“If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.” – Frances Hodgson Burnett
This year’s summer reading challenge 2025 is themed on adventures in nature and the great outdoors! We love books that jump into nature feet first, from magical worlds, gardening and birdwatching , to curious creatures , and exploring the outdoors. Here are 8 brilliant children’s books about nature that we love.
Evie loves bugs. And she’s fed up of having to keep up with her mums and brother on walks when she’d rather be peering under logs and examining snails. So, one day, she decides to bring the bugs inside, so she can be with them all the time. The problem is, the family is coming to stay, even fearsome Great Gran, who doesn’t stand for any nonsense. And on the day of their arrival, Evie wakes up to find her bugs have escaped . . . all over the house! What is Great Gran going to say?
– Published by Macmillan Children’s Books.
This gorgeous picture book is such a delight.
The story, Evie’s joy in bugs, the great bug escape, the way Great Gran helps to encourage her passion…. everything feels so spot on and relatable. We love the warmth and joy that sparkles in the rhyme, making this the perfect summer read after a day out exploring in the garden or further afield.
You can read our review here.
We’ve hunted for bears, elves and eggs… now we’re hunting for everyone’s favourite – unicorns! But readers will not only enjoy looking for the hiding unicorn in the pages, they’ll also learn about our world’s endangered wildlife along the way.
– Published by Owlet Press
Playful and interactive!
Little ones will love exploring each stunning page for a hidden unicorn surprise!
You can read our review here.
When Jack meets new neighbour, Enzo, from South Africa, they soon discover they love pizza, drones and also have a passion for using technology in birdwatching! As the time comes for their favourite swallows to migrate, Jack discovers then Enzo has to return home. How will they continue their friendship from other sides of the world?
-Published by Owlet Press
Heart warming!
The sweetest tale of birdwatching and friendship that will leave you smiling all the way to your heart.
My tree had been there from the beginning… and I loved it. Beautifully told and stunningly illustrated, My Tree is a story about the joy and adventure of life, the dark clouds that sometimes hang over us, and how endings can also be new beginnings This comforting picture book is uplifting, reassuring and rather like a hug – one that will keep you warm long after reading.
– Published by Scholastic.
Wow!
This story really is beautiful. It reminds me of the joy of unscheduled days, playing out in the garden, in nature, and learning how things grow. Simple, but very cleverly written, and a tad emotional too.
If there’s anything to know about Betsy Buglove, it’s that, when she’s around, no bug ever has to worry about getting in trouble. Betsy’s not afraid of sticky goo, tangled webs, or even muddy boots, no! On her sixth birthday she receives a special gift – a magic magnifying glass that allows her to speak to her fuzzy, sometimes slimy, friends. So get ready, because Betsy’s about to get some serious business done.
– Published by Scholastic
Delightful rhyme and stunning illustrations!
We love Betsy! She’s a fab lead character to show little ones the importance of kindness to nature.
Meet Tad. She’s the smallest tadpole in a big pond, and lives there with all her tadbrothers and tadsisters. Although something else lives there too… BIG BLUB! And when everyone else starts to disappear, Tad starts to wonder if Big Blub will get her too… Or is everyone else going somewhere else; somewhere better? And if so, will Tad ever get there too? A big story about a tiny tadpole – about growing up, branching out, and taking a leap into life.
– Published by Harper Collins
The lifecycle of a frog with a brilliant twist!
Ahhhh!!!! This one is lovely. Lifecycles have been done so many times, but author Benji Davies brings something quite wonderful, and little bit extra with Tad. She’s endearing, and we found ourselves cheering her on right to the very end.
Luna is wowed by her local community garden, there are squashes and runner beans, potatoes and tomatoes and even an apple tree. But each plant hides a story. Grandpa and Nana show her the Callaloo their family grew in Jamaica. It’s time for Luna to grab a trowel and sow seeds that will tell a new story for the whole community as they all discover their connection to the entire world.
– Published by Anderson Press
When it comes to Luna, you know it’s going to be great!
Layered with rich information about plants from different countries and how to grow from seed. Absolutely stunning!
With lyrical language that captures the majesty of the natural world coupled with fun narrative featured throughout, this spirited picture book tells the victorious story of three girls’ friendship—and their tribulations and triumphs in the great outdoors.
– Published by Chronicle Books
A fun read for little explorers!
There’s so much to see in this picture book! It’s fast, fun and fantastic for encouraging the littles ones to get out and about. We love Wren’s sketchbook (nature journal)! Such a clever idea!
Other books you might enjoy:
Sammy Feels Shy by Tom Percival – review
The Biggest Dog in the Book by Ben Lerwill and Mark Chambers – review
The Fib by Iniquez and Nathan Kwan – review
Disclosure: Some of these books have been previously gifted to us by publishers. All views are our own.
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