A Parent's Guide to the Best Nature Books for Children
In every child, there lies a spark, a natural curiosity about the world around them. Whether it’s pond dipping to discover the fascinating life cycle of the common frog, simply exploring together through your favourite woodland walk, or the faraway enchanting call of the Tawny Owl.
Research shows that children’s well-being increased after spending time regularly connecting with nature. And now, more than ever, it’s our responsibility as parents, carers, and educators to nurture that innate sense of wonder.
As Sir David Attenborough reminds us: “No one will protect what they don’t care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced.” That’s exactly where we believe children’s nature books play a vital role.
These exquisitely illustrated stories, wildlife guides, and hands-on activity books aren’t just bedtime reading, they’re invitations. Invitations to explore, question, and grow lifelong connections to protect and cherish our shared natural world. Not sure where to start? Here at Nature Bound Books we have compiled a list broken down into age groups to help inspire you to find your little one's next favourite book!
Our favourites for Toddlers and Early Years
1. Listen to the Birds by Marion Billet:
This beautiful interactive board book is a the perfect gateway to introducing little ones to five of our much-loved British birds and their unique calls. From the musical song of the blackbird to the familiar, comforting sound of the Cuckoo, each page features a simple button to press, playing high-quality, real bird sounds that bring the artwork vividly to life.
On the final page, there’s even an exciting “Look and Find” game: press the button, listen carefully together, and then point to the picture of the bird you’ve just heard.
Engaging, playful, and educational, this book is a delightful way to help children develop listening skills while connecting them to the everyday soundscape of the natural world around them.
2. Mouse's Wood by Alice Melvin:
Take a gentle stroll through the changing seasons with Mouse’s Wood, a stunningly illustrated children’s nature book by Alice Melvin. Told in delightful rhyme, this enchanting picture book follows Mouse on a year-long wander through the woodland, lifting the flaps to visit friends and discover the joys of each new month.
Perfect for bedtime reading, classroom learning, or simply exploring each season together, Mouse’s Wood is an ideal gift for little nature lovers and families who cherish the outdoors.
3. Big Outdoors for Little Explorers: Seaside by
Ages 4-7
1. A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies & Mark Hearld:
If you are looking for one of the best nature books for children to set their imagination alight, A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies is a great place to start! Winner of the English Association Picture Book Award, this timeless book truly captures the wonder of natural world. Little readers will love spotting the wildlife that inhabits each page, and encourages them to embark on their own outdoor adventures. Mark Hearld's outstanding artwork cements this as a children's classic that grows with it's reader, a thoughtful addition to any families bookshelf.
2. Time Runs Like A River by Emma Carlisle:
A highly original nature book for children between the ages of 4-7 that gently describes the passage of time through the rhythm of a river's journey. Themes such as reflection, mindfulness, and change are beautifully explored with Carlisle's dreamlike illustrations of the river's inhabitants, creating a calming and immersive experience. A children's picture book that adults will also find deeply moving, a reminder for all ages to pause, take notice, and appreciate the natural world around us.
3. Bothered by Bugs by Emily Gravett:
From twice Kate Greenaway Medal Winner Emily Gravett comes another brilliantly funny and memorable children's nature book. Pete the Badger (from Gravett's much-loved books Tidy and Too Much Stuff!) is happily picking fruit when a tiny fly begins to pester him, soon his forest home turns into a insect swarm, and so with the help of his woodland friends he captures every last bug, only to discover that nature needs its insects more than anyone realised! With hilarious rhyme and expressive illustration, this storybook is a superb way to introduce children to the idea of ecological harmony and the interdependence of all living things.
Ages 7-11
1. Wilding: How to Bring Wildlife Back - An Illustrated Guide by Isabella Tree:
A glorious gift book written by Isabella Tree, Wilding tells the remarkable story of the Knepp Estate in West Sussex and introduces younger readers to the concept of rewilding. Full of optimism and the magic of how nature heals itself when left alone, it offers an in-depth look at rewilding, featuring spotlights on native animals that have returned and thrived, including nightingales, peregrine falcons, and rare dragonfly and butterfly species. Illustrated in full colour with lino prints and watercolour from acclaimed artist Angela Harding, this beautiful book also includes easy in-garden activities to help bring back the wildlife where you live.
2. RSPB Nature Guide: Wildlife by Catherine Brereton & Kate McLelland:
Packed with fun facts, wildlife-watching tips, and hands-on activities, including how to become an animal detective, it’s the perfect companion for family walks, park adventures, or exploring the back garden. Find out about over 195 different animals, plants, and other wildlife in this engaging children’s spotter’s field guide, published in collaboration with the RSPB, the largest wildlife conservation charity in Europe. With a handy wildlife checklist to tick off along the way, The RSPB First Book of Wildlife helps children develop a deeper appreciation for the wild creatures we share our cities and towns with.
