8 best nature picture books for kids in 2024
A quick note that this post includes affiliate links, through which I may earn a commission.
When researching this year’s best nature books, I came across so many enchanting stories that didn’t quite fit in that post: wonderfully illustrated nature books for children. The beautiful picture books for kids I’ve curated below are gorgeous celebrations of our natural world and the joy of adventure, accompanied by stunning illustrations, intriguing facts, and inspiring adventure advice.
Most of these recommendations are perfect for young readers up to 9 years old, but also gently inspiring for grown readers – especially if, like me, you have a love for beautiful artwork, gentle stories, and praise for our planet’s wildlife that nurtures mindful attention, care, and respect.
I hope you enjoy browsing through these books as much as I have. (Looking for gift ideas? These are all perfect book gifts for kids this year.)
Beautiful new picture books about nature & adventure
The World to Come by Robert Macfarlane, Johnny Flynn, and Emily Sutton
If you think you recognise these authors’ names, you’re probably right: while Robert Macfarlane is one of Britain’s greatest nature writers (Mountains of the Mind, The Wild Places), Johnny Flynn is an English poet, musician, and actor. Their talents combine beautifully here in The World to Come, a wonderfully unique lyrical journey with a father and son.
Together with joyfully vibrant and delicate illustrations by Emily Sutton, The World to Come is full of optimism, too – as father and son walk together through a changing landscape, they discover a world to come that’s filled with hope.
Hike It: A complete guide to camping, hiking and backpacking in the great outdoors by Iron Tazz and Martin Stanev
I’ll claim that every book on this list is beautiful, but there’s something about Hike It that makes me even more eager to recommend it to adventurous folks looking for gift ideas for kids. With stunning illustrations by Martin Stanev, this introduction to camping, hiking and backpacking will equip every budding adventurer with the inspiration, basic knowledge, and encouragement to spend more time in the great outdoors.
Green: The Story of Plant Life on Our Planet by Nicola Davies and Emily Sutton
As one of two nature books for kids illustrated by the talented Emily Sutton on this list, Green: The Story of Plant Life on Our Planet is as beautiful as it is educational. Infused with zoologist Nicola Davies’ wide knowledge in a super accessible format, this introduction to the biology of plants on Earth — and their vast importance to our planet — will spark love and respect for all things green and leafy in even the youngest of readers.
There’s a Mountain in This Book by Rachel Elliot and Genevieve Lacroix
One of the best picture books about mountains I’ve come across this year is There’s a Mountain in This Book. Not only does it have one of the best covers I’ve seen lately, but it’s also packed with intriguing insights about the world’s most famous mountains alongside more stunning illustrations by Genevieve Lacroix.
From forests and caves in the foothills of the Alps to rainforest and moorland in the uplands of Mount Kilimanjaro, browsing this book’s inspiring pages (and die-cut flaps and interactive gatefolds) feels like heading out on an adventure.
Mountains of the World by Nina Cosford
Another of the best adventure picture books of 2024 is Mountains of the World by Nina Cosfold, published by the wonderful Magic Cat Publishing (their website is one of my first stops when I’m looking for beautiful new picture books).
If you know any little ones who are amazed by mountains, join them on an enthralling journey up seven stunning peaks through concertina-style die-cut pages that mirror the distinct shapes of the world’s most iconic mountains. From mountain tapirs to cheeky marmots, lift the flaps on each page to reveal the diverse wildlife that calls these mountains home across seven continents.
Comet & Star: A Story of Cosmic Friendship by Lee Juck and Lee Jinhee
Comet & Star is an awe-inspiring wonder of a children’s book. Rolling through space in a far corner of the universe many years ago, this heartwarming story of a little star and its brief connection with a comet shines a light on the wonders of friendship and the vastness of our universe. It’s hard not to fall in love with these spellbinding illustrations by Lee Jinhee, beautifully paired with the gentle words of Korean singer-songwriter Lee Juck (translated to English by Stine An).
On a Mushroom Day by Chris Baker and Alexandra Finkeldey
To kindle a safe interest in foraging in any reader young or grown, grab a copy of On A Mushroom Day. This enchanting ode to nature’s fungal harvest feels like a magical walk through the forest, full of stops with a knowledgeable companion to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the woods as you learn about the wild beauty and wonder of mushrooms.
From golden chanterelles to chicken of the woods, learn to identify some of the forest’s best fungal treats from professional mushroom lover and author Chris Baker, accompanied by gorgeous illustrations by Ottawa-based Alexandra Finkeldey.
Tove and the Island with No Address by Lauren Soloy
As a slightly different choice for the last book on this list, Tove and the Island With No Address is a wonderful new picture book celebrating the joys to be found outdoors. Lauren Soloy’s book is an ode to beautiful remoteness of the Nordic island that Tove Jansson spent her childhood summers, surrounded by wild weather, adventure, and the comfort of coming in from outside. As well as being a stunning picture book for imaginative kids, any adult who loves Tove Jansson (The Moomins, The Summer Book) will likely love Tove and the Island With No Address too.
For more beautiful nature books of 2024 to give as gifts or treat yourself, you might also like browsing these recent collections:
Hi Lucy! Just want to tell you how much I appreciate your book recommendations. I follow them closely and love each one that you choose. Honestly, most of my favourite books have come from your recommendations.
Thanks for all you do!!
Oh that’s so kind of you to share, thank you Candice! Hope you’re doing well and having a lovely week 🙂 –Lucy