Books for Nurturing Nature Loving Littles
Whether you are interested in books for your own children, or gift ideas for the kiddos in your life, save this blog for ideas! Bryana and Amanda compiled a list of our favorite books (so far!) for nurturing nature-loving littles.
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Board Books
Oslo enjoying I am a Bunny by Richard Scarry last summer.
Forest Baby by Laurie Elmquist
From Bryana: This short little book features an adventurous mama experiencing outdoor bonding-time with her baby. Beautifully simple artwork and text that emphasizes mindfulness in the outdoors. Reading it makes me excited to bring my baby out into the wild and create special moments with him.
I am a Bunny by Richard Scarry
From Amanda: Vivid images of Nicholas the rabbit throughout the four seasons will help your kiddo connect to the idea of seasonality. The bright colors captured Oslo’s attention right away, it has remained one of his favorites to page through.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Helen Oxenbury and Michael Rosen
From Bryana: This longer board book has held Graham’s attention for a surprisingly long-time now. He loves the photos, the pace of the book, and the fun noises the reader makes mimicking the journey (i.e. Swishy swashy, swishy swashy). When we are out on hikes, we sing the “bear hunt” song and it’s familiar and fun as we trapse along a trail.
Goodnight Loon by Abe Sauer ad Nathaniel Davauer
From Amanda: I’ve read this book to Oslo almost every night since he was born. Everything with love about Goodnight Moon but with a Minnesota twist.
1-2-3 Ice Fishing by Jenny Anderson
From Bryana: Educationally accurate depictions and descriptions of Minnesota’s fish and ice fishing. MAMA bear brings her baby ice fishing (love the active and adventure-loving mama highlight). A fun flip book for baby and an opportunity to practice counting.
LIttle Owl’s Night by Divya Srinivasan
From Bryana: We love this book as a family. A sweet little story of a young owl wondering about the nature of nighttime and daytime. There are other books in the series too! Such as “Little Owl’s Snow”.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
From Bryana: A classic book that celebrates good ol’ fashion snow day fun. This book highlights the simple pleasures of a fresh snow, and how one can entertain themselves in the white stuff without anything fancy or elaborate. Highlights a boy of color as the main character, and the day spent outside is in a city, which is a nice contrast experience from our northwoods, country life.
On the Mountain by Maurice pledger
From Amanda: A touch and feel book following a playful game of hide and seek.
Graham loves to interact with the images and flip-up features in 1-2-3 Ice Fishing by Jenny Anderson.
Paper Page Books
Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv
From Bryana and Amanda: This one is for the parents! A must-read for every outdoor educator, and perhaps the same can be said for outdoor-loving parents. This book brings about interesting viewpoints on the way our norms around nature play have shifted. It also brings up interesting thoughts on how one can intentionally work to create more nature-based play and connection to the outdoors for their child.
One Summer Up North by Illustrator John Owens
From Amanda: This book… be still my heart. The perfect gift for any family that loves the BWCA. This book has no text, allowing the parent and child to make up their own story as a family travels through the BWCA. The images are vivid, vibrant, and spectacularly accurate. White Pines loom above the treeline on distant shores, rocky shores define the campsites, three large logs pulled around a fire pit, and a family dealing with a rainy day are just a few of the things I love about this book.
One Frozen Lake by Deborah Jo Larson
From Amanda: Does your child accompany you on ice fishing trips? If the answer is yes, this book is for you. The incredible illustrations transport the reader to the wonder of spending hours in an ice shack with a loved one.
Up North at the Cabin by Marsha Wilson Chall
From Amanda: A must for any child that knows and loves the magic of summer days spent at a cabin.
Little Loon and Papa by Toni Buzzeo
From Amanda: Well, you know us. We are suckers for anything to do with loons. This adorable story will introduce you and your child to some loon behaviors, as well as create an inspiring story about trying new things!
Wake Up Island by Mary Casanova
From Amanda: Gently invite your kiddo to start the day by conjuring up the sights and sounds of morning at a cozy cabin in northern Minnesota. This book invokes feelings of joy and wonder as we move through a quiet morning and prepare for a bright summer day.
We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell
From Amanda: This award winning book is a treasure for your bookshelf. The title of the book, otsaliheliga, is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. This book takes the reader through the seasons and shares words in English and Cherokee, as well as proper pronunciation of the Cherokee words. This book is a beautiful introduction to the Cherokee Nation and fun to read with your little.
Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal
From Bryana: Beautiful artworks and descriptions of the fascinating and intricate ecosystem that is in a pond. Helps parents and children get curious about the “little things” (i.e. bugs and muck). Main characters in the artwork emphasize women and people of color in the outdoors. Mama is a main character in the outdoor world! There are also three other “Over and Under” books and I can’t wait to read them all! “Up in the Garden, Down in the Dirt” is one that I do have and also really love as we prepare for Spring and gardening season!
We are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom
From Amanda: This book is inspired by the many Indigenous led movements to protect Earth’s water. With a copper-nickel mine threatening the BWCA, this book is relevant and the message urgent. The illustrations are whimsical, enchanting, and imaginative. The Ojibwe/Métis author and Tlingit artist bring this beautiful narrative to life.
