7 Days of Books for Children, Day 2 Books about Nature and Animals

Welcome back to #7DaysOfBooks! 

I grew up in what was once a very rural part of southern New Hampshire, and while it still holds quite a bit of its woods, lakes, wetlands, and hiking trails, much of the "wildness" I grew up running around in is now paved and developed. I'm not saying that's wrong, but what I'm most appreciative of from my youth was my access to nature right out the front door. 

My hopes for children today are that they find ways to connect with the natural world around them--that their curiosity about the wind, the rain, the soil, the plants, the wildlife, our pets, and everything that is beautiful or could be restored to what it once was, is piqued each day. 

For that reason, I'm constantly inspired by the books that allow for this type of connection. Books that provide reminders or introductions to all the various aspects of nature in our world today. Given our planet's changing climate and the peril that many wildlife and plant populations face, fostering connections between nature and today's youth is more important than ever. One surefire way to do that is through children's books. Another way is through pets and their proper care.

I hope you'll find the wide-range of today's books as important and timely as I do. From events that occur only every decade, to service animals that can save lives, to a mama bear tucking her young cub in for a long winter's sleep, each one of these different aspects of nature is profoundly insightful in the appreciation that can be gained. 

Toward that end, I share three quotes.

"If you truly love nature, you find beauty everywhere." - Laura Ingalls Wilder

"To forget how to dig the earth and tend to the soil is to forget ourselves." - Mahatma Ghandi 

"We don't inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." - Native American proverb

With out further ado, here is today's list. I look forward to seeing what you share for your own favorites in this category. 

Remember to support local libraries and request these titles to be added to their collection. 

The Rafflecopter with 4 opportunities for giveaways follows below.

Happy reading!

Wake, Sleepy One written by Lisa Kerr, illustrated by Lisa Powell Braun (West Margin Books 2022).   I absolutely love this book. The lyrical prose and beautiful refrain that changes slightly on each illustrated page spread in order to match each stage of this yellow poppy's life cycle is exquisite. The extra facts about the flowers on each spread expertly deliver information that young readers will be able to understand. Although the super bloom happens with the yellow poppy in California, this story packs a global reach with flowering plants found most everywhere. Young readers might even go on to discover "super bloom events" in their own regions. Be sure to find yourself a copy. It's a wonderful addition to any collection.

I'm a Gluten-Sniffing Service Dog written by Michel Babay, illustrated by Ela Smietanka (Albert Whitman 2021).  

Told from the perspective of a dog that is going through training in order to help his girl, Annie, stay safe from gluten, this story is absolutely engaging and packed full of interesting details. I had no idea that gluten can be found in so many different kinds of foods, and I'm gluten-sensitive, so even as an adult I learned something! Young readers will be opened up to how much work goes into training service animals, especially dogs that can be easily distracted. I imagine that this story will even bring the training of a family pet and how much work it involves into perspective. The illustrations created by Ela's Smietanka are bright, cheerful, and full of playful energy, which makes re-reading this book a joy.

A perfect book for any kid that likes dogs, pets, and has ever been curious about what service animals can do (or what it takes to be one), Babay's and Smietanka's story earns an A+++!

This is the Boat That Ben Built written by Jen Lynn Bailey, illustrated by Maggie Zeng (Pajama Press 2022).  

Based on the classic nursery rhyme, this delightful story is a perfect introduction to animals that can be found in river systems of northern biomes. As a science teacher I especially love the back matter that dips into details of ecosystems, touching on both living and nonliving components. The illustrations are downright colorful and fun and will most certainly please kids during story time. This book is a great one to check out.

Out of the Blue written by Elizabeth Shreeve, illustrated by Fran Preston-Gannon (Candlewick Press 2021).

As a teacher of earth science, one of the things (among many) that I am most impressed with in this book is Shreeve's ability to tell the complex story of how life began on earth in a clear and engaging way that young readers will understand and enjoy listening to.

I grew up loving the both the ocean and the land for all the wonderous life forms that are found among the different habitats, and this book bridges the amazing connections between both worlds. With bright and colorful illustrations that complement the text, this book is perfect for all ages. I highly recommend it.

The Crab Ballet written by Rene LaTulippe, illustrated by Cecile Metzger (Cameron Kids 2022). 

This rhyming story introduces children to the rhythm and movements of ballet terms, along with some French ones, within a beautifully illustrated and almost surreal inter-tidal performance of a crustacean community. The soft colors of Metzger's illustrations are a perfect match for the "quiet" world that can be seen along the shoreline at low tide. Yet, although quiet, I know from experience that the tide pool ecosystems that can be explored at low tide are full of activity and life, just like this book! It's a wonderful way to bring arts into the exploration and enjoyment of the natural world.

Before the World Wakes written by Estelle Laure, illustrated by Paola Zakimi (Two Lions 2022).

This story about a special time shared between brother and sister who discover gentle moments of nature and themselves in the moments just before dawn will pull readers in with its gentle text, especially with metaphors like: Then the sky goes the color of a wish. It's just for us. 

What I love most about this book is the message of a special moment that shared between siblings. Reading this book is perfect way to spark conversation about what might be happening outdoors while the world is sleeping or what is going on in the moments just before waking up. 

Slow Down, Tumbleweed! written by Haven Iverson, illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr. (Sounds True 2021).

What I love in this story about a tumbleweed who bounces from place to place on the wind is its many layers. Not only does it introduce young readers to different habitats and animals found within them, but it ultimately holds a message about the importance of slowing down to enjoy the quiet moments of nature around oneself. For that, this book seems like a perfect companion for Before the World Wakes. Set on the wide expanses of the western or southwestern United States, Slow Down Tumbleweed will draw readers in to gain an inherent appreciation of nature. 

Wildfire! written and illustrated by Ashley Wolff (Beach Lane Books 2021). 

When wildfire ignites in the forest, how do animals and humans respond? This story shows a forest and fire team's response to combatting wildfire, as well as the actions that different types of wildlife take to avoid harm. 

As alarming as the wildfires have been in the western United States from long-term drought, and also personally knowing a young woman who is a part of one of those fire-fighting forest crews, I found this book to be both informative and reassuring. It's a great introduction for discussion about forest ecology and management with young readers.

Over and Under the Canyon, written by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal (Chronicle Books 2021). 

Inspired by a trip taken by the author to Anza-Brego Desert State Park in Southern California, I found that the landscape, animals, and experiences shared for the young reader reflect my own memories of Southern Utah. Kids will delight in seeing the different types of animals that are highlighted in the illustrations and some of their interactions that can be found in the desert, both during that day and at night. 

Overall, this book is a beautiful addition to the Over/Under series, which provides a peek into different types of habitats.

Winter Lullaby written by Dianne White, illustrated by Ramona Kaulitski (Candlewick 2021). 

A baby bear questions why he must go to bed as he observes a series of animals in the forest around him, while mama bear explains how each of those animals is prepping to sleep through winter. Before long, both mama and baby are tucked in their own den. This seamlessly rhyming and lyrical text will soothe any young reader into the sweetest of dreams, while introducing them to woodland animals in winter.

One Tomato. A Garden Counting Book, written by Rebecca Mullin, illustrated by Anne Mullin (Rubber Ducky Press 2021). 

The colors and wonders of nature can capture even the youngest readers, which makes this board book a perfect introduction for what can be see in a backyard or patio garden, as well as what they might find on their plate at snack time or meal time. The bright illustrations and clear, rhyming text will captivate the youngest future readers. 

Snail Crossing written and illustrated by Corey R. Tabor (Balzar & Bray 2020). 

All that stands between snail and a yummy patch of cabbage is a road. How hard can it be for one snail to get to the other side? This endearing story about goals and new friends who find unexpected ways to arrive at new destinations--all told from the perspective of a snail's eye view--makes it quite unique and fun for young readers.

Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance at one of 4 giveaways! All 4 giveaways are included in the Rafflecopter if you use the arrow at the top to scroll through.

1) A signed copy of WAKE, SLEEPY ONE from author Lisa Kerr

2) A free critique of a picture book manuscript (non-rhyming) from author Michal Babay

3) A free critique of a picture book manuscript from author Jen Lynn Bailey 

4) A signed copy of OUT OF THE BLUE from author Elizabeth Shreeve

a Rafflecopter giveaway