As the seasons turn and the weather warms, the great outdoors beckons. As a parent, I know that every spring, I vow to spend more time outside with my kids. We’ll hike! And eat dinner on the porch! And make nature crafts! It’s a noble goal, but it’s easier dreamed than done. Happily, there are some great books that provide both existential inspiration and practical tips for families looking to spend more time in nature.
First, for grownups, consider grabbing a copy of one of Robin Wall Kimmerer’s books: “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants” or “The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World.” Both books are a collection of essays that draw on the author’s experiences as an indigenous woman and a trained botanist. They are achingly beautiful – if at times also a painful reminder that the world is not (yet!) as we might wish it to be. And woven throughout are beautiful through-lines, reflections on the gifts of nature, of relationship, and of community. Have a box of tissues handy when you read!
If you’re looking for a more practical guide to outdoor activities, there’s nothing better than “1,000 Hours Outside” by Ginny Yurich. This isn’t just a book, it’s a whole social movement aimed at matching “screen time with green time” and encouraging families to spend more time outside. This fabulous book is full of tons of great ideas for all seasons. Yes, even when it’s ten degrees, there are still fun things to do outdoors!
Another cool book in the practical sphere is “Secret Signs of Nature” by Craig Caudill, a Kentucky resident and owner of Nature Reliance School, where he teaches children wilderness safety and survival skills. This book introduces kids to wilderness navigation through any landscape – forest, deserts, or their own backyard! – through observation of the world around them.
For many families, mindful attention to the changing seasons is a big part of their enjoyment of the natural world. If you missed the release of “The Wheel of the Year” by Fiona Cook a couple years back, it is worth a look. Blending nature connection with art, poetry, and myth, this book conveys the magic and beauty of ancient traditions and encourages young readers to notice, care for, and celebrate the natural world around them.
Each “spoke” in “The Wheel of the Year” marks an important turning point: the winter and summer solstices, the spring and fall equinoxes, and the festivals of seeding, growing, and harvesting that arrive in between. Within each section, you’ll find an overview of the holiday and its significance in cultures around the world, a sensory scavenger hunt for sights, sounds, and smells the season, themed crafts, rituals, games, and recipes to encourage children to practice mindful celebration of the changing seasons.
And finally, if you just want a fabulous picture book that celebrates the simple joys of being a kid outdoors, grab a copy of “What Can You Do with a Rock?” by Pat Zietlow Miller. It’s a personal favorite – a cheerful and utterly relatable ode to children’s fascination with rocks.
You can find all these books and more at Plaid Elephant Books. Pop by the shop or browse our website to get inspired. We’ll see you outside!
