For kids captivated by the great outdoors, we’ve curated a collection of incredible non-fiction that will inspire adventure and deepen their connection to the natural world. But that’s not all – I’ve also included a selection of books for parents, caregivers and educators packed with inspiration, motivation, tools and ideas to help encourage children to explore the wonders of nature.
These pages don’t just inform – they ignite the senses. Through real-life tales of exploration and immersive glimpses into the workings of nature, your young readers will be transported to faraway landscapes, encouraged to step outside, and empowered to become environmental stewards.
From thrilling wildlife encounters to hands-on activity guides, this diverse selection has something to capture the imagination of every curious child. Prepare to be awed, educated, and inspired as you embark on these literary adventures together.
Unlock the door to a world of wonder – these books are your passport to endless discovery. Get ready to foster a lifelong love of nature in your little explorers and the grown-ups who guide them.
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I’ve included books from the following categories:
- books for the young naturalist (ages 2-10+)
- adventure and survival stories (ages 5-12+)
- outdoor activity books (ages 1-12+)
- resources for parents, caregivers and educators
I hope you find a favorite (or many favorites) among them!
NATURALIST BOOKS (non-fiction nature books for kids)
learn about nature
ages 2+
How Does a Seed Sprout?: Life Cycles with The Very Hungry Caterpillar | Eric Carle | ages 1-3 – In this informative yet playful book, young readers explore the life cycle of a seed, following its journey from being planted to sprouting into a plant, with the familiar touch of The Very Hungry Caterpillar characters. With Eric Carle’s signature vibrant illustrations, it introduces children to the wonders of nature and growth in an engaging way.
What Do They Do With All That Poo? | Jane Kurtz | ages 2-6 – This humorous and informative book explores the fascinating world of animal waste, explaining how different animals handle their droppings and what happens to it in nature. With engaging facts and fun illustrations, it provides an entertaining look at an often-overlooked aspect of the animal kingdom.
The Backyard Bug Book for Kids | Lauren Davidson | ages 3-5 – With a story, rhymes, photographs, fun facts and activities, this book is a great introduction into the world of insects.
The Lost Words | Robert MacFarlane | ages 3-adult – This book has been described as making a stand against the disappearance of wild childhood, in response to 40+ nature-related words being removed from the Oxford Junior Dictionary. “Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris set out to make a “spell book” that will conjure back twenty of these lost words, and the beings they name, from acorn to wren. By the magic of word and paint, they sought to summon these words again into the voices, stories, and dreams of children and adults alike, and to celebrate the wonder and importance of everyday nature. “
Strange Trees and the Stories Behind Them | Bernadette Pourquié | ages 3-6 – This captivating book uncovers the intriguing stories behind some of the world’s most unusual trees, exploring their history, mythology, and unique features. With vivid illustrations and fascinating facts, it offers readers a deeper appreciation for these extraordinary natural wonders.
Cuddly Critters for Little Geniuses (Big Words for Little Geniuses) | Susan Patterson | ages 3-6 – This charming book introduces young readers to adorable animals while teaching them big, important words in a fun and accessible way. With playful rhymes and colorful illustrations, it helps children expand their vocabulary while exploring the animal kingdom.
How to Survive as a Shark | Kristen Foote | ages 3-8 – This fun and informative book offers a playful guide to surviving as a shark, covering everything from hunting techniques to navigating the ocean’s challenges. With vibrant illustrations and a lighthearted tone, it combines humor with fascinating facts about one of the ocean’s most incredible predators.
Actual Size | Steve Jenkins | ages 3-8 – This beautiful book helps put animals’ sizes into perspective, showing them (or parts of them) in their actual size. Going beyond simple descriptions and measurements, it shows kids images that they can compare to their own hands and their own eyes, or compare the size of one creature to another.
The Bee Book – Charlotte Milner | ages 3-8 – This book teaches kids all about bees, their importance, and what we can do to help reverse their decline. Through the beautiful graphics and text, readers will learn about bees, beekeeping, pollination, making honey, and so much more. If you enjoy this one, don’t miss Milner’s The Bat Book and The Sea Book, both of which also focus on conservation.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees | Jen Green | ages 3-9 — This book helps kids learn all about trees: their different types, where they are found, their role in the natural world, how they communicate, how they grow, the role they play in our lives and the role we play in theirs… and so much more.
Follow the Flyway: The Marvel of Bird Migration | Sara Nelson | ages 3-9 – This captivating book takes readers on a journey along the migratory paths of birds, exploring the incredible distances and challenges they face during their travels. With engaging illustrations and fascinating facts, it highlights the wonders of bird migration and the natural marvels behind it.
Big Book of the Blue | Yuval Zommer | ages 2-5 – A beautiful book for the budding oceanographer, this book explores the underwater world. It is chock-full of interesting facts and beautiful illustrations.
The Big Book of Bugs | Yuval Zommer | ages 3-5 – Of particular interest to budding entomologists, this beautiful book explores the world of “creepy-crawlies” and brings into focus many interesting facts about them.
The Big Book of Beasts | Yuval Zommer | ages 2-7 – This book teaches kids about some of the most fascinating animals from around the world in a beautiful series of illustrations and interesting facts.
The Big Book of Blooms | Yuval Zommer | ages 3-7 – Learn all about some of the incredible flowering plants from around the world, as well as information about botany, habitats and conservation.
The Big Book of Birds | Yuval Zommer | ages 4-7 – A beautiful book for budding ornithologists, this book highlights incredible birds from around the world and teaches us many interesting facts about them.
A Nest is Noisy | Dianna Hutts Aston | ages 4-8 – From the tiny nest of a bee hummingbird to the much larger nests of orangutans in the rainforest canopy, this book teaches kids about a variety of nests. Through the beautiful illustrations, they see how nests differ in shapes, sizes, materials and locations, and all about their variety of occupants. If you enjoy this book, check out the rest in the series: An Egg Is Quiet, A Seed Is Sleepy, A Butterfly Is Patient, A Rock Is Lively, and A Beetle Is Shy, all of which also feature the beautiful artwork of illustrator Sylvia Long.
The Wonderful Wisdom of Ants | Philip Bunting | ages 4-8 – This charming book offers a playful exploration of the clever ways ants work together and solve problems, showcasing their remarkable teamwork and resourcefulness. With whimsical illustrations and simple text, it highlights the wisdom found in nature’s smallest creatures.
The Gentle Genius of Trees | Philip Bunting | ages 4-8 – This beautifully illustrated book celebrates the quiet strength and wisdom of trees, highlighting their importance in nature and the many ways they support life on Earth. Through gentle storytelling, it inspires readers to appreciate the beauty and resilience of trees in our world.
The Deep End: Real Facts about the Ocean | Drew Sheneman | ages 4-8 – This fascinating book dives into the wonders of the ocean, revealing real facts about its creatures, ecosystems, and mysteries. With captivating illustrations and engaging details, it takes readers on an adventure through the deep sea to discover the incredible life forms that call it home.
Buzz!: Being Brave Around Buzzy, Stinging Insects | Toni Buzzeo | ages 4-8 – “In simple, accessible language, [the author] describes how kids can be safe around bees, wasps, and hornets. Learn how to remain calm when you met a bee and what to do if you get stung. Discover how to watch the pollinators in your backyard safely and why they are so important to flowering plants and even kids’ favorite foods.”
Animals by the Numbers: A Book of Infographics | Steve Jenkins | ages 4-8 – This visually stunning book uses infographics to present fascinating statistics about animals, from their sizes and speeds to their lifespans and habitats. With detailed illustrations and creative layouts, it offers a fun and informative way to learn about the animal kingdom through numbers.
Octopus Escapes Again | Laurie Ellen Angus | ages 4-10 – This fun and educational story follows an octopus as it cleverly escapes from various tricky situations, showcasing its intelligence and problem-solving skills. With vibrant illustrations and a humorous tone, it highlights the octopus’s amazing abilities in a way that’s both entertaining and informative.
How to Raise Monarch Butterflies: A Step-by-Step Guide for Kids | Carol Pasternak | ages 5+ – With its detailed instructions and informative images, this guide will inspire kids to raise their own monarch butterflies. It also helps kids understand the threats that monarchs face today, and gives readers ideas for participating in their conservation (by starting a butterfly garden, for example).
Amazing Facts About Baby Animals | Maja Säfström | ages 5+ – This beautifully illustrated book shares adorable and surprising facts about baby animals, capturing their unique behaviors and characteristics. Perfect for ages 5 and up, it’s an engaging, heartwarming introduction to the animal kingdom’s youngest members.
Stink Fights, Earwax, and Other Marvelous Mammal Adaptations | Laura Perdew | ages 5-8 – Kids seem to really enjoy the subject of animal adaptations, and who can blame them with tales of weird-but-true behavior (and their explanations) across the animal world. This books is part of a series of five books exploring the concept of adaptation, each one introduced by a poem (limerick, haiku, etc.). Other titles include Water-Walking, Sidewinding, and Other Remarkable Reptile Adaptations; Antifreeze, Leaf Costumes, and Other Fabulous Fish Adaptations; Spit Nests, Puke Power, and Other Brilliant Bird Adaptations; and Sunscreen, Frogsicles, and Other Amazing Amphibian Adaptations.
The Wonders of Nature | Ben Hoare | ages 5-9 – Learn all about myths, legends, minerals, microscopic life, plants and animals. This book explores 100 “commonplace-but-incredible” items from the natural world (e.g., pumice, kelp, nautilus, mangrove, papyrus, woodpecker, echidna, pyrite, tapir). Through the book’s photographs and illustrations, up-close images and storybook descriptions, children will be enchanted by the natural world.
Trees, Leaves and Bark | Diane Burns | ages 5-9 – This informative guide introduces readers to the world of trees, teaching them how to identify different species by examining their leaves, bark, and other features. Through clear descriptions and vibrant illustrations, it encourages a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Woodland Book | Emily Bone | ages 6+ – Full of beautiful illustrations, this book introduces children to the magic of the woodland, its wildlife, plants and history. It also teaches them ways to interact with the woodland: to build shelters, to identify trees, to track animals, and much more.
Smithsonian Animal Atlas | DK | ages 6-8 – The Smithsonian Animal Atlas is an expansive exploration of the world’s animals, featuring detailed maps, fun facts, and stunning illustrations that showcase the diversity of life on Earth. It offers readers an in-depth look at where animals live, how they interact with their environments, and what makes each species unique.
Feathers: Not Just for Flying | Melissa Stewart | ages 6-9 – This informative book explores the many fascinating functions of feathers beyond flight, such as insulation, communication, and camouflage. With engaging facts and colorful illustrations, it highlights the versatility of feathers in the animal kingdom.
Redwoods | Jason Chin | ages 6-9 – In this beautifully illustrated story, a young boy discovers the wonders of redwood forests, learning about their immense size, age, and ecosystem. Perfect for ages 6-9, this book blends factual information with adventure, capturing the magic of these ancient giants.
Ages 8+
Can You Hear The Trees Talking?: Discovering the Hidden Life of the Forest | Peter Wohlleben | ages 8-10 – This book introduces kids to the science of the forest (e.g., how trees talk to each other). It also includes outdoor activities, quizzes and photographs to create an educational and immersive experience.
The Illustrated Compendium of Amazing Animal Facts | Maja Säfström | ages 8+ – This whimsical and informative book presents a collection of fascinating and quirky facts about animals, accompanied by charming illustrations. It offers a fun and engaging way to learn about the wonders of the animal kingdom, with surprising tidbits about creatures from all over the world.
Owls: Our Most Charming Bird | Matt Sewell | ages 8+ – This book is a beautifully illustrated guide introducing readers to the unique qualities of over 50 owl species, from their habits to their habitats. With engaging, playful descriptions, this book is perfect for nature-loving readers
Beavers (Superpower Field Guide) | Rachel Poliquin | ages 8-12 – This engaging guide explores the incredible abilities of beavers, from their impressive dam-building skills to their impact on ecosystems. With fun facts and vibrant illustrations, it highlights how beavers use their unique traits to thrive in the wild.
Ages 10+
Does It Fart?: The Definitive Field Guide to Animal Flatulence | Nick Caruso | ages 10+ – This humorous and informative guide explores which animals pass gas and why, making science fun and accessible for curious readers. Great for ages 10 and up, it combines fascinating facts with laughs, offering a unique look at animal biology. Check out the other books in the series: True or Poo?: The Definitive Field Guide to Filthy Animal Facts and Falsehoods and Believe It or Snot: The Definitive Field Guide to Earth’s Slimy Creatures.
The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs | Tristan Gooley | ages 12+ – This engaging guide helps readers of all ages learn to interpret natural clues in the environment—from weather patterns to animal tracks—enhancing outdoor adventures with real-world skills. Ideal for ages 12 and up, it brings traditional navigation and observation techniques to life in a fun, accessible way.
ADVENTURE BOOKS (non-fiction nature books for kids)
Up, Up, Ever Up! Junko Tabei: A Life in the Mountains | Anita Yasuda | ages 4-8 years – This inspiring biography tells the story of Junko Tabei, the first woman to climb Mount Everest, highlighting her determination, resilience, and passion for mountain climbing. Through vivid illustrations and storytelling, it captures her journey and the challenges she overcame to achieve her dreams.
The Bravest Dog Ever: The True Story of Balto | Natalie Standiford | ages 5-7 – This book tells the thrilling story of Balto, the lead log of a sled team charged with the last leg of a crucial mission: transporting medicine to sick children, through one of the worst storms ever. He needs to lead his team over 50 miles in the Alaskan wilderness, facing peril and challenges along the way, but ultimately saving the day.
How We Crossed The West: The Adventures Of Lewis And Clark | Rosalyn Schanzer | ages 5-10 – Pulling passages from their actual journals, this book tells the story of Lewis and Clark’s adventures as they headed for the Pacific. It includes letters, timelines, maps, and detailed illustrations, and introduces readers to different characters involved in the expedition (including a Newfoundland dog named Seaman) and their adventures along the way (including being chased by a grizzly bear).
Great Adventurers: The Incredible Expeditions of 20 Explorers | Alastair Humphreys | ages 7+ – This book tells the stories of 20 different explorers — men and women, known and unknown. Follow them along on their exciting adventures, learn about the gear they used, and be inspired for your own adventures.
My Antarctica | G. Neri | ages 7-10 – This book tells a poignant story of self-discovery, following a young artist as he navigates life’s challenges and finds solace in his art, set against the stark, symbolic landscape of Antarctica. Through vivid storytelling, the book explores themes of isolation, resilience, and the healing power of creativity.
Wildheart: The Daring Adventures of John Muir | Julie Bertagna | ages 8-12 – This graphic novel tells the story of John Muir, champion of the wilderness. From his adventurous childhood in Scotland to planting the roots of conservation in America, Muir’s love of nature shines through.
This Side of Wild | Gary Paulsen | ages 10+ – In this delightful collection of anecdotes, Gary Paulsen tells stories illustrating his beautiful relationship with the animals in his life. Reading of his adventures and relationship with animals, readers (especially those who love Hatchet) will be enchanted by Paulsen’s life. Middle grade kids may also enjoy his memoir Gone to the Woods, another collection of stories-behind-the-stories.
Woodsong | Gary Paulsen | ages 10-14 – In Woodsong, Gary Paulsen shares his real-life experiences with sled dogs and the harsh beauty of nature as he trains for the Iditarod race. Through vivid storytelling and introspective moments, Paulsen explores the deep bond between humans and animals and reflects on survival, courage, and respect for the wilderness.
Winterdance | Gary Paulsen | ages 14+ – In Winterdance, Gary Paulsen recounts his humorous, harrowing, and awe-inspiring experiences training for and running the Iditarod sled dog race in Alaska. With vivid storytelling and self-deprecating humor, Paulsen captures the extreme challenges of the race, his deep connection with his dogs, and his reverence for the wild.
ACTIVITY BOOKS (non-fiction nature books for kids)
It’s often helpful to have outdoor activity ideas at your fingertips when you need a dose of inspiration for outside time. These books provide a plethora of nature activities for a range of ages and locations, from a country lane to a forest trail to a city street to your own backyard.
The Nature for Toddlers Activity Book: 50 Early Learning Activities to Explore the Natural World | Jenette Restivo | ages 1-3 – This book includes many simple hands-on nature activities for little ones, including rainy day puddle stomping, rock stacking, and creating a bird feeding station.
The Kids’ Outdoor Adventure Book: 448 Great Things to Do in Nature Before You Grow Up | Stacy Tornio and Ken Keffer | ages 2-9 – Described as a “a year-round how-to activity guidebook for getting kids outdoors and exploring nature”, this book is chock full of ideas for kids of all ages, during any time of year.
Backpack Explorer: On the Nature Trail | Editors of Storey Publishing | ages 3-6 – Designed as a take-along field guide, this book will be a great companion on your next nature walk, engaging kids in hands-on learning about nature.
The Nature Adventure Book | Katie Taylor | ages 5-7 – This book includes a variety of crafts and games, divided into four sections (adventure skills, nature detective, wild art, and sensory games) and accompanied with helpful instructions and photography.
Camping Activity Book for Kids: 36 Fun Project for Your Next Outdoor Adventure | Amelia Mayer | ages 5-9 – This book is full of activity ideas for your next camping trip (even if it’s just in your own backyard). Children can work on their wilderness skills while taking on different survival challenges, and learn a lot about their surroundings when trying different outdoor activities.
The Animal Adventurer’s Guide: How to Prowl for an Owl, Make Snail Slime, and Catch a Frog Bare-Handed – 50 Activities to Get Wild with Animals | Susie Spikol | ages 5-9 – Filled with different hands-on activities, this book aims to teach kids about the wild animals around them. They can practice tracking, identifying, and finding different animals, and even participate in some citizen science.
Exploring Nature: Activity Book for Kids — 50 Creative Projects to Spark Curiosity in the Outdoors | Kim Andrews | ages 5-9 – The hands-on nature activities and crafts in this book are designed to inspire curiosity and imagination, helping kids connect with nature around them. They also encourage kids to build skills such as observation, wildlife safety, drawing and writing.
Forest School Adventure: Outdoor Skills and Play for Children | Naomi Walmsley & Dan Westall | ages 5-10 – With activities to suit a range of ages, this book combines play and skill-building to engage children outdoors, using “the woods and forests as a means to build independence and self-esteem in children”. The book is divided into four sections: bushcraft, wild food, nature awareness and games.
Ages 6+
Hiking Activity Book for Kids: 35 Fun Projects for Your Next Outdoor Adventure | Amelia Mayer | ages 6-9 – The collection of games, projects and activities in this book are sure to keep your kids fully engaged on their next outdoor adventure.
The Nature Connection: An Outdoor Workbook for Kids, Families and Classrooms | Clare Walker Leslie | ages 6-10 – Exploring with your five senses is a great way to connect with nature, and this book guides kids through different activities that help them to just that. From sketching wildlife to collecting leaves to watching birds, these activities will help encourage a lifelong love of nature.
All the Animals: How to Draw | Alli Koch | ages 6-10 – This step-by-step guide teaches young artists how to draw a variety of animals with easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips. Designed for ages 8 and up, it encourages creativity and builds drawing skills through fun, approachable techniques.
The Nature Explorer’s Drawing Guide for Kids | Brad Woodard | ages 6-12 – This guide invites young nature enthusiasts to learn drawing techniques while exploring the outdoors, covering everything from plants and animals to landscapes. With simple instructions and fun tips, it encourages kids to capture the beauty of nature through art.
Ages 8+
Turn This Book into a Beehive! and 19 other Experiments and Activities that Explain the Amazing World of Bees | Lynn Brunelle | ages 8-12 – This book is a great way for kids to learn all about the fascinating world of bees. Along with beautiful illustrations, it incorporates exercises and activities to give kids a greater understanding of bees and their importance. It also helps kids become part of the solution in the effort to protect bees and their habitats. Kids can actually turn the pages of the book into nesting tubes for native bees — incredible! Many books focus mostly on the honeybee, so it’s refreshing to see a book that highlights the importance of native bees as well.
The Young Adventurer’s Guide to (Almost) Anything: 45 Action-Packed Outdoor Activities | Ben Hewitt | ages 8-12 – This collection of step-by-step, illustrated activities will help kids learn a wide range of skills and gain confidence outdoors. From sleeping in the woods to eating bugs, escaping a bear to building a fort, there is a skill or everyone!
The Outdoor Scientist: The Wonder of Observing the Natural World | Temple Grandin | ages 8-12 – This book encourages kids to observe and inquire about the natural world around them, exploring and practicing independent thinking. Written by world-renowned scientist and autism spokesperson Temple Grandin, it introduces kids to a wide scope of the scientific world, all while maintaining a personal element and a dose of fun. Activities include skipping stones, building sandcastles, investigating migratory routes, engaging the nature-loving child and inspiring inquiry and curiosity.
The Kids’ Guide to Exploring Nature | Brooklyn Botanic Garden | ages 8-12 – This book encourages close observation of environments, teaching kids about the ecosystems of plants and animals in different locations. Children learn to identify plants and animals, keep a journal, conduct field experiments and engage all their senses.
A Girl’s Guide to the Wild: Be an Adventure-Seeking Outdoor Explorer | Ruby McConnell | ages 9-12 – In addition to inspiring stories about different outdoorswomen (historical and contemporary), this book contains a collection of activities, experiments, crafts and information that can help girls (and anyone) thrive outdoors. It aims to help build their confidence and independence outdoors through skills like first aid basics, map-reading, preparedness, and “body stuff in the wilderness”.
resources for parents, caregivers and educators: encouraging kids outdoors
How to Raise a Wild Child: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature | Scott D. Sampson
Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder | Richard Louv
Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children | Angela Hanscom
Until the Streetlights Come On: How a Return to Play Brightens Our Present and Prepares Kids for an Uncertain Future | Ginny Yurich
There’s no Such Thing as Bad Weather: A Scandinavian Mom’s Secrets for Raising Healthy, Resilient and Confident Children | Linda Åkeson McGurk
The Call of the Wild + Free: Reclaiming Wonder in Your Child’s Education | Ainsley Arment
Unplugged: 15 Steps to Disconnect from Technology and Reconnect with Nature, Yourself, Friends, and Family | Jason Runkel Sperling
Sharing Nature with Children: Nature Awareness Activities for All Ages | Joseph Cornell
Beyond the Front Door: Embracing Nature for a Happier and Healthier Family | Josée Bergeron
15 Minutes Outside: 365 Ways to Get out of the House and Connect with Your Kids | Rebecca P. Cohen
Vitamin N: 500 Ways to Enrich the Health and Happiness of Your Family and Community | Richard Louv
The Green Hour: A Daily Dose of Nature for Happier, Healthier, Smarter Kids | Todd Christopher
Naturally Inclusive: Engaging Children of All Abilities | Ruth Wilson
Home Grown: Adventures in Parenting off the Beaten Path, Unschooling, and Reconnecting with the Natural World | Ben Hewitt
Let Them Be Eaten By Bears: A Fearless Guide to Taking our Kids into the Great Outdoors | Peter Brown Hoffmeister
Nature Play at Home: Creating Outdoor Spaces that Connect Children with the Natural World | Nancy Striniste
Free-Range Kids: How to Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children (Without Going Nuts with Worry) | Lenore Skenazy
Outdoor Kids in an Inside World: Getting Your Family Out of the House and Radically Engaged with Nature | Steven Rinella
Let Them Eat Dirt: Saving Your Child from an Oversanitized World | B. Brett Finlay and Marie-Claire Arrieta
When you’re looking for non-fiction books for kids who love nature and the outdoors, keep this list handy! Books have incredible power to inspire and inform, to entertain and encourage, and nature books are no exception.
More outdoorsy gift ideas:
outdoorsy gifts for all ages and interests
- fiction books: 30+ Must-Read Fiction Books for Kids Who Love Nature and the Outdoors
- funny nature books: 30+ Irreverent and Funny Nature Books to Amuse Kids and their Parents
- non-toy gifts: Non-Toy Gift Ideas for Kids Who Love the Outdoors
- budget gifts: Gifts Under $35 for Kids Who Love Nature
- outdoor toys: 40+ Outdoor Toys That Help Any Backyard Inspire Nature Play and Adventure
- stocking stuffers: Useful Stocking Stuffers for Outdoorsy Kids (under $15)
- gifts for teens: Best Outdoor Gifts for Teens (Worthy of Their Approval)
