In the age of Netflix, iPads and the Nintendo Switch, getting kids to unplug and play outside might seem like more of a challenge than ever before.
One way to get kids to venture outdoors is by offering them books that are inspired by nature. Here are a few picks that will hopefully encourage outdoor play in your backyard this summer.
For kids three and up
Toot & Puddle: You Are My Sunshine by Holly Hobbie – Toot and Puddle are pigs, and best friends. When Toot is feeling glum, Puddle goes out of his way to boost his spirits. If your kids like this book, be prepared for Toot and Puddle to take over your lives: Hobbie has written 12 books in this series.
Olivia Forms a Band by Ian Falconer – It’s the Fourth of July, and Olivia the pig is ready to watch the fireworks. When she learns there’s no band to accompany the show, Olivia starts one of her own, using pots, pans and whatever else is on hand. Like Toot & Puddle, Olivia has had a lot of adventures, starring in 12 award-winning books.
Summertime in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder – You may know Wilder’s name from the Little House series. This book picture book, like her other stories, describes her summertime adventures in 19th century Wisconsin. If your kids take a shine to this book, you may want to introduce them to her Little House chapter books when they’re older.
For kids four and up
Alejandro’s Gift by Richard Albert and Sylvia Long – Albert was in his 80s when he wrote this children’s book, the story of a lonely man living in the desert who finds his life improved when he digs a watering hole for local animals.
The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry – An environmental lesson that reads like a fable: A man goes into the forest to chop down a large kapok tree, but falls asleep before he can finish the job. While he sleeps, the creatures of the forest whisper in his year to tell him why trees are important, and how all living things depend on each other.
The Curious Garden by Peter Brown – While out exploring, Liam discovers a struggling garden in an old railway station and decides to care for it. As it grows, it transforms his dull, grey city into something lush and green. This magical story offers an important lesson for children: green spaces can be found everywhere, not just in the country.
For kids five and up
One Small Square: Backyard by Donald Silver and Patricia Wynne – There’s a lot of life in one tiny corner of your backyard. That’s the premise of this lovingly-illustrated book, which explores the plants, insects and animals in a little backyard. Silver and Wynne collaborated on several other One Small Square books, exploring the seashore, deserts, swamps and coral reefs.
Outside Your Window by Nicolae Davies and Mark Herald – This book of poems helps remind children that there’s an amazing world just outside, whether they’re in a city or exploring the countryside. Cycling from summer through winter, it’s a delightful book no matter the season.
Enemy Pie by Derek Munson and Tara Calahan King – It was the perfect summer. Then Jeremy Ross moved in, and became the young narrator’s new arch enemy. How to defeat him? The narrator’s dad has a plan: “You need to spend the day with your enemy. Even worse, you have to be nice to him.” A clever story about making friends, this book also extolls the joys of outdoor play in the summer.
We hope the books on this list can inspire your kids to explore the world outside your home this summer. And if they need extra incentive, check out our collection of swing sets, trampolines and other outdoor play sets. Happy summer, and happy reading!
