As the flowers bloom and the sun is shining in most areas around the world, we are excited to share our favorite Diverse Picture Books About Nature. There are a variety of systemic disparities that have historically and currently kept Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) from positive and lasting engagement with the outdoors and nature. We hope to change that through representation one book and one reader at a time.
Check out these exciting new children's books below to celebrate kids of all backgrounds basking in the joys of nature.
Comment below with other new titles to help our readers
find new favorites for their bookshelves at home
and in the classroom!
•Diverse Picture Books About Nature•
ALOE VERA'S SPECIAL GIFT
A heartwarming picture book about self-worth, kindness, and the hidden magic of aloe vera.
When Aloe Vera looks around the garden, she sees brilliant blossoms and dazzling petals-while she feels plain and prickly in comparison. No one seems to notice her… until a summer day brings sunburns, scrapes, and rashes-and Aloe steps in to help.
As Aloe uses her soothing gel to heal her garden friends, she begins to understand something powerful: what makes her different also makes her extraordinary.
“Aloe Vera's Special Gift” is a beautifully illustrated children's book that gently weaves together themes of self-acceptance, emotional resilience, and the real-life benefits of aloe vera plants. Perfect for ages 3-8, this uplifting story helps young readers recognize their own unique value-and reminds us all that true beauty isn't always what we see on the surface.
ALOE VERA'S SPECIAL GIFT
Written by Jeanette Gil and Illustrated by Tania Ortiz
Published by Zun Zun Press
A WALK IN THE WOODS
It's that special time of evening, when the hours and the possibilities seem endless: Light is fading. A buzz of excitement and wonder takes over the neighborhood….What outdoor adventures await? Join a diverse group of suburban kids as they dash and dodge in classic street games like tag and kick-the-can and reconnect with nature's simple pleasures catching frogs, hunting fireflies, and climbing trees. These explorers play, laugh, and make the most of their own front yards right up until their parents call out that “It's time to come home!” But when the sun begins to set tomorrow, they'll be back for more evening excitement!
This ode to the timeless magic of summer evenings spent outside will remind kids of the fun and friends that wait just outside their doors and leave adults smiling with nostalgia for their own dusk explorations.
A WALK IN THE WOODS
Written by Nikki Grimes and Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney and Brian Pinkney
Published by Neal Porter Books
StoryMakers with Nikki Grimes & Brian Pinkney A WALK IN THE WOODS
DUSK EXPLORERS
It's that special time of evening, when the hours and the possibilities seem endless: Light is fading. A buzz of excitement and wonder takes over the neighborhood….What outdoor adventures await? Join a diverse group of suburban kids as they dash and dodge in classic street games like tag and kick-the-can and reconnect with nature's simple pleasures catching frogs, hunting fireflies, and climbing trees. These explorers play, laugh, and make the most of their own front yards right up until their parents call out that “It's time to come home!” But when the sun begins to set tomorrow, they'll be back for more evening excitement!
This ode to the timeless magic of summer evenings spent outside will remind kids of the fun and friends that wait just outside their doors and leave adults smiling with nostalgia for their own dusk explorations.
DUSK EXPLORERS
Written by Lindsay Leslie and Illustrated by Ellen Rooney
Published by Page Street Press
YOU ARE THE LAND
A joyful exploration of Indigenous culture following a child’s loving relationship with the land that supports and nurtures her as she grows
You Are the Land is a vivid ode to belonging within a family, within a community, and within the natural world.
From the day she’s born, a child feels the love and power that come with being part of something bigger. She’s a new spring leaf, alive and growing, as strong as the ancient cedars and as radiant as the glittering night sky. She is one with the amazing forces of nature that surround and nurture her, and that she nurtures in return.
Through inspiring words and sweeping illustrations, renowned author-artist Steph Littlebird’s stunning debut celebrates our connection to the land and shows how we perfectly mirror its beauty and resilience.
YOU ARE THE LAND
Written and Illustrated by Steph Littlebird
Published by Nancy Paulson Press
WONDER WALKERS
It's that special time of evening, when the hours and the possibilities seem endless: Light is fading. A buzz of excitement and wonder takes over the neighborhood….What outdoor adventures await? Join a diverse group of suburban kids as they dash and dodge in classic street games like tag and kick-the-can and reconnect with nature's simple pleasures catching frogs, hunting fireflies, and climbing trees. These explorers play, laugh, and make the most of their own front yards right up until their parents call out that “It's time to come home!” But when the sun begins to set tomorrow, they'll be back for more evening excitement!
This ode to the timeless magic of summer evenings spent outside will remind kids of the fun and friends that wait just outside their doors and leave adults smiling with nostalgia for their own dusk explorations.
WONDER WALKERS
Written and Illustrated by Micha Archer
Published by Nancy Paulsen Books
PERCY'S MUSEUM
A sweet story about embracing change, the excitement of discovery and the wonder of nature and new friends.
A young boy moves from the city to a new home in the country. He misses his friends, but at least it's summertime — flowers are blooming, baby birds are hatching, and caterpillars are transforming into butterflies. Enraptured by the natural world, Percy climbs trees, tastes wild strawberries and tries to catch fish in the river with his bare hands.
Percy also likes to draw pictures of what he has seen that day. He collects interesting leaves and rocks, and insects in jars. Percy discovers that being alone doesn't have to be lonely, but explorers often share their findings. So, he creates a way to share his collection with others …
Percy's Museum is a sweet story about embracing change, the excitement of discovery and the wonder of nature and new friends.
PERCY'S MUSEUM
Written by Sara O'Leary and Illustrated by Carmen Mok
Published by Groundwood Books
LET'S GO OUTSIDE
Let's go outside!
Let's find a big, sploshy puddle!
Let's run as fast as our legs can carry us!.The great outdoors is waiting, ready to be filled with excitement and imagination. Join a group of friends as they play together throughout the year in this joyful exploration of spending time outside every day.
Explore the fun that can be had outdoors in all weather and count how many children have gone outside to play in this celebration imaginative play and the simple pleasure of spending time outside everyday… and cozying up indoors at the end of the day.
At the end of this simple and lyrical picture book are discussion prompts and outdoor activity suggestions, all ready for parents and children to say… LET'S GO OUTSIDE!
LET'S GO OUTSIDE
Written by Ben Lerwill and Illustrated by Marina Ruiz
Published by Welbeck Children's Books
WILD SUMMER: LIFE IN THE HEAT
“In this follow-up to Winter Sleep and Busy Spring, Wild Summer explores nature in summer.
The beautifully-told story follows a young girl and her naturalist grandpa as they walk down a wild path towards the coast. They spot amazing plants and animals. She is enchanted by the vibrancy of life around her, but asks: “Do plants and animals want summer to last forever?”
Young curiosity is combined with old wisdom in a nature-filled adventure showing a touching relationship between grandfather and grandchild. He teaches her about challenges facing the natural world around her, as we explore a meadow, stream, heathland, fire-charred pine wood, fossil rich cliffs, rocky cove and ocean life.
Filled with fascinating facts and stunning illustrations, the books in this series encourage children to discover more about nature and the seasons. Also available from this series are Winter Sleep and Busy Spring,
WILD SUMMER: LIFE IN THE HEAT
Written by Sean Taylor and Alex Morss and Illustrated by Cinyee Chiu
Published by Happy Yak
HIKE
Take to the trails for a celebration of nature — and a day spent with dad.
In the cool and quiet early light of morning, a father and child wake up. Today they’re going on a hike. Follow the duo into the mountains as they witness the magic of the wilderness, overcome challenges, and play a small role in the survival of the forest. By the time they return home, they feel alive — and closer than ever — as they document their hike and take their place in family history. In detail-rich panels and textured panoramas, Pete Oswald perfectly paces this nearly wordless adventure, allowing readers to pause for subtle wonders and marvel at the views. A touching tribute to the bond between father and child, with resonant themes for Earth Day, Hike is a breath of fresh air.
HIKE
Written and Illustrated by Pete Oswald
Published by Candlewick Press
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Bethany Edwards is an elementary educator as well as a reading and literacy specialist. On Biracial Bookworms, she focuses on multiracial and multicultural resources for teaching literacy skills using reading, travel, and learning multiple languages. Additionally, she offers online and self-paced courses for parents and caregivers on Biracial Bookworms Academy.
Connect with Bethany on Biracial Bookworms
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Great list for Earth Day! May I suggest The Night Before Earth Day? It shows a diverse neighborhood coming together to help Mother Earth.
Thank you!