Staff Picks
Read All About It: This Land is Our Land
Collection
"This land was made for you and me."--This Land is Your Land | Woody Guthrie
Whether it's camping with family or finding tiny, perfect things right in your own neighborhood, these stories will remind you of the wonder and beauty that's all around us. Earth day is every day when you read one of these wonderful picture books. Find more great stories when you Read All About It: Taking Care of Mother Earth.
Did you know there's an organization right here in our community whose mission is to protect and preserve the beauty all around us? "The mission of Keep the Midlands Beautiful is to engage, inspire and educate the Midlands to invest in our community through litter prevention, recycling and beautification."
Looking for even more good books? Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.
Wonder Walkers
Published in 2021
"Two curious children go for a walk, asking imaginative questions about the natural beauty that surrounds them"-- Provided by publisher.
Where's Rodney?
Published in 2017
Rodney was inside, but always wanted to be outside. His class takes a field trip to the park.
Tiny, Perfect Things
Published in 2018
The whole world is a treasure waiting to be found. Open your eyes and see the wonderful things all around. This is the story of a child and a grandfather whose walk around the neighborhood leads to a day of shared wonder as they discover all sorts of tiny, perfect things together. With rhythmic storytelling and detailed and intricate illustrations, this is a book about how childlike curiosity can transform ordinary days into extraordinary adventures.
You Belong Here
Published in 2016
A classic bedtime story journeys around the world, observing plants and animals everywhere, and reminding children that they are right where they belong.
Run Wild
Published in 2018
A celebration of the joy of being outdoors features a child who abandons his digital device in favor of joining a friend outside.
Lawrence in the Fall
Published in 2019
Lawrence the fox accompanies his father into the forest to collect something to take to his school show-and-tell, and while briefly lost and alone, Lawrence encounters the beauty of nature and finds exactly what he needs.
The Hike
Published in 2019
Three friends set out on a day hike to explore their local forest, intending to climb to the top of the hill, where they will plant a flag, read a poem, and release feathers into the wind.
If I Was the Sunshine
Published in 2019
Illustrations and simple, rhyming text explore the nature of connection and relationships.
All Around Us
Published in 2017
Finding circles everywhere, a grandfather and his granddaughter meditate on the cycles of life and nature.
Southwest Sunrise
Published in 2020
Jayden expects to see nothing but brown his first morning in New Mexico, but after being surprised by colorful rocks, flowers, birds, and animals, he wonders if this place could become home.
Finding Wild
Published in 2016
"All the ways and places that wild exists in our world and where you can find it"-- Provided by publisher.
Jayden's Impossible Garden
Published in 2021
"Nine-year-old Jayden loves the outdoors, but his mother is nervous about him playing in their neighborhood. With the help of his neighbor Mr. Curtis, can Jayden help Mama see that nature and beauty are all around?"-- Provided by publisher.
The Camping Trip
Published in 2020
Ernestine is beyond excited to go camping. She follows the packing list carefully (new sleeping bag! new flashlight! special trail mix made with Dad!) so she knows she is ready when the weekend arrives. But she quickly realizes that nothing could have prepared her for how hard it is to set up a tent, never mind fall asleep in it, or that swimming in a lake means that there will be fish -- eep! Will Ernestine be able to enjoy the wilderness, or will it prove to be a bit too far out of her comfort zone?
Bright Star
Published in 2021
"A nurturing voice reassures the lonely and afraid in difficult times"-- Provided by publisher.
Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter
Published in 2017
"In a simple, cheerful conversation with nature, two young children witness how the season changes from autumn to winter"-- Provided by publisher.
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn
Published in 2016
"In a simple, evocative conversation with nature, a young girl witnesses how the season changes from summer to autumn"-- Provided by publisher.
Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring
Published in 2020
In simple text, a young boy watches how nature changes from winter into spring.
Because of an Acorn
Published in 2016
"This enchanting and informative picture book explores the vital connections between the layers of an ecosystem, relating how every tree, flower, plant, and animal connect to one another in spiraling circles of life."-- Provided by publisher.
Fatima's Great Outdoors.
Published in 2021
A Way with Wild Things
Published in 2020
Poppy Ann Fields loves bugs and feels more comfortable outdoors than with other people until a special bug lands on Grandma Phyllis's birthday cake. Includes a glossary of insects.
You Are Home
An Ode to the National Parks
Published in 2019
"Author and illustrator Evan Turk showcases the beauty and importance of the National Parks in this gorgeous picture book that takes readers on an amazing tour across the United States. In simple, soaring language and breathtaking art, acclaimed author-illustrator Evan Turk has created a stirring ode to nature and nation. From the rugged coast of Maine to the fiery volcanoes of Hawaii, You Are Home reminds us that every animal, plant, and person helps make this land a brilliant, beautiful sanctuary of life." -- Provided by publisher.
Emile and the Field
Published in 2022
"Emile loves the field close to his home--in spring, summer, and fall, when it gives him bees and flowers, blossoms and leaves. But not as much in winter, when he has to share his beautiful, changeable field with other children ... and their sleds"-- Provided by publisher