From lyrical picture books and real-life rewilding adventures to interactive guides that turn woodland walks into treasure hunts, these stand-out, stellar reads will inspire the grown-ups just as much as the smalls.
We The Forest
Written by Sai Pathmanathan, illustrated by Sofia Iva
Rewilding doesn’t just happen in the forest; it also occurs in children’s imaginations given the right conditions and nurturing. This is the aim of We The Forest, which opens children’s eyes to the wonder of the trees through both artwork and science, demonstrating how recent discoveries have shown that the connectedness of nature runs deeper than we ever imagined, how they communicate with one another and how they protect the planet. A truly inspiring book, we say it should be mandatory in schools. There is even a tree ‘alphabet’ enabling children to learn how to speak in ‘tree’. Buy it.
Wilding: How to Bring Wildlife Back
Written by Isabella Tree, illustrated by Angela Harding
Adapted from the bestselling adult memoir, this young readers’ edition tells the incredible story of the Knepp Estate’s transformation from barren farmland into a flourishing wildlife haven. Engaging and awe-inspiring, it introduces children to the power of rewilding and the importance of working with nature – not against it. Includes real-life photographs, the most glorious illustrations, fun facts, and a powerful environmental message. Deeply, deeply inspiring – so much so, in fact, that it was deservedly shortlisted for The Wainwright Prize for Nature and Conservation Writing for Children. Buy it.
A Year in Nature
By René Mettler
This beautifully illustrated book takes children on a month-by-month journey through the countryside, highlighting the changing seasons, plants, and animals as they come and go. Its lovely pages instil a sense of the rhythmic nature of the world around us and inspire children about seasonal harvests – many of which they can pick and eat themselves. With captivating illustrations and gatefolds on every page, it's perfect for fostering an early appreciation of nature's rhythms. Buy it.
Superhero Plants
Written by Chris Packham, illustrated by Jake Williams
In this engaging entry in the Little Experts series, renowned naturalist Chris Packham introduces young readers to the incredible ways plants support life on Earth – and a whole collection of ‘superhero’ plants that might even save the planet. From seaweed to forests to oranges, these are species that have important jobs to do – and, happily, there are plenty of jobs for budding naturalists to do too, thanks to a good roster of challenges threaded through the pages. It's an accessible and inspiring read for budding environmentalists. Buy it.
National Trust: Out and About Animal Spotter
Written by Emma S Young, illustrated by Tania Garcia
This pocket-sized guide encourages children to explore the outdoors and identify 50 different wild animals - mammals, amphibians and reptiles that live all over the UK. With tips on spotting and activities like building a hedgehog hotel, it's a hands-on way to connect with nature and go exploring. Buy it.
