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Reading is such an important part of our routine with our boys. It’s been a wonderful way to share our love of gardening, adventure and the outdoors. We’re able to expose them to new concepts and ideas, and a good book is almost always the backdrop to some of our deepest conversations with our kids. I’m always amazed by what they notice and ask questions about when reading a good book. As I’ve said before, one of my goals is to make gardening and the outdoors accessible to our boys, and books is one of my many tools. Below is a list of some of our favorite picture books to share our love of the outdoors.
Favorite children’s books that celebrate gardening and nature.
Check out the picture books below at your local library or pair with a thoughtful gift for the little ones in your life.
Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall, illustrated by Barbara Cooney
I am a sucker for anything Barbara Cooney has illustrated. Ox-Cart Man tells the story of a farming family in the early 19th Century. Everything they grow and produce that’s leftover is taken to Portsmouth Market each year. Our copy is well worn, and when the Ox-Cart man kisses his ox goodbye on the nose, our boys love to follow suit and kiss the page. A great book to highlight the many conveniences of today and the blessings of hard work.
If you Plant a Seed written and illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Beautifully illustrated, If You Plant a Seed, has a deeper message about kindness and sharing. Our youngest loves to point out the birds throughout the pages, and our oldest loves to look at all the plants and identify what’s growing in the garden. I like to think a beautiful message about community is growing within them as well.
Miss Rumphius written and illustrated by Barbara Cooney
One of my favorites from my own childhood. Miss Rumphius is an independent and adventurous woman. After touring the world as an adult, she remembers her promise to her grandfather to make the world more beautiful. I dare you to look at a lupine without thinking of Miss Rumphius after reading this book.
Sleep Tight Farm by Eugenie Doyle, illustrated by Becca Stadtlander
Although the twinkling of Christmas lights and snow is mentioned on the last pages of this book, I leave it out on our book shelf year round because it is just so sweet. Sleep Tight Farm shares the many chores a farming family performs while preparing the farm for winter. “Many hands make work light” is a saying this Mama can get behind.
Harlem Grown by Tony Hillery, illustrated by Jessie Hartland
Harlem Grown is a wonderful story about an old abandoned lot in Harlem that gets converted to a community garden. Anyone who has ever thought to hand over a raised bed or planter to their little one, should check out this book. The beautiful intersection of community and gardening are celebrated in Harlem Grown.
Some Bugs by Angela DiTerlizzi, illustrated by Brendan Wenzel
Our youngest loved this board book so much, he tried eating it. Some Bugs is a wonderful introduction to our garden friends for our youngest readers. Spot the ladybug as she crawls through the garden and watches insects buzz, hop, build, and glide.
All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Marla Frazee
All the World is near and dear to my heart. I think I read this book almost every day to my oldest during his first year. The narrative is poetic, almost lyrical, and features a full day in a small coastal community. Share the themes of togetherness, unity, and nature with the little ones in your life with All the World.
Berenstain Bears and the Prize Pumpkin by Stan and Jan Berenstain
The Prize Pumpkin is such a fun nostalgic book for our family that highlights the great care and excitement that goes into our home gardens. The story follows Papa Bear’s attempt at taking the title of Prize Pumpkin from Farmer Ben. True to Berenstain Bears-form, Papa Bear gets a little carried away and Mama Bear is there to remind everyone of the beautiful lessons of thanksgiving.
The Story of the Root Children by Sibylle von Olfers
Every year when the daffodils and snowdrops start peaking out from the earth, we pull out The Story of the Root Children. This is a wonderfully creative old story about Mother Earth preparing her little ones for the changing seasons. The procession of Root Children bounding out during the Spring reads like a crescendo in this wonderful book that celebrates Spring.
Exploring Nature, Activity Book for Kids by Kim Andrews
We added this activity book in our eldest’s Easter Basket this year. A fun activity book with creative experiments and observations. A great way to excite the curious scientist within our children.
Don’t see your favorite on here? Leave a suggestion for our next library run in the comments below.
Mud Pies and Peonies 