Our Ultimate Library selection this month is all about young people and nature. Today’s children are facing a challenging future and one that will require a whole generation to reformulate humanity’s relationship with the natural world. These books are a great way to foster that relationship – from Naomi Klein’s toolkit for young activists (Greta Thunberg is a fan) to a biography of 19th century botanist and all round polymath Alexander Von Humboldt and Molly Oldfield’s acclaimed Natural Wonders of the World, these 10 books are all designed to instil an enduring love for the great outdoors.
1. Natural Wonders of the World by Molly Oldfield
Described by The Guardian as, ‘a wonder in itself,’ this is a stunning and informative journey through the planet’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Readers will discover the stories and science behind wonders from the Grand Canyon to the Great Barrier Reef, along with the threats they are facing and the efforts taking place to conserve them. This book is perfect for any child that loves nature and exploring.
(Ages 5-8)
2. How to Change Everything by Naomi Klein and Rebecca Steffof
‘A toolkit for young activists’, according to Greta Thunberg, this book explains why the planet desperately needs our help and how young people can use their power to change the world through climate activism. Featuring topics such as reforestation, warming seas and environmental policies, this is the most authoritative book on climate change for teenagers yet. Packed with practical tools and advice, it includes step-by-step guides to effect real change.
(Ages 12+)
3. On the Origin of Species by Sabina Radeva
The first ever picture-book retelling of Charles Darwin’s ground-breaking 1859 work on evolution. Author Radeva’s captivating illustrations and accessible language transform a classic scientific text for readers of all ages, inviting them to explore the natural world and the mechanisms of evolution. Pulling together Darwin’s observations from his travels around the world, and his revolutionary work on how species form and develop, this book is as relevant and important now as it ever was.
(Ages 5-8)
4. Amazing Rivers: 100+ Waterways That Will Boggle Your Mind by Julie Vosburgh Agnone
Julie Vosburgh Agnone takes young readers on a journey down 100 of the world’s most incredible rivers, revealing the animals that call them home, the societies that rely on them, and the environmental issues threatening them. Children can learn about astounding natural wonders from a boiling river so hot you can boil an egg in it, to a multicoloured river that flows like a liquid rainbow. Booklist calls it, ‘a breath-taking tribute to the world’s most remarkable waterways’.
(Ages 8-14)
Amazing Rivers: 100+ Waterways That Will Boggle Your Mind by Julie Vosburgh Agnone
5. Alexander von Humbolt by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
This charmingly illustrated book from the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series documents the extraordinary life of botanist and adventurer Alexander von Humboldt. It follows his story from childhood struggles at school, to his career as a great explorer, travelling the world and documenting plants. Despite the things that Humboldt achieved in the fields of botany and science, his story began as a child with a dream.
(Ages 5-8)
6. Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers
From land, sky and sea to people, animals, and time, Here We Are is a guide to life on Earth like no other. With his signature whimsy and charm, author Oliver Jeffers takes readers on a journey through the wonders of our planet, from its diverse landscapes to the people and animals that call it home. He teaches young children that some things about our planet are pretty complicated, but things can be simple, too: you’ve just got to be kind.
(Ages 2-4)
Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers
7. Our World: a First Book of Geography by Sue Lowell Gallion
A beautifully illustrated board book that makes the perfect read-aloud introduction to geography for young children. The youngest readers can learn to identify features of the planet’s geography from rivers and lakes to mountains and hills, all through rhyming verse. As children grow the text offers more detailed facts and encourages children to consider their own environments and how they fit into a global backdrop. When fully opened the board book creates a free-standing globe that is sure to inspire young readers to learn more about their planet.
(Ages 2-4)
8. Full of Life: Exploring Earth’s Biodiversity by Isabel Thomas
From the tiniest microbe to the largest mammal, this book showcases the incredible diversity of species that make up the web of life on Earth. With vibrant illustrations and accessible language, Full of Life offers a fascinating look at how different organisms have adapted to their environments and the importance of preserving biodiversity. As Booklist praises, ‘this clear, concise, and colourful introduction to biodiversity packs an impressive amount of information.’
(Ages 8-14)
Full of Life: Exploring Earth’s Biodiversity by Isabel Thomas
9. Wild Animals of the World by Dieter Braun
Our world is full of wonderful animals, from the brightly coloured mandrills in the rainforests of Africa to the majestic humpback whales in the icy waters of the Antarctic. Through Dieter Braun’s beautiful and colourful illustrations, readers both old and young will be dazzled by the giraffes and elephants in Africa, koalas and kangaroos in Australia, huge blue whales in the open oceans, and many more! These animals, some endangered, remind us that nature is incredible and that we need its diversity more than ever.
(Ages 8-14)
10. All About Trees: an Illustrated Guide to Nature’s Giants by Polly Cheeseman
Trees are the silent guardians of the earth. They create the food we eat, the air we breathe and the shelter we need. In this fact-packed guide, young readers can discover the importance of trees, their various species and how they grow from seedlings to towering trunks. This book also includes a vast array of practical activities from making leaf rubbings to planting their very own seeds, encouraging children to take their learning outside and into nature.
(Ages 5-8)
All About Trees: an Illustrated Guide to Nature’s Giants by Polly Cheeseman
