11 Picture Books that Inspire Children to Explore Outside
Seeing the natural world through the eyes of a child is an enlightening experience. Their innate appreciation and fascination for all living things is a quality that that can lead to many fulfilling learning experiences.
The universe provides parents with unlimited opportunities for connecting and growing with their children. Whether you are examining a grain of sand, veins on a leaf or the parts of a flower—all it takes is some time spent together in the great outdoors and an attitude of inquiry to make the world come alive with infinite possibilities for discovery.
Children are naturally curious. The goal for parents and teachers is to transform their questions into meaningful life lessons.
One of the best ways to entice children into exploring the great outdoors is by reading a good picture book. The goal is to pique their curiosity by asking questions as we read. Then invite the little scientists in our lives to grab a magnifying glass and seek the answers they are looking for. All while spending a lovely afternoon outside. What could be better?
Here is a list of the favorites we have discovered throughout the years…
Please do share your favorites as well!
- How The World Works by Dorian & Young
- How Things Work in the Yard by Lisa Campbell Ernst
- In a Backyard by Jen Green
- Linnea’s Almanac by Christina Bjork & Lena Anderson
- Nicky The Nature Detective by Lena Anderson & Ulf Svedberg
- One Small Square Backyard by Donald Silver
- Outside Your Window by Nicola Davis
- Step Gently Out by Helen Frost & Rick Lieder
- The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry
- You Can Be A Nature Detective by Peggy Kochanoff
- Secrets of the Garden by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld
