10 fantastic children's books about wildlife
We know that the world around us is precious, but books can be a brilliant reminder of that. Nicola Davies – author of top titles including Lots: The Diversity of Life on Earth, A First Book of Nature and Ice Bear – picks some of her favourite books about wildlife.

Can We Save the Tiger? by Martin Jenkins, illustrated by Vicky White
A clear and beautiful guide to endangered species, how they got that way and what we can do to save them.
The Wilderness War by Julia Green
An exciting story about a group of children who fight to save their little patch of the wild from developers. It shows the vital role of nature in children’s lives and empowers them to act on it.
Sky Dancer by Gill Lewis
A grieving son finds a new direction for himself and his family by standing up to those who want to kill the hen harriers on his beloved moors.

Coyote Summer by Mimi Thebo
The wildness of coyotes gives a girl a new life – and new hope – in the wilds of Kansas.
The Wolves of Currumpaw by William Grill
The true story of the wolf that turned a wolf killer into a wolf champion. Beautiful and unflinching, tragic and inspiring.
Yucky Worms by Viv French, illustrated by Jessica Ahlberg
One of the extraordinary Nature Stories series (it’s worth seeking out all of these). A celebration of these small, simple creatures and their secret, wonderful lives beneath our feet.

The Big Book of Bugs by Barbara Taylor, illustrated by Yuval Zommer
A glorious romp through the world of invertebrates that’s sure to raise a new generation of entomologists.
Nature Adventures by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom
Packed with everything you need to know to spot, identify and enjoy wildlife on a ramble, this book is charmingly and accessibly presented for young naturalists.
Something About a Bear by Jackie Morris
Huge, lyrical and gorgeous, very much like the animals it describes. This is a wonderful introduction to the fact that ‘bear’ means more than one animal. The paws on the back page will be a special favourite with small kids.
The Lost Words by Robert Macfarlane, illustrated by Jackie Morris
Robert’s words create spells to conjure wild species back into our imaginations and Jackie’s pictures beautifully portray the utter magic that is all around, accessible to even the smallest of us.

Reading resources
Our resources support professionals working with children and their families to embrace reading together.
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Here’s how the RENEW X BookTrust Biodiversity Storytelling Summit inspired an author-illustrator and Sandwell Libraries to engage children with nature.
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Rewild author Ben Martynoga argues that it is crucial to share books about nature with children.
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Author Livi Gosling shares how books can inspire a love of nature