The New York Times "The pictures have a rich visual texture, vibrant color, and a naive style, which together imply a child as ostensible artist. This effect is well aligned with the playfully inquisitive text, with rhythm and repetition akin to books by Margaret Wise Brown and Ruth Krauss. . . . Have you ever seen a book quite like this? Not likely."—The Horn Book Magazine
average rating is 4.4 out of 5, based on 174 votes, reviews

Shawn Harris

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A Walk in the Forest

Nature Lovers

A charming, illustrated picture book that invites young readers to discover the woods as a place for both imaginative play and contemplation. The forest comes alive in all its mysterious glory with Maria Dek's charming watercolor images and poetic text in A Walkin the Forest. With the turn of each serenely illustrated page, young readers will follow along to collect pinecones, feathers, or stones; follow the tracks of a deer; or listen to the chirping of birds and the whisper of trees. Build a shelter and play hide-and-seek. Pretend the woods are a jungle or shout out loud to stir up the birds. This nature-themed picture book for kids will invite them on an armchair walk of discovery through the woods, showing them that in the forest, wonders await.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 173 votes, reviews

Maria Dek

Little Pumpkin

Nature Lovers

Introducing Nature Stories: Little Pumpkin a captivating and beautifully illustrated padded board book that will ignite young minds with wonder and curiosity about the mysteries of nature. Delve into the enchanting journey of a tiny seed transforming into a magnificent pumpkin through the pages of this delightful tale. Have you ever wondered about the extraordinary transformation of a minuscule seed into a majestic pumpkin? Embark on an awe-inspiring adventure as Nature Stories: Little Pumpkin unveils the captivating tale of growth and metamorphosis. With vibrant illustrations that come alive with every turn of the page, this book provides an enthralling introduction to the fascinating life cycle of pumpkins.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 163 votes, reviews

IglooBooks

Wonder Walkers

Caldecott Medal, Nature Lovers

Micha Archer's gorgeous, detailed collages give readers a fresh outlook on the splendors of nature. Cover may vary. When two curious kids embark on a "wonder walk," they let their imaginations soar as they look at the world in a whole new light. They have thought-provoking questions for everything they see: Is the sun the world's light bulb? Is dirt the world's skin? Are rivers the earth's veins? Is the wind the world breathing? I wonder . . . Young readers will wonder too, as they ponder these gorgeous pages and make all kinds of new connections. What a wonderful world indeed!
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 149 votes, reviews

Micha Archer

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We All Play

Nature Lovers, Indigenous Leads (Cree)

From Julie Flett, the beloved author and illustrator of Birdsong, comes a joyous new book about playtime for babies, toddlers, and kids up to age 7. Animals and kids love to play! This wonderful book celebrates playtime and the connection between children and the natural world. Beautiful illustrations show: birds who chase and chirp! bears who wiggle and wobble! whales who swim and squirt! owls who peek and peep! and a diverse group of kids who love to do the same, shouting: We play too! / kimêtawânaw mîna At the end of the book, animals and children gently fall asleep after a fun day of playing outside, making this book a great bedtime story. A beautiful ode to the animals and humans we share our world with, We All Play belongs on every bookshelf. This book also includes: A glossary of Cree words for wild animals in the book A pronunciation guide and link to audio pronunciation recordings
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 88 votes, reviews

Julie Flett

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Little Whale

Ocean, Nature Lovers

Come along with a mother whale and her calf as they follow the path of a gray whale migration. From Jo Weaver, award-winning author-illustrator of Little One. Together, Little Whale and Gray Whale swim under midnight skies and through coral reefs teeming with life as they migrate to the cool, rich waters of the north to feed. Gray Whale gently guides her baby along the way, keeping Little Whale safe from passing ships and dangerous predators. And at long last, the echo of a whale song calls to them through icy water, and they know...they are home. With gentle text and stunning charcoal illustrations, award-winning author-illustrator Jo Weaver reveals the wonder of nature, the excitement of discovery, the pull of home, and the strength of parental love. Ideal for story time or bedtime, the book is also a wonderful complement to elementary studies on animals and oceans.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 65 votes, reviews

Jo Weaver

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Berry Song

Nature Lovers, Gratitude, Caldecott Medal

Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade's first self-authored picture book is a gorgeous celebration of the land she knows well and the powerful wisdom of elders. On an island at the edge of a wide, wild sea, a girl and her grandmother gather gifts from the earth. Salmon from the stream, herring eggs from the ocean, and in the forest, a world of berries. Salmonberry, Cloudberry, Blueberry, Nagoonberry. Huckleberry, Snowberry, Strawberry, Crowberry. Through the seasons, they sing to the land as the land sings to them. Brimming with joy and gratitude, in every step of their journey, they forge a deeper kinship with both the earth and the generations that came before, joining in the song that connects us all. Michaela Goade's luminous rendering of water and forest, berries and jams glows with her love of the land and offers an invitation to readers to deepen their own relationship with the earth.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 56 votes, reviews

Michaela Goade

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All Around Us

Nature Lovers, Indigenous Leads

Grandpa says circles are all around us. He points to the rainbow that rises high in the sky after a thundercloud has come. "Can you see? That's only half of the circle. That rest of it is down below, in the earth." He and his granddaughter meditate on gardens and seeds, on circles seen and unseen, inside and outside us, on where our bodies come from and where they return to. They share and create family traditions in this stunning exploration of the cycles of life and nature.
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 48 votes, reviews

Xelena Gonzalez

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Flip-a-Feather

Nature Lovers

Flip and flop heads, tails, and bodies to make 1,000 remarkable birds! From the best-selling illustrator of Mix-a-Mutt, Flip-o-saurus, and Flip-o-storic comes another book with charming artwork and die-cut pages for mix-and-match fun―this time with birds! Flip-a-Feather lets you create wacky combinations of ten types of birds, including a majestic bald eagle, an eye-popping resplendent quetzal, and an inquisitive macaroni penguin. Each flap features a fun fact about the pictured species, and inside the front cover is a chart showing the relative sizes of the birds featured, from the hummingbird to the ostrich. 11 full-color spreads, cut into flaps
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 39 votes, reviews

Sara Ball

Hello, Bear!

Nature Lovers, Lift-the-Flap

Say hello to all your favorite forest animals in this bright and friendly nonfiction novelty title. Little ones will love meeting all kinds of friendly woodland creatures in this delightful lift-the-flap book. Sam Boughton’s vibrant illustrations bring facts to life with deft humor and memorable comparisons. With big flaps to lift and a fantastic double gatefold on the final spread, this book is sure to please young wilderness lovers!
average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 38 votes, reviews

Sam Boughton

Dark on Light

Nature Lovers

As the sun sets, three siblings discover nature’s nighttime beauty in this soothingly rhythmic and gorgeously illustrated bedtime picture book from the acclaimed author-illustrator team behind Green on Green. Gentle the evening. Sweeping the skies. Dark the shadows as twilight arrives. Rose the horizon, gleaming and bright. Twilight and evening and dark on light. When the family dog trots away from the house at sunset, three siblings tumble out the door to go find him. Soon they find themselves immersed in the luminous colors, shades, and shadows of nature at night—both dark and light. They wander through moonlit lavender meadows, past a timid fawn, beneath a snowy white owl, and much, much more as the night deepens until, at last, they find their sneaky pup. With beautiful illustrations by Felicita Sala and lyrical text by Dianne White that’s perfect for reading aloud, this book invites young readers to step into the wondrous, colorful nighttime natural world.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 25 votes, reviews

Dianne White

Emile and the Field

Nature Lovers

In this lyrical picture book from an award-winning poet, a young boy cherishes a neighborhood field throughout the changing seasons. With stunning illustrations and a charming text, this beautiful story celebrates a child's relationship with nature. There was a boy named Emile who fell in love with a field. It was wide and blue-- and if you could have seen it so would've you. Emile loves the field close to his home--in spring, summer, and fall, when it gives him bees and flowers, blossoms and leaves. But not as much in winter, when he has to share his beautiful, changeable field with other children...and their sleds. This relatable and lyrical ode to one boy's love for his neighborhood field celebrates how spending time in nature allows children to dream, to imagine...and even to share.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 14 votes, reviews

Kevin Young

Let's Go Camping

Nature Lovers

Families who camp can prepare for their next trip together with this nonfiction board book from the bestselling series Hello, World! A perfect gift for outdoorsy kids! Kids can learn all about the joys of camping in this cheerful and informative board book—with colors, shapes, sizes, and super-simple facts. ("Stars look brighter when you are camping because there are no other lights around.") Told in easy-to-understand terms alongside bright illustrations of tents, camper vans, gear, marshmallow roasts, and stargazing, this sturdy book makes learning easy for little ones and offers useful prompts to help adults engage with the reader on each page. It's a perfect way to bring the outside world of nature into the busy world of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, where learning never stops.
average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 12 votes, reviews

Jill McDonald

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Spring Sings for the Grouchy Ladybug

Nature Lovers

Perfect for fans of the New York Times bestseller Hugs and Kisses for The Grouchy Ladybug and 1, 2, 3 with the 10 Little Rubber Ducks! From the World of Eric Carle comes a brand-new book starring The Grouchy Ladybug,a favorite character for over 40 years. Spring Sings for The Grouchy Ladybug celebrates the new life that blossoms during spring. The animals are playing outside, the flowers are blooming, and everyone is joyous—even The Grouchy Ladybug! Eric Carle’s signature bright collage illustrations feature leaping frogs, buzzing bees, friendly turtles, singing birds, dancing butterflies, and more springtime scenes that make this is a great gift for Easter!
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 12 votes, reviews

Eric Carle

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The Wilderness

Nature Lovers, Bravery

In this gorgeously illustrated whimsical tale, a young boy who fears the outdoors becomes lost in the forest . . . and discovers not only his courage but a new friend, too. The Vasylenko family are all adventurers who love wild places and wild things. All, that is, except young Oktober. He also dreams of adventure, but it’s the kind that takes place between the pages of a book, indoors, where it’s safe and warm. Unlike the rest of his family, he dreads venturing out where it’s cold, wet, and home to a creature he calls the Wilderness. His father assures him the wilderness isn’t a monster, but out there, Oktober can only see slimy tails and sharp teeth and so many places for the terrible Wilderness to hide. One day on a hike, Oktober gets separated from his family, and because he doesn’t believe he’s brave enough to be an adventurer, he’s certain his fate is sealed. But maybe getting lost is just what Oktober needs to find courage and a new perspective . . . and an unexpected friend. With wry humor and marvelously rich and clever illustrations that readers will be happy to get lost in, Steve McCarthy’s debut as author-illustrator will speak to even the most timid and bookish of adventurers.
average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 9 votes, reviews

Steve McCarthy

Peek-A-Boo Haiku

Animals, Poetry, Lift-the-Flap

This poetic lift-the-flap board book features haikus about hidden woodland animals, plus flaps that reveal those animals! Warm breezes blowing, pond open for summer fun— slip, slide, belly ride! (Peek-a-boo, OTTER!) Each haiku in this lift-the-flap board book will have readers guessing the animal it describes—with the answer revealed under a flap on each page! With lovely text, sweet illustrations, and cute creatures, this lyrical and interactive book is a joy to read!
average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 9 votes, reviews

Danna Smith

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Build-a-Bug

Nature Lovers

Mix and match heads, thoraxes, and abdomens to make 1,000 remarkable insects! From the best-selling illustrator of Flip-a-Feather, Mix-a-Mutt, Flip-o-saurus, and Flip-o-storic comes another book with charming artwork and die-cut pages for flip-and-flop fun―this time with insects! Build-a-Bug lets you create wacky combinations of ten types of insects, including a curious beetle, a climbing caterpillar, and a buzzing honey bee. Each flap includes a fun fact about the pictured species, and inside the front cover is a chart showing the real-life sizes of the insects featured, from the ant to the praying mantis.
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 7 votes, reviews

Sara Ball

Nature at Night

Nature Lovers

Have you ever thought about what life in nature is like long after you've gone to sleep? Now you can find out! This whimsical children's book takes young readers on a unique adventure into the forest at night to see what the amazing animals within it are up to. Although night has fallen, the mood in the forest is anything but sleepy! Take a stroll in the woods at night and you'll hear crickets chirping, owls hooting, and frogs croaking. As you do, you will discover how animals find their way in the dark, why being up after sunset suits them, whether wolves really howl at the moon, a badger's sharpest sense, how deer communicate over distance, and much more. Featuring stunning illustrations, educational captions, vocabulary words, cut-out accents, and hidden chambers to explore, each turn of the page reveals another new stunning secret of nature that will keep toddlers engaged and delighted.
average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 2 votes, reviews

Lenka Chytilova

Nature Lovers

meaningful additions

Children learn and hear more than we think.  Books provide context for new and potentially confusing topics, and give caregivers a way to approach complex topics.

Balanced Rocks
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