Love Books, Love Nature: 10 Books for Outdoor Families
A good book can take you away to a new place, make you curious about the world or nature and inspire you to create your own adventures. That’s true for all ages. Here are a few books to consider adding to your child’s reading list, as well as books to inspire parents to take their kids exploring.
By Morgan Cowper
A good book can take you away to a new place, make you curious about the world or nature and inspire you to create your own adventures. That’s true for all ages. Here are a few books to consider adding to your child’s reading list, as well as books to inspire parents to take their kids exploring.
Becoming Junior Rangers at the Ohanapecosh campground. Photo by Chen Yeh Goh.
“Yes, Let’s”
By Galen Goodwin Longstreth & Maris Wicks; grades PreK-3
Enjoy an ode to the day hike with this book’s clever rhymes that you will sing in your head. “Let’s wake up extra early, before the day gets hot. Let’s pack a picnic, hurry up—ready or not.” A mom, a dad, their four kids and their lovable sheepdog set off for an easygoing hike. The enthusiastic beat of “Yes, Let’s” will make any reader grab their hiking boots, hop in their car and set out for a carefree day of fun on the trails with their whole family. abebooks.com, $3.80.
“North Woods Girl”
By Aimee Bissonette; grades PreK-2
In this picture book, a young girl from the city visits her grandmother in the North Woods, where her unique and quirky grandmother takes her on adventures. She creates memorable moments as each season changes: walking in snow under the moon, watching frogs at the pond during spring, or sharing campfire moments with the neighbors in the summer. This inspiring story is accompanied by extraordinary illustrations that will make you want to read the story over and over. bookshop.org
“Hatchet”
By Gary Paulsen; grades 8-12
A tale of survival and perseverance, “Hatchet” is a young boy’s narrative of being the sole survivor of a plane crash in the Canadian bush. With only a hatchet as his means of survival, the story shows not only some failures but progress and self discovery. “Hatchet” is an essential book for any budding adventurer. bookshop.org
“How to Raise a Wild Child”
By Scott D. Sampson; adults
Sometimes the question is more important than the answer when it comes to getting your kids outside. In “How to Raise a Wild Child: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature,” Scott D. Sampson helps parents navigate the world of outdoor play, the curious child and the ability to make lifelong relationships with nature. Sampson’s writing is incredibly engaging, with tips and tricks to integrate the outdoors into your life. This book will inspire the most amateur of the outdoorsy and reignite the flame of those with experience. A great read for parents of the 21st-century child. bookshop.org
“Balanced and Barefoot”
By Angela J. Hanscom; adults
“Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confi dent and Capable Children,” written by an occupational therapist, dives into the importance of unrestricted play and the cognitive developments of children. The ultimate sensory experiences lay in nature, engaging their mind, body and happiness. Hanscom invites the reader to look back at their own childhood relationships with nature and the differences in today’s society. Throughout the book Hanscom gives parents everyday tasks that can help engage kids with outdoor play. bookshop.org
Even More Books
- “S is for Salmon” by Hannah Viano
- “My Wilderness: An Alaskan Adventure” by Claudia McGehee
- “The Kids’ Outdoor Adventure Book: 448 Great Things to Do in Nature Before You Grow Up” by Stacy Tornio and Ken Keffer
- “Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder” by Richard Louv
- “I Love Dirt!: 52 Activities to Help You and Your Kids Discover the Wonders of Nature” by Jennifer Ward
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