Six books about the wildlife on your doorstep

Published on: 05 June 2024

Author and naturalist Dan Rouse shares some of her favourite children's books about wildlife.

Are you excited about wildlife and want to dive further into this weird and wonderful world? I’m Dan Rouse, and these are some of my favourite books to inspire little ones to get into wildlife.

Blue's Planet: Australia

Lucy McRobert, illustrated by Alisha Monnin

Age: 9+

Why I love it: Blue’s Planet takes you on an exciting journey looking at some serious environmental issues but in a way that is accessible for children to enjoy. It’s an inspiring story, giving children the courage to make a difference in their own gardens.

The Book of Brilliant Bugs

Jess French, illustrated by Claire McElfatrick

Age: 9+

Why I love it: Not only are bugs hugely underappreciated, but they are some of the most AMAZING creatures you can find anywhere in your gardens! This book gives you so many facts and ways to enjoy the different critters in your back yard.

Why Do We Need Worms?

Katie Daynes, illustrated by Moesha Kellaway

Age: 5+

Why I love it: This book, and the whole series, answer so many of the questions I had as a child! I wanted to know every little detail about the wildlife in my garden and this book really tells you them all.

I Am the Seed That Grew the Tree: a Nature Poem for Every Day of the Year

Fiona Waters, illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon

Age: 6+

Why I love it: A delightful book filled with a poem for every day of the year. It’s really refreshing to wake up with a poem on the various different wildlife you can see on your walk to school or when looking in a garden.

That's Not My Hedgehog...

Fiona Watt, illustrated by Rachel Wells

Age: 2+

Why I love it: How I wished there were more toddler books on wildlife when I was younger! Learn some of the key identification features of some of your iconic garden wildlife through these interactive books.

Don’t Ever Laugh at a Ladybird

Harriet Evans, illustrated by Michael Slack

Age: 2+

Why I love it: Learn about different creatures and their temperaments through a pop-up picture book. 

The Children’s Book of Wildlife Watching by Dan Rouse is out now.