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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.

Nicola Davies

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.

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    Coyote Summer

    by Mimi Thebo 

    2017 9 to 12 years 

    Jules has been sent in disgrace from her privileged London life to live on her aunt and uncle’s farm in Kansas for the summer – where she ends up rediscovering her love for dance through the eyes of a coyote. Her experiences may be unique, but Jules’s confusion about her place in the world will ring true with most teenagers.

  • book cover

    The Wolves of Currumpaw

    by William Grill 

    2016 9 to 12+ years 

    • Historical
    • Non-fiction

    In New Mexico in the late 1800s, the wolves that had once roamed the landscape of the Old West were becoming scarce because of the rising number of settlers to the area. 

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.

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