Classic Books to Make Your Kids Fall in Love with Nature

In these classic books, exceptional illustrations and simple, clear words make these books burst with information about the natural world.

After reading one of these classics, take your kids on a nature walk and see how much more engaged with and observant they are to the natural world around them.

Enid Blyton’s Nature Lover’s Book

This classic was originally published in 1944 and has stood the test of time. The current hardcover edition was published in November of 2008. It’s a collection of poems, stories and nature facts, and features three children exploring the outdoors with their uncle. They take nature walks together through the four seasons and learn to observe lifecycles of local flora and fauna. This book is a treasure of nature illustrations sprinkled with beautiful poetry. It’s a great book to share with kids of all ages. The reading level is for children aged nine through twelve.

The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night by Peter Spier

First published in 1961, this book won the Caldecott Award for illustrations. It was re-issued in 2014 in colorized form. Based on an American folksong of the same title, it pictures a New England town and the fox that is searching for a night-time meal. It’s a truly whimsical and lovely book.

The Field and Forest Handy Book by Dan Beard

Subtitled Things To Do in the Forest, this book was written in 1906 and focuses on hands-on projects for outdoor play and learning. Kids will learn how to build things, collect things, grow things and play outdoor games. Both boys and girls will enjoy learning how to make a clay oven and cook Log Cabin Stew. They’ll learn how to build a shelter and make their own rope. They’ll learn how to send signals and build a simple boat. This classic book encourages self-sufficiency and independence and a true love of the outdoors.

Little Golden Book: Wonders of Nature by Eloise Wilkins

We all remember the classic Golden Books of the 50s. This book, published in 1957, features realistic artwork of pond life, sea life, and everything from seeds to caterpillars. It is geared to children aged three to seven. The appealing illustrations will captivate your children and encourage them to get outdoors and experience nature for themselves.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

This gorgeous book won the Caldecott Award for illustrations in 1962. Young Peter puts on his red snowsuit and explores the magical world after winter’s first snowfall. Geared for children aged three to eight, this classic book on the wonders of nature is a favorite.

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen

This book is a bit newer, having been published in 1987. In 1988 it won the Caldecott Award for illustrations. This is the story of a young girl on her first owl hunt at night with her father. She has to be quiet. She has to be able to walk through the snow and watch as her father makes the sound of the Great Horned Owl and waits for its echoing call. Will they see the owl by the light of the moon in this starkly beautiful countryside adventure?

Reading quality nature literature is a wonderful way to expose your kids to the wonders of nature. And these books have stood the test of time.