Books for Kids Who Love Being Outside

Do your kids love running around, climbing trees, and getting muddy? Whether your children spend every second outdoors or need a little coaxing, they will love these stories about nature and time spent outside.

 

A Tree is Nice book cover

A Tree is Nice by Janice Udry

Recommended for ages 2 to 3

Why is it nice to have a tree? This book describes a variety of ways in which people make use of trees and explains some of the many reasons that they are so important to us all.


The Forever Garden book cover

The Forever Garden by Laurel Snyder

Recommended for ages 5 and up

Honey takes care of her garden every day--even though she's going to be moving away soon. Laurel, her neighbor next door, knows she's going to miss her. But Honey explains to her that friendship, like her garden, has a way of growing--despite time and distance.


Good night, laila tov book cover

Good Night, Laila Tov by Laurel Snyder

Recommended for ages 2 to 3

A family car trip turns into an exploration of the natural wonders of the seashore, woods, and fields. In gratitude and to make the world a better place, the parents plant trees. As the day progresses, the family adventure is marked by the recurring refrain: "good night, laila tov.”


Marven of the great north woods

Marven of the Great North Woods by Kathryn Lasky

Recommended for ages 6 and up

When a flu epidemic strikes Duluth, Minnesota, a young boy’s parents send him far away, to the safety of a logging camp in the North Woods. There he finds an unlikely friend in a burly French-Canadian lumberjack.


No Baths at Camp

No Baths at Camp by Tamar Fox

Recommended for ages 5 to 6

Camp is full of rock climbing, face painting, marshmallow roasting, and water-balloon fighting, but the best part? No bathing!


SSadie and the Big Mountain book cover

Sadie and the Big Mountain by Jamie Korngold

Recommended for ages 4 to 5

When her preschool plans a Shavuot hike, Sadie is afraid she won’t be able to make it to the top of the “mountain” and tries to think of ways to be avoid the walk. When the day arrives, it’s much different (and better!) than Sadie presumed.


Sam and Charlie (and Sam too) return

Sam and Charlie (and Sam Too!) Return by Leslie Kimmelman

Recommended for ages 5 to 6

Sam and Charlie are best friends who spend holidays -- and regular days -- having fun and learning together (with Charlie’s sister, Sam Too!).

 

More

Looking for more books and activities about nature? Check out one of these blog posts: 
Green Thumb Training
Hands-on Activities to Learn About Rain & Water
What is Jewish About Recycling?