Book Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade

• A Place for Rain
  Non-FictionMichelle Schaub, author; and Blanca Gomez, illustrator What can you do with a raindrop? Well, you can let it get away, or you can collect it and use it for all sorts of good things. A sweet little look into rain gardens and collections. Ages: 4-8 ISBN 13: 978-1324052357 Category(ies): Environmental Issues – Keywords: rain garden, stormwater
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Photo Ark 1-2-3: An Animal Counting Book in Poetry and Pictures
  Non-FictionDebbie Levy, Author, with Joel Sartore, Photographer Adorable babies come to life in this unique picture book featuring the stunning Photo Ark photography of National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore and lyrical text of NYT best-selling author Debbie Levy Ages: 4-8 ISBN 13: 978-1426377235 Category(ies): Wildlife – Keywords: counting, picture book
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• A Gift of Dust: How Saharan Plumes Feed the Planet
  Non-FictionMartha Brockenbrough, author; and Juana Martinez-Neal, illustrator Gorgeous introduction to how fossil animals in a dry lake bed in Chad become dust that changes how rain falls on the Amazon and reduces the power of hurricanes in the Caribbean and more. An interdependence of nature primer! Ages: 4-8 ISBN 13: 978-0593428429 Category(ies): Habitats & Ecosystems, Nature – Keywords: interdependence
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Saving Hawaii’s Honu
  Non-FictionLeslie Ann Hayashi Trace the work of the first scientist to count the sea turtles of Hawaii, learning that there were only 67 remaining turtles! Watch the Island’s people pass laws, change customs and livelihoods, and support marine life as a result. Ages: 4-8 ISBN 13: 978-1478868514 Non-fiction Category(ies): Ocean/Marine – Keywords: Hawaii, sea turtles
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Beansprout
  FictionSarah Lynne Reul A child plants a mystery seed for a class project and is disappointed when nothing sprouts, but rescues the remaining seeds and decides to plant them. Ages: 4-7 ISBN 13: 978-1623544751 Category(ies): Plants – Keywords: seeds
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Pearls in the Sand: Protecting Sea Turtles in Oaxaca
  Non-FictionBeatriz Gutierrez Hernandez From the author and illustrator of the Ezra Jack Keats honor recipient Benito Juarez Fights for Justice, comes a deeply heartfelt picture book about sea turtle conservation efforts in Oaxaca, Mexico. Ages: 4-8 ISBN 13: 978-1250257789 Category(ies): Ocean/Marine – Keywords: Mexico, sea turtles
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• The Blue Jays That Grew A Forest
  Non-FictionLynn Street, author; Anne Hunter, illustrator Most of us know about the mighty oak tree, and how important oaks are as a keystone species. But we may be less aware of the role that blue jays play in assisting the expansion of oak tree forests. Ages: 4-8 ISBN 13: 978-1682636046 Category(ies): Birds, Forest/Trees – Keywords: oak trees
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Families of a Feather: A Celebration of Family Diversity
  Non-FictionFern Wexler, author; Kelsey Buzzell, illustrator An introduction to the varied family structures of birds, with an eye to validating many kinds of modern families. This book gently shares nature’s queer variety with young children. Ages: 4-8 ISBN 13: 978-1632174451 Category(ies): Birds – Keywords: family structure
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Akeem Keeps Bees: A Close-Up at the Honey Makers and Pollinators at Sankofa Farms
  Non-FictionKamal E Bell with Akeem Bell Told from Akeem’s perspective, Akeem Keeps Bees! begins with the arrival and installation of a package of bees and follows Akeem and his Dad throughout the year as they inspect the hive, find the queen, deal with a swarm, harvest honey, and prepare for winter. Learn about organic and sustainable agriculture with an 8 year old narrator to show you the way! Ages: 6-10 ISBN 13: 978-1635866094 Category(ies): Stewardship, Urban Environment – Keywords: honey bee, sustainable agriculture
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• I Am We: How Crows Come Together to Survive
  Non-FictionLeslie Barnhard Booth, author; and Alexandra Finkeldey, illustrator Gorgeous introduction to crow behavior, narrate from the crows’ point of view about how they survive together. A lesson for us all. Ages: 5-8 ISBN 13: 978-1797226156 Category(ies): Birds – Keywords: crow
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• A Sky that Sings
  FictionAnita Sanchez and George Steele, authors; and Emily Mendoza, illustrator A blind girl enjoys identifying the wide variety of birds that live in her local park by the distinct calls each bird makes, all in search of her favorite bird. Includes facts about birds and bird listening. Ages: 5-10 ISBN 13: 978-1643795379 Fiction Category(ies): Birds – Keywords: bird call, bird song, birding by ear
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Worm Makes a Sandwich
  FictionBrianne Farley A very humorous introduction to composting for preschool to younger elementary school kids! Worm keeps telling us he’ll make us a sandwich but it looks like he’s only playing with garbage. Finally, a tomato grows in the dirt enhanced with compost and the issue is nicely resolved. Who wouldn’t want to help worm out with some lovely food scraps! Ages: 3-7 ISBN 13: 978-0593697801 Category(ies): Natural Cycles – Keywords: composting
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Poo Pile on the Prairie
  Non-FictionAmy Hevron Welcome to learning about bison poo! Although the pictures are cut, the science is cutting edge: what creatures live and hatch on a bison patty? Bison poo is a brilliant incubator of beetles, flies, and prairie plants. Deep science in a delightful package. Ages: 4-8 ISBN 13: 978-1665935029 Non-fiction Category(ies): Prairie – Keywords: bison
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• The Silver Shadow
  FictionMariesa Dulak, author; Alea Marley, illustrator Set in Barbados, a shy young girl stands up for a juvenile Caribbean shark against bullies who want to capture and sell it. Fiction, Picture Book Ages: 3-7 ISBN 13: 978-1536239409 Category(ies): Ocean/Marine – Keywords: Caribbean, sharks
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Moon Song
  FictionMichaela Goade On an island at the edge of a silvery sea, when the moon rises and night falls, a girl spins a story for her worried cousin to help him find comfort in the wintery dark. She invites him to see moonlight glittering in the forest, bioluminescence sparkling by the shore, and northern lights blazing in the sky. In the dark of the night, the whole world sings. Ages:4-8 ISBN 13: 97-80316461634 Category(ies): Native Culture, Seasons – Keywords: moon rise, winter
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Watching and Waiting: What Hatches from Nature’s Nurseries
  Non-FictionSara Levine (A veterinarian and an Assistant Professor of Biology) This is a compelling look at eggs, egg cases, and galls in nature, gently encouraging kids to be curious and patient to discover the mystery of what grows inside. Ages: 4-9 ISBN 13: Watching and Waiting: What Hatches from Nature’s Nurseries Category(ies): Natural Cycles, Nature – Keywords: egg cases, eggs
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Just in Case: Saving Seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault
  Non-FictionMegan Clendenan, author; Brittany Cicchese, illustrator On the Arctic island of Spitsbergen in Norway, polar bears roam and there are no gardens, forests, or fields. But buried deep underground, the Svalbard Seed Bank protects more than 580 million seeds with plenty of room for more. How and why was the vault built? What’s it like inside? How does the vault protect the seeds? Learn about the rescue of the greatest treasure on earth–seeds for our food. An inside look into the storage and history of one of our most important natural resources and how this collection can save our future. Ages: 5-8 ISBN 13: 978-1623544805 Category(ies): Natural Resources & Land Use, Stewardship – Keywords: conservation, seed vault
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka con La Papa: Join the Quest with Peru’s Famed Scientist and Potato Expert
  Non-FictionSara Andrea Fajardo, author; Juana Martinez-Neal, illustrator Join Peruvian scientist Alberto Salas to hunt down and find all the Andean potatoes so all their genetic material can be saved. Also available in Spanish. Ages: 3-8 ISBN 13: 978-1250838612 Category(ies): Stewardship – Keywords: Peru, potatoes
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Downpour: Splish! Splash! Ker-Splash!
  FictionYuko Ohnari, author; Koshiro Hata, illustrator; and Emily Balistrieri, translator A joyous onomatopoeia-laced paean to rain! Perfect for a read aloud. Ages: 3-6 ISBN: 978-1636551142 Category(ies): Senses, Weather – Keywords:
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• We Are the Wibbly! A Tadpole’s Tail
  FictionJane McGuinness A tadpole narrates his journey as grows up alongside the other frog spawn in the pool. Extremely funny with a delightful voice but full of clear science. Ages: 4-7 ISBN 13: 978-1547615742 Category(ies): Reptiles and Amphibians – Keywords: tadpole
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Safe Crossing
  Non-FictionKari Percival A family with the Amphibian Migration Team helps frogs and salamanders cross the road to an ephemeral pond in the spring. The young citizen scientist then proposes a better way to save these animals. Empowering and deeply informative! 2025 Blueberry Changemaker Winner. Ages: 5-8 ISBN 13: 9781797214566 Category(ies): Reptiles and Amphibians – Keywords: frogs, migration, salamander
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• The Black Mambas: The World’s First All-Woman Anti-Poaching Unit
  Non-FictionKelly Crull Crull centers the voices of the Black Mambas themselves. He creates great interactions, like asking kids to analyze the graph of the reserve and select the best route for patrolling it. Brilliant picture book nonfiction. Ages: 6-10 ISBN 13: 979-8765627259 Category(ies): Non-Native Species, Stewardship – Keywords: anti-poaching
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Up, Up, Ever Up! Junko Tabei: A Life in the Mountains
  Non-FictionAnita Yasuda, author; Renato Alarcao, illustrator This incredible true story of a woman who never stopped moving. Whether she was scaling mountains or trying to save the environment, Junko Tabei is a hero for our times. 2025 Caldecott Honor Award Ages: 4-8 ISBN 10: 0063242419 ISBN 13: 978-0063242418 Category(ies): Environmental Issues – Keywords: Everest, trailblazer
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Climbing the Volcano: A Journey in Haiku
  FictionCurtis Manley, author; and Jennifer K. Mann, illustrator Told entirely in haiku, a boy and his family climb Oregon’s South Sister volcano and experience nature along the way. Ages 4-8 ISBN 10: 0823451666 ISBN 13: 978-0823451661 Poetry Category(ies): Nature, Wildlife – Keywords: mountains, poetry
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• What’s New, Daniel?
  FictionMicha Archer When Daniels’s grandpa asks him “What’s new?,” Daniel’s determined to really find out! And there are so many new things to report on, since their local park is brimming with spring life. Ages: 3-6 ISBN 10: 0593461304 ISBN 13: 978-0593461303 Category(ies): Nature, Seasons, Urban Environment – Keywords: curiosity
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• The Pelican Can!
  FictionToni Yuly When a young pelican wakes up hungry, pelican parents know just what to do! Take a trip to the seaside and cheer for a marvelous bird The pelican does what a pelican an do. Now, how about you? Ages: 4-8 ISBN 10: 0316497819 ISBN 13: 978-0316497817 Category(ies): Birds – Keywords: Pelican
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Look! Look!
  FictionUma Krishnaswami A girl in India discovers a slab of stone, revealing an ancient step well that helps the surrounding fields spring to life. This book reveals the power of stopping to “Look!” Ages: 3-6 ISBN 13: 978-1773069340 Category(ies): Water – Keywords: well
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• A Flicker of Hope
  FictionCynthia Harmony, author; Devon Holzwarth As Lucia watches the butterflies migrate away to the north, so too does her papa. He tells her he’ll be back when the monarchs are, but can she wait that long? Ages 4-8 ISBN 10: 0593525760 ISBN 13: 978-0593525760 Category(ies): Insects & Inverts – Keywords: migration, monarch
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Who Laid These Eggs?
  Non-FictionLaura Gehl, author; Loris Lora, illustrator Do you know what alligator eggs look like? What about robin eggs? Lift the flaps to learn fun facts about different animals and their nests. Ages: 2-4 ISBN: 9781419756627 Category(ies): Wildlife – Keywords: egg laying animals
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Songs of the Birds: A Guide to North American Bird Calls and Songs
  Non-FictionIsabel Otter, author; and Clover Robin, illustrator Love birdsong but can’t identify the birds? Let this clever little board book name and each birdie and play its song for you. Informative and deeply fun! Ages 3-7 ISBN: 9781664351097 Category(ies): Birds – Keywords: bird call, bird song
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• The Great Lakes: Our Freshwater Treasure
  Non-FictionBarb Rosenstock, author; Jamey Christoph, illustrator Knopf Books for Young Readers A deep dive into the Great Lakes, their history, present, and future. Learn everything you ever wanted to know about their six quadrillion gallons of freshwater and how vital they are to the world Ages 4-8 ISBN: 978-0-593-37435-1 Category(ies): Pond/Lake – Keywords: Great Lakes
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Hello Bumblebee Bat
  Non-FictionDarrin Lunde A series of questions and answers introduce children to the life and habitat of the exotic and endangered Bumblebee Bat. Scientifically accurate illustrations make these exotic animals accessible to young readers. Ages 3-7 ISBN-10: ‎ 1570914648 ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1570914645 Category(ies): Endangered Species, Mammals – Keywords: Bats
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• I’m a Little Deer
  FictionFrancois Crozat Older book, but again, plenty of relatable information – A young deer describes his life with his mother, from his first wobbly steps through joining the herd to beginning to grow antlers Ages 1-8, grades 1-2 ISBN-10: ‎ 0812064186 ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0812064186 Category(ies): Mammals, Natural Cycles – Keywords: antlers, deer, fawn
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Go to Sleep, Groundhog!
  FictionJudy Cox, author; Paul Meisel, illustrator Poor Groundhog just can’t sleep. He tosses. He turns. Finally, he gets out of bed and goes exploring. Outside his burrow he finds amazing sights he has never seen before: glowing jack-o’-lanterns, gobbling turkeys, and sparkling holiday lights. But shouldn’t Groundhog be in bed? With no sleep how will he be able to get up for his big day? Ages 4-8 ISBN-10: ‎ 0823416453 ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0823416455 Category(ies): Mammals, Natural Cycles – Keywords: mammal, natural cycle
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Splendid Spotted Snake
  FictionBetty Ann Schwartz and Alexander Wilensky Yellow Snake grows and grows and gets new colored spots every time. On board pages. Ages 2-5 ISBN-10: ‎ 0761163603 ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0761163602 Category(ies): Reptiles and Amphibians – Keywords: snake
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• The Mighty Pollinators
  Non-FictionWritten by: Helen Frost Photographs by: Rick Lieder Somerville, Massachusetts : Candlewick Press, 2024. ISBN-13: 978-1536229103 What is pollen and why does it matter? Using fresh, whimsical poems and dazzling close-up photographs, this book explores this nearly invisible grain and the vital role of the pollinators who carry it. Best for ages 2-5 years. Category(ies): Insects & Inverts, Plants – Keywords:
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• City of Leafcutter Ants: A Sustainable Society of Millions
  FictionWritten by: Amy Hevron Published by Neal Porter Books/Holiday House, 2024. ISBN-13: 978-0823453184 Take a deep dive into the fascinating world of leafcutter ants! Whether they’re farmers, nannies, cleaners, or even pharmacists, these little creatures have a lot to teach us humans! Best for ages 4-8 years. Category(ies): Insects & Inverts – Keywords:
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Clever Crow
  FictionWritten by: Christine Butterworth Illustrated by: Olivia Lomenech Gill Somerville, Massachusetts : Candlewick Press, 2024. ISBN-13: 978-1536235425 Meet these clever, crafty birds, and learn all about their incredible intelligence. Best for ages 3-7 years. Category(ies): Birds – Keywords: crow
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Life After Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall
  Fiction, Non-FictionWritten by: Lynn Brunelle Illustrated by: Jason Chin Published 2024, Neal Porter Books/Holiday House ISBN-13: 978-0823452286 Death for one whale means life for an entire ecosystem of creatures. Take a deep dive into the fascinating science behind a single whale’s contribution to ocean life. 2025 Siebert Award Winner. Best for ages 4-8 years. Category(ies): Habitats & Ecosystems, Mammals, Natural Cycles – Keywords:
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Log Life
  Written by: Amy Hevron Published by Beach Lane Books, February 20, 2024 ISBN-13: 978-1665934985 A deep dive into a nurse-log habitat. When one of  the oldest evergreen on the planet falls, it becomes food, a home, and more to an entire ecosystem. Best for ages 4-8 years. Category(ies): Forest/Trees, Natural Cycles, Plants – Keywords:
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• The Noisy Puddle: A Vernal Pool Through the Seasons
  Non-FictionWritten by: Linda Booth Sweeney Illustrated by: Miki Sato Publisher by Owlkids, March 15, 2024 ISBN-13: 978-1771475310 In this vibrant picture book, two siblings observe the hidden world of a vernal pool. Young naturalists will be encouraged to listen, wait, and witness the seasonal changes of the puddle and its inhabitants. Category(ies): Pond/Lake, Seasons – Keywords: vernal pond
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Bird Count
  FictionWritten by: Susan Edwards Richmond Illustrated by: Stephanie Fizer Coleman Peachtree Publishing Company Inc., 2019 ISBN-13: 978-1561459544 This book is a fictional narrative about a girl who participates in the Audubon Bird Count each year. The story follows Ava, her mother, and their team leader, Big Al, through a full day of the Bird Count. Readers are introduced to many different bird species and the rules of the Bird Count itself. At the end of the day, everyone comes together for a community campfire, shares stories, and celebrates another successful year of counting birds. Category(ies): Birds – Keywords:
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Give Bees a Chance
  Non-FictionBethany Barton 2019, ISBN-13 978-0593113721 This book is for anyone who doesn’t quite appreciate how extra special and important bees are to the world, and even to humankind! Besides making yummy honey, they help plants grow fruits and vegetables. And most bees wouldn’t hurt a fly (unless it was in self-defense!). Category(ies): Insects & Inverts, Plants – Keywords:
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Mason Meets a Mason Bee: An Educational Encounter with a Pollinator
  FictionDawn V Pape and Heather Holm ISBN-13 978-0985187750 Mason, like many other kids, is afraid of bees. Find out how an encounter with a mason bee changes Mason’s life; Mason conquers his fear of bees and is empowered to be like a superhero to help protect the bees. This story teaches timely and important lessons about wild bees, habitat, pesticide use and native plants–heavy topics in a light and fun way. There are definitely big concepts and big words introduced in this little book. That’s exactly what makes the book work so well for a wide audience. Even though the book looks and reads like a picture book for early elementary students, the science and social concepts are big enough for adults to ponder. Category(ies): Habitats & Ecosystems, Insects & Inverts, Plants – Keywords: pesticide use, wild bees
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• What is Pollination?
  Non-FictionBobbie Kalman 2011, ISBN-13 978-0778733065 Excellent overview of pollination, which critters are pollinators, etc. Includes good diagrams and excellent photos. Presents threats to all pollinators and offers good suggestions for ways to help pollinators. (Grades 2-3) Category(ies): Insects & Inverts, Plants – Keywords:
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• What Lily Gets from Bee and Other Pollination Facts (Plantology series)
  Non-FictionEllen Lawrence 2013, ISBN-13 978-1617725876 Overview of bee pollination by focusing on lilies. While we wish the focus had been on a native plant, the book covers pollination generally and includes a variety of insect pollinators. Category(ies): Insects & Inverts – Keywords: pollination
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Sleepy Bee
  FictionJohn Hutton, Illustrated by Sandra Gross 2014, ISBN 978-1936669271 This is a board book with simple text and inviting graphics that take us though a day in the life of a bee visiting various flowering plants. Not scientific, but a fun intro for very young kids. There is pollinator protection info on the back cover for parents. (0-3 years) Category(ies): Insects & Inverts – Keywords: board book
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Seeds, Bees, and Pollen
  Non-FictionJulie K. Lundgren 2012, ISBN-13 978-1617419508 Though the title suggests the focus is on bees and pollen, the book actually covers how several different types of plants reproduce. (Grades 2-3) Category(ies): Insects & Inverts, Plants – Keywords: plant reproduction
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• National Geographic Readers: Bees
  Non-FictionLaura Marsh 2016, ISBN-13 978-1426322822 This easy reader focuses on honey bees, their life cycle, and pollination. Excellent photos and technical descriptions. Includes a quiz at the end of the book. Makes reference to other species of bees, but does not go into detail. It also does not cover current threats to bees. Category(ies): Insects & Inverts, Plants – Keywords: honey bee
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Magnificent Monarchs
  Non-FictionLinda Glaser 2000, ISBN-10 0761316367 With beautiful and realistic illustrations, this book describes the life cycle and migration of the monarch butterfly. It does not cover pollination, and much of the information is not presented in scientific terms (leaving some concepts a bit fuzzy), but the book provides a good general overview of the monarch butterfly. Category(ies): Insects & Inverts – Keywords: monarch butterfly
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Insect Pollinators
  Non-FictionJennifer Boothroyd 2015, ISBN-13 978-1467760683 A first step nonfiction book, this introduces the very basics of pollination and how insects carry pollen from one flower to another. Excellent close-up photos of a variety of insects perched on flowers. Category(ies): Insects & Inverts, Plants – Keywords: pollination, pollinator
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Flowers are Calling
  Non-FictionRita Gray with Illustrations by Kenard Pak 2015, ISBN-13 978-0544340121 Beautifully illustrated book about the critters our flowers are trying to attract. The text is rhyming and minimal; as a result, the beautiful illustrations become the feature. Covers all kinds of pollinators, including wild bees. Includes informational text at the back. Category(ies): Plants – Keywords: pollinator
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Bumblebee Queen
  Non-FictionApril Pulley Sayre with Illustrations by Patricia J. Wynne 2005, ISBN-13 978-1570913624 Focused exclusively on bumblebees (not species-specific), the book covers the life cycle with simple and informative text alongside detailed illustrations. At the back of the book are an overview of native bees, lists of resources for further reading, and actions one can take to protect bumblebees. Category(ies): Insects & Inverts – Keywords: bumblebee
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Animal Pollinators
  Non-FictionBoothroyd, Jennifer 2015, ISBN-13 978-14677606900 This first step nonfiction reader doesn’t include bees at all; however, it’s a great introduction to pollination and the variety of animals that pollinate flowers (think lizards, possums and humans, too!). Category(ies): Plants – Keywords: pollinator
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• I am a Turkey
  FictionJim Arnosky A rhyming text to chant or sing along to that explores the life of a wild turkey and its flock. Ages 4-8 ISBN-10: 0439903645 Category(ies): Birds – Keywords:
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Wild and Tame Animals
  Non-FictionDahlov Ipcar Introduces young readers to the concept of wild and tame. Ages 3-7 ISBN-10: 1909263648 Category(ies): Wildlife – Keywords: wild and tame
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt
  FictionSteve Metzger Join three friends who go out to find autumn leaves. Ages 4-8 ISBN-10: 0439873772 Category(ies): Forest/Trees – Keywords: leaves
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• We Dig Worms!
  Non-FictionKevin McCloskey Tour the underground world of earthworms and learn about their anatomy, habitat, form, function in the ecosystem. Ages 4-8 ISBN-10: 1935179801 Category(ies): Habitats & Ecosystems, Insects & Inverts, Soil – Keywords: earthworms
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt
  FictionKate Messner Explore the lives of many animals in a vegetable garden, above and below the soil. Ages 7-8 ISBN-10: 1452161365 Category(ies): Soil, Wildlife – Keywords: vegetable gardens
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• The Water Princess
  FictionSusan Verde and Georgie Badiel Modeled after Georgie Badiel’s childhood experiences, “The Water Princess” follows a young girl who wants to bring potable drinking water to her West African community. Ages 5-8 ISBN-10: 0399172588 Category(ies): Environmental Issues, Water Quailty – Keywords: drinking water
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps
  Non-FictionJeanette Winter This picture book biography traces Jane Goodall’s life from her childhood in the U.K. to her years studying chimpanzees in Tanzania to her environmental advocacy. Ages 4-8 ISBN-10: 0375867740 Category(ies): Famous Conservationists – Keywords:
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• The Keeper of Wild Words
  FictionBrooke Smith A girl and her grandmother go out into nature to learn words that are disappearing from our language. Ages 5-8 ISBN-10: 1452170738 Category(ies): Nature, Nature Exploration – Keywords:
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• The Hike
  FictionAlison Farrell Three girls venture out for a day of hiking. Labeled illustrations help young readers discover plants and wildlife. Ages 3-5 ISBN-10: 145217461X Category(ies): Plants, Wildlife – Keywords: hiking
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• The Busy Tree
  FictionJennifer Ward A rhyming text describes the activities that go on in a tree, including the wildlife the tree supports. Ages 3-7 ISBN-10: 0761455509 Category(ies): Forest/Trees, Wildlife – Keywords:
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• The Best Bug Parade
  FictionStuart Murphy A parade of bugs is the venue for learning sequencing, relationships, comparisons and other math concepts and skills. Ages 4-8 ISBN-10: 0064467007 Category(ies): Insects & Inverts – Keywords: math concepts
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Ten Little Caterpillars
  FictionLois Ehlert Illustrations of ten caterpillar species and the plants on which they feed, labeled by the plant name, provide young readers with a look at the movement of caterpillars while learning sequences from one to ten. Ages 2-8 ISBN-10: 1442433854 Category(ies): Insects & Inverts, Plants – Keywords: sequencing
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Seeds of Change
  FictionJen Cullerton Johnson Johnson details the life of the famous Kenyan environmental activist Wangarĩ Maathai. Ages 1-6 ISBN-10: 1600603679 Category(ies): Famous Conservationists – Keywords:
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World
  Non-Fiction Laurie Lawlor Pioneering environmentalist and author Rachel Carson is the subject of this picture book biography. Ages 6-8 ISBN-10: 0823431932 Category(ies): Environmental Writers – Keywords: Rachel Carson
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Over and Under the Snow
  Fiction Kate Messner A child and caregiver explore what lives on and under the snow in a forest. Ages 5-8 ISBN-10: 0545514422 Category(ies): Forest/Trees, Wildlife – Keywords: snow, winter
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Over and Under the Pond
  FictionKate Messner A child and caregiver explore interactions of species within a pond ecosystem. Ages 5-8 ISBN-10: 1452145426 Category(ies): Habitats & Ecosystems, Pond/Lake – Keywords:
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature
  Non-FictionNicola Davies A poetic description of a child’s interactions with nature that is experienced close to home. Ages 3-7 ISBN-10: 0763655495 Category(ies): Nature – Keywords:
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Outside In
  FictionDeborah Underwood Going outside provides opportunities for connecting with nature and value of time spent outdoors. Ages 4-7 ISBN-10: 1328866823 Category(ies): Nature – Keywords: connection
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Mossy
  FictionJan Brett A story of a turtle that is removed from, and eventually returned to, its aquatic habitat. Ages 3-5 ISBN-10: 0399257827 Category(ies): Reptiles and Amphibians, River/Riparian – Keywords: aquatic habitat, turtle
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Miss Maple’s Seeds
  FictionEliza Wheeler A little woman gathers abandoned seeds and nurtures them into beautiful plants. Ages 3-5 ISBN-10: 0399257926 Category(ies): Plants – Keywords:
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Lots of Spots
  Non-FictionLois Ehlert A book of illustrated poems about animal camouflage and coloration. Ages 2-4 ISBN-10: 1442489278 Category(ies): Nature, Wildlife – Keywords: camouflage, coloration
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Little Owl’s Snow
  FictionDivya Srinivasan Observe the change in the seasons, as winter approaches, from the perspective of a young owl. Ages 4-6 ISBN-10: 1338605082 Category(ies): Seasons – Keywords: winter
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Little Owl’s Night
  FictionDivya Srinivasan Compare life in the forest at night and in the day from the perspective of a young owl. Ages 4-6 ISBN-10: 0545790703 Category(ies): Forest/Trees – Keywords: day, diurnal, night, nocturnal
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Little Owl’s Day
  FictionDivya Srinivasan Compare life in the forest at night and in the day from the perspective of a young owl. Ages 4-6 ISBN-10: 0545916998 Category(ies): Forest/Trees – Keywords: day, diurnal, night, nocturnal
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Leaves
  Non-FictionVijaya Khisty Bodach An introduction to leaves, including their growth, their function, and types. Ages 4-8 ISBN-10: 073689621X Category(ies): Forest/Trees, Plants – Keywords: leaves
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Kate and Pippin: An Unlikely Love Story
  Non-FictionMartin Springett The true story of an unusual relationship between a dog and a deer. Ages 4-8 ISBN-10: 0805094879 Category(ies): Nature, Wildlife – Keywords: deer, dog
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Jingle Dancer
  FictionCynthia Leitich Smith, Ying-Hwa Hu A young Native American girl works with her community to help her prepare for dancing at a powwow. Ages 4-8 ISBN-10: 0688162412 Category(ies): Native Culture – Keywords: powwow
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• I Like Animals
  FictionDahlov Ipcar One of many classics by Dahlov Ipcar that explores young children’s interest in animals and nature, this book examines a child’s love for animals. Ages 3-7 ISBN-10: 1909263253 Category(ies): Nature – Keywords: animals
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• How to Hide A Butterfly
  Non-FictionRuth Hellers Through illustrations and rhyming text, learn about the camouflage of insects. Ages 4-8 ISBN-10: 0448404776 Category(ies): Insects & Inverts – Keywords: camouflage
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Hey Water!
  FictionAntoinette Portis A girl discovers the properties, sources, forms, and benefits of water. Ages 4-8 ISBN-10: 0823441555 Category(ies): Pond/Lake, River/Riparian, Wetlands – Keywords:
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Hike
  FictionPete Oswald In this nearly wordless story, a child and father go on a hike in the mountains and connect with one another and nature. Ages 4-8 ISBN-10: 153620157X Category(ies): Nature – Keywords: hiking, mountains
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Green
  Non-FictionLaura Vaccaro Seeger This Caldecott Honor book is a tribute to the color green and its various shades in our natural world. Ages 2-6 ISBN-10: 1596433973 Category(ies): Nature – Keywords: green
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Grandpa’s Garden
  FictionStella Fry The protagonist of this story experiences the magic of gardening and watching fruits and vegetables grow. Ages 5-6 ISBN-10: 1846868092 Category(ies): Plants – Keywords: gardening
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Gone Fishing
  FictionEarlene R. Long The life in a day of fishing for a young boy and his father. Ages 4-7 ISBN-10: 395442362 Category(ies): Fishing – Keywords:
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Gobble, Gobble
  Non-FictionCathryn Falwell Follow a girl’s discoveries as she observes a flock of wild turkeys in the course of a year. Ages 3-8 ISBN-10: 1584691495 Category(ies): Birds – Keywords: wild turkeys
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Freshwater Fishing
  Non-FictionAllan Morey This photo-illustrated book describes the basics of fishing, including information on gear, bait, tackle, and safety. Ages 4-8 ISBN-10: 1681520780 Category(ies): Fishing – Keywords:
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Eat Like a Bear
  FictionApril Pulley Sayre Posing the question, “Can you eat like a bear?” this book follows a brown bear as it forages for food throughout the year. Each month provides a different delicacy. Details are provided about the diet of the brown bear Ages 4-8 ISBN-10: 805090398 Category(ies): Habitats & Ecosystems, Mammals – Keywords: brown bear, forage
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Earth Hour: A Lights-Out Event for Our Planet
  Non-FictionNanette Heffernan Each year, at 8:30 on a Saturday night near the spring equinox, people around the globe turn out their lights in observance of Earth Hour. Ages 3-7 ISBN-10: 1580899420 Category(ies): Seasons, Stewardship – Keywords:
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Earthworms
  Non-FictionLisa Amstutz Discover the form, habitat, and behaviors of earthworms. Ages 6-8 ISBN-10: 1515781073 Category(ies): Habitats & Ecosystems, Insects & Inverts – Keywords: earthworms
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Dotty
  FictionPaola Opal When Dotty wants to cross the stream like her mother, she looks at how other animals get across. Ages 2-4 ISBN-10: 1897476543 Category(ies): River/Riparian, Wildlife – Keywords:
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Daylight, Starlight Wildlife
  Non-FictionWendell Minor Compare and contrast day and night in nature, including the behaviors of diurnal and nocturnal wildlife species. Ages 3-5 ISBN-10: 0545946049 Category(ies): Wildlife – Keywords: diurnal, nocturnal
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Cat in the Hat, Knows a Lot About That! I Love the Nightlife!
  FictionTish Rabe Sally, Nick, and the Cat in the Hat rely on the help of nocturnal animals who use their keen vision, hearing, and sense of smell to locate the Cat’s lost hat. Ages 3-7 ISBN-10: 0375863547 Category(ies): Senses, Wildlife – Keywords: nocturnal
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Budding Biologist, Am I an Insect?
  Non-FictionKristine Duehl Through guided questions, young learners distinguish insects from other animals. Ages 4-8 ISBN-10: 0985548100 Category(ies): Insects & Inverts, Wildlife – Keywords: guided questions
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Birds
  FictionKevin Henkes A young girl’s imagination and curiosity are stimulated as she watches birds from her window. Ages 3-5 ISBN-10: 0061363047 Category(ies): Birds – Keywords: watching birds
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Bird, Butterfly, Eel
  FictionJames Prosek Explore the lives of three species that live at the same coastal farm in the summer, but travel far away from one another during the rest of the year. Ages 6-8 ISBN-10: 0545227391 Category(ies): Habitats & Ecosystems, Seasons, Wildlife – Keywords: coastal
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade
  
  
• Beautiful Birds
  Non-FictionJean Roussen & Emmanuelle Walker An alphabet book of birds with stunning design. Ages 3-5 ISBN-10: 1909263291 Category(ies): Art & Nature, Birds – Keywords: alphabet book
  Age Group: Pre K-2nd grade