Here is my list of must read kids nature books. These are some of my favorites along with some all time classics that should be in every parents home library.
One of my favorite pastimes was reading stories to my kids when they were little. There is nothing quite as nice as snuggling up to your child and reading a story that you’ve read together many times. They love hearing it read again and again. Personally, I love a good story, especially one that also happens to be a good, positive nature book for kids.
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The List Of 10 Must Read Kids Nature Books
Before I started compiling this list of kids nature books I assumed it would be easy, but I was surprised. It turned out to be harder than I though to find good books that are not too technical, but still provide enough good info. Also, I wanted to only list off books that are actually fun to read and have nice drawings or paintings.
All of these books meet my criteria and are excellent books that parents can read to their kids.
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss – This is one of the all time classics that is a fun story full of colorful photos along with a great theme. I love reading this book (more so than watching the movie).
Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots by Carmela Coyle – I loved reading this book to my daughter when she was young. This story is all about a little girl that loves exploring the outdoors and has all kinds of questions about what Princesses wear.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle – As a kid this was one of my all time favorite books. I just love the colorful images and the style of this book. This one always got my imagination running wild.
The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle – This is yet another beautifully illustrated book that follows a seed. It shows the perilous journey all seeds must travel in their quest to grow into a new flower.
Island: A Story Of The Galapagos by Jason Chin – This is a beautiful book that tells the story of the Galapagos islands. Chin does a great job of explaining the mystery of the animals on this island, such as how they became so unique. This book is a bit complex for little kids, but has beautiful images.
Animals Born Alive And Well by Ruth Heller – This is a book that was given to my kids from a friend. They loved to look through it. It is full of wonderful drawings of a huge variety of animals. This book does a great job introducing young kids to all the different kinds of animals in the world and stoke their imagination for the natural world.
Baby Beluga (Raffi Songs To Read) by Raffia – This book accompanies a popular song by Raffi about a little white whale. The images in this book are fantastic, showing the journey of a baby beluga whale in the ocean.
Panda Bear Panda Bear What Do You See? By Bill Martin Jr. – This is one of a series of fantastic books for little kids. There is not much text, but the images are fun and it teaches kids about many endangered species. My kids loved reading these books when they were young!
Why Should I Recycle by Jen Green – This is one of a series of four books that in a fun story teaches children some important things. This particular book shows kids all about about the importance of recycling.
10 Things I Can Do To Help My World by Melanie Walsh – I never read this book as a kid, but this is a very good book to teach kids what they can do to help the world. This book is full of fun illustrations that give ten simple things kids can do, such as turning off the water when they are brushing their teeth.