Early years - habitats

Children in the early years enjoy observing nature and should be encouraged to notice connections between animals and the places they live. The following fiction and non-fiction titles explore the variety of habitats that animals call home. From rock pool dwelling crabs to nesting owls, these books teach young children about animals in the wild and how their features suit the environments in which they live.

  • Owl Babies

    by Martin Waddell, illustrated by Patrick Benson 

    1994 2 to 7 years 

    • Classics
    • Picture books

    This reassuring and stunningly illustrated book tackles the subject of temporary separation – a situation which all children are likely to experience, be it Mum going to work or first day at Nursery.

  • Who’s Hiding at the Seaside?

    by Katharine McEwen 

    2019 2 to 7 years 

    A lovely addition to any little person’s blossoming bookshelf, this is a great way to learn about our country’s wildlife and the illustrations are a treat for tiny art lovers. Be warned though, you’ll want to collect the entire set from Nosy Crow and the National Trust!

  • The River

    by Patricia Hegarty, illustrated by Hanako Clulow 

    2016 2 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    A little fish goes on an epic adventure from the top of the mountain, downstream towards the sea.The book could be of use to teachers as inspiration for an art or writing project around nature, but is also a gentle bedtime rhyme.

  • Animal Homes: Rainforest

    by Amelia Warren, illustrated by Natasha Durley 

    2023 2 to 4 years 

    • Board books
    • Non-fiction

    This charming board book is a lovely introduction to the rainforest, with grabbable and durable layered board pages that mimic the low-to-high layers of the rainforest itself. Natasha Durley’s art is colourful and attractive for little ones, with the names of the animals printed near to their pictures so that adults can point them out.

  • The World to Come

    by Robert Macfarlane and Johnny Flynn, illustrated by Emily Sutton 

    2024 5 to 9 years 

    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    Based on meditative walks that Johnny Flynn took with his son during lockdown, this lyrical book explores nature and evokes a sense of hope as its characters muse on the promise of a world to come. 

  • Tidy

    by Emily Gravett 

    2016 4 to 9 years 

    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    Pete the badger likes to keep everything neat and tidy, but his over-zealous cleaning begins to have a damaging impact on the forest. This entertaining picture book, with its rich illustrations, carries an important environmental message.

  • The Coral Kingdom

    by Laura Knowles and Jennie Webber 

    2018 4 to 9 years 

    • Non-fiction
    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    The great beauty and diversity of the coral reef is explored in this stunningly beautiful picture book, which is a true work of art. The rhyming non-fiction text scans well and the information about coral reef conservation is pitched at the right level.

  • One Day on Our Blue Planet… in the Savannah

    by Ella Bailey 

    2015 4 to 9 years 

    • Adventure
    • Non-fiction
    • Picture books

    This is a lovely discussion book for children who have an interest in animals and the natural environment.

  • Animal Homes: A Lift the Flap Book of Discovery

    by Libby Walden, illustrated by Clover Robin 

    2019 4 to 9 years 

    • Board books
    • Interactive

    When we’re out and about, we probably walk past all manner of animal homes without even knowing it. A cute and charming board book, perfect for young nature fans at home or at school.

  • A Good Place

    by Lucy Cousins 

    2022 2 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    Four friends including a ladybird, a bee, a beetle and a dragonfly search for a new home and finally find the perfect place in a little boy’s garden. 

  • Seek and Find: Ocean Animals

    by Susie Rae, illustrated by Diego Vaisberg 

    2024 5 to 9 years 

    • Interactive
    • Non-fiction

    This interactive non-fiction book uses a seek and find torch and flaps to explore the different animals present in ocean habitats 

  • Habitats

    by Hannah Pang, illustrated by Isobel Lundie 

    2024 5 to 9 years 

    • Non-fiction
    • Picture books

    Explore the different layers of a variety of habitats with this beautiful non-fiction book, featuring interactive layered pages.

  • Respect the Insect: Meet the bugs who clean, tend and feed the world

    by Jules Howard, illustrated by Gosia Herba 

    2024 5 to 9 years 

    • Historical
    • Non-fiction

    A wide-ranging guide to all the ways that insects help regulate our environment and the roles they play in the natural world.

  • There Are Birds Everywhere

    by Britta Teckentrup 

    2024 5 to 14 years 

    • Non-fiction

    A beautiful book that is full of facts about birds and their amazing variety and skills.

  • National Trust: Story of the Seasons

    by Anna Wilson, illustrated by Carolina Rabei 

    2024 5 to 9 years 

    • Non-fiction

    A comprehensive exploration of wildlife in the UK explained by examining 8 habitats as they change through the seasons, written in collaboration with the National Trust. 

  • Finding Home

    by Mike Unwin, illustrated by Jenni Desmond 

    2024 9 to 14 years 

    • Around the world
    • Non-fiction

    With a double-page spread devoted to each of 20 animals, readers of all ages will be fascinated by the strange and wonderful places animals call home. A glorious book with stunning illustrations.