Book picks similar to
When We Went Wild by Isabella Tree


picture-books
nature
childrens
picture-book

Apple Cake: A Gratitude


Dawn Casey - 2019
    / Thank you, flower, / Thank you, bee. / Thank you, rain, / Thank you, sun. / Thank you, farmers, / every one. In this simple rhyming story from the author of Held in Love, a child says thank you for the gifts nature provides, from hazelnuts in the hedge to apples from the tree, eggs from the hens to milk from the cow. Eventually, the family has enough ingredients to make something special…a delicious apple cake! With captivating illustrations that brim with emotion, this sweet picture book encourages children to be grateful for the world around them—the perfect read for Thanksgiving. A recipe for apple cake at the end allows you and your child to share in the joyful gratitude.

I Spy in the Sky


Edward Gibbs - 2014
    Look through the spy hole and use the clues to guess which one is next. Then turn the page to reveal the creature. Watch as young children quickly become engaged in the game — learning colors and animal facts along the way.

Library Books Are Not for Eating!


Todd Tarpley - 2020
    Bronte has one small problem...she really loves eating books. (Did I mention she's also a dinosaur?) Math books, cookbooks, old books, new books--she just can't help herself. Will Ms. Bronte ever be able to curb her page-turning appetite, or will she continue chomping her way through a tasty book buffet? Open the fun peek-through cover of this lively picture book, and get ready for a story that will leave readers hungry for a second helping!

Gloria's Big Problem


Sarah Stiles Bright - 2020
    No way. Gloria’s big problem makes sure of that, following her wherever she goes and constantly reminding her that she’s anxious and frightened, that she’s not good enough, and that everyone will laugh at her. Anxious Gloria worries all the time, about everything. Until, one day, Gloria summons all her courage to try out for a community theater production. She marches herself to the audition, and her big problem marches right in behind her. She gets up on stage, and her big problem takes a seat in the front row and starts to laugh at her. And then at last she yells “STOP!”, and her big problem shrinks to a little problem, and Gloria wins a part in the play.

No Room for a Pup!


Elizabeth Suneby - 2019
    But according to her mom, there is just NO ROOM in their very small apartment. Then one day, when she and her grandma are visiting a friend who is giving away puppies, Mia falls in love with a small spotted pup who crawls into her lap. She knows she just has to convince her mom to let her keep him! With help from Grandma --- and some of her pet-owning friends --- can Mia show her mom how much room there really is in their apartment?In this charming picture book from Elizabeth Suneby and Laurel Molk, an I-want-a-dog story meets the Yiddish folk tale about how things could always be worse --- to comic effect! With a narrative and illustrations that are action-packed, this is a terrific read-aloud. The timely messages about the importance of gratitude for what one has, the need for generosity and the inclusion of others --- “there's always room for one more” --- resonate. This book makes a wonderful social studies resource for discussions about families and communities, with an intergenerational storyline full of endearing characters --- Mia, her mother and her grandmother live in the same apartment building, along with a diverse cast of neighbors. It also works for character education lessons on kindness, perseverance and initiative.

Who Wants a Tortoise?


Dave Keane - 2016
    From beloved author Dave Keane and acclaimed illustrator K.G. Campbell, a laugh-out-loud story of unexpected friendship!    When the spunky, loveable narrator receives a tortoise for her birthday, instead of the cuddly puppy she’s longed for her entire life, she’s more than a little disappointed.  But while her new lump of a pet isn’t what she dreamed of, it doesn’t take long—between tortoise-on-skateboard walks, sparkly shell makeovers, and a lemonade stand selling chances to hold a real life tortoise—for the little girl to change her mind—sort of.  But when her pet goes missing, all she wants is to be reunited with her new best friend.

Sunday Rain


Rosie J. Pova - 2021
    He spends his days with his fictional friends, immersed in a book. When an inviting Sunday rain gathers the local kids to play in the puddles, Elliott longs to join in, but he's too shy to go outside. Soon, Elliott discovers that new friendships are like a new book--you just have to plunge into the adventure.

Winter Sleep: A Hibernation Story


Sean Taylor - 2019
    Spot the sleeping animals as the tale unfolds, then learn about their hibernation habits from the information pages at the end. Co-authors Sean Taylor (picture book author) and Alex Morss (ecologist, journalist, and educator) offer a gentle introduction to the concept of hibernation. In the frosty, quiet forest, the snow blankets the ground and the trees have shed their leaves. Where have all the animals gone? Are they asleep too? In each cutaway scene, see what the child cannot—that underground below his feet are dens with sleeping creatures, and within the hollow trunks of trees, animals are nesting. After the story, annotated illustrations explain the hibernation facts for each animal and what they will do when they wake up for spring. Cozy up as you expand you and your child's knowledge of the natural world.

Our Little Kitchen


Jillian Tamaki - 2020
    With a garden full of produce, a joyfully chaotic kitchen, and a friendly meal shared at the table, Our Little Kitchen is a celebration of full bellies and looking out for one another. Bonus materials include recipes and an author’s note about the volunteering experience that inspired the book.

The Fox and the Forest Fire


Danny Popovici - 2021
    But when he spots a fire on the horizon that soon engulfs everything he's come to know—the bugs, the plants, the fox who keeps him company—he is forced to flee. When his newfound comfort goes up in smoke, how can he ever feel at home again?In a forest fire, so much can change in an instant. But both fox and boy learn that there are some things fire cannot burn. With time, the forest will regrow, the animals will return to their home, and so will the boy and his mom.As we all search for tools for understanding the destruction of forest fires, this touching story shows that hope, friendship, and resilience shine the brightest.TIMELY: As fires rage over a wider swath of the United States and internationally, and as fire season lengthens year after year, and sets new records year after year, these are themes communities are engaging with daily during fire season.WRITTEN BY A FIREFIGHTER: The author-illustrator was a volunteer firefighter, giving him a unique perspective on the topic of forest fires.EMOTIONALLY RESONANT: This moving story ends with rebuilding—both for humans and for nature—and with a truly uplifting message of resilience.COMMUNITY-BUILDING: A wonderful resource for families and communities experiencing the aftermath of a fire or other natural disasters, as well as anyone looking to empathize with, and better understand, those communities in need.CLASSROOM RESOURCE: Not only is this the perfect resource for talking about topics like the environment, natural disasters, forest management, and emergency preparedness, this book will also spark important conversations about coping with personal and community tragedies. The author-illustrator reflects on his own experiences with forest fires in the autho's note, and backmatter provides additional context.Perfect for: Parents, Educators, Nature lovers

Vivi Loves Science


Kimberly Derting - 2021
    A must-have for fans of Rosie Revere, Engineer and What Do You Do with an Idea? and anyone who loves to ask questions and learn about the world. Features a glossary and fun tide pool activity to do a home.In the companion to Cece Loves Science and Libby Loves Science, Vivi and her classmates take a field trip to the beach to study tide pools. With help from her teacher and a park ranger, Vivi and her friends make aquascopes, participate in a marine-inspired scavenger hunt, and learn about different species that call the ocean home.At the end of their trip, there’s one more surprise for Vivi! Full of fun facts about marine biology and conservation, Vivi Loves Science is a perfect pick for aspiring scientists, classrooms, and fans of Andrea Beaty’s Ada Twist, Scientist. Features a glossary and instructions on how to make your own aquascope and tide pool at home.

Before We Stood Tall: From Small Seed to Mighty Tree


Jessica Kulekjian - 2021
    The steps are described in simple but evocative text, each starting with “Before . . .” for a rhythmic telling. For example, “Before we stood tall, we clothed ourselves in bark and crowned ourselves in leaves, waving eagerly at the sun.” Particular attention is paid throughout to what's happening underground and how that links all life in the forest. Beginning with mature giants, “mighty in the kingdom of trees,” and ending with the promise of new life on the branches that are “hoping to be mighty in the kingdom of trees,” it's a beautiful and loving celebration of the circle of life.Jessica Kulekjian's skill at seamlessly blending nonfiction information with a poetic narrative sets this informational picture book apart. She also uniquely incorporates intriguing new research on how trees communicate with each other using an underground network of roots and fungus that connects the forest and helps the trees to thrive. Madeline Kloepper's rich artwork with its deep earth tone palette brings the forest and all its inhabitants alive on the page. The material has been vetted by several scientists, including experts on trees, insects and mushrooms. Supported by well-researched backmatter, the book has strong curriculum links to early elementary earth and life science topics, including plants, ecosystems and soil.

Jane Goodall


Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara - 2016
    When Jane was little, her father gave her a toy chimpanzee called "Jubilee" which sparked her early love of animals. As an adult, Jane traveled to Tanzania to study chimpanzees in a new way – by living with them in their habitat. This is how Jane made many discoveries that people had missed. With stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, this empowering series celebrates the important life stories of wonderful women of the world. From designers and artists to scientists, all of them went on to achieve incredible things, yet all of them began life as a little child with a dream. These books make the lives of these role models accessible for children, providing a powerful message to inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world!

Cranberry Easter


Wende Devlin - 1990
    "I'm going to sell the General Store and head South."Mr. Whiskers can't believe his ears. He knows Seth's been feeling lonely recently, but no Easter egg hunt...suffering codfish! And besides, without Seth around, who will he beat at checkers on Saturday nights?Mr. Whiskers realizes something must be done, but what? Just when things look their worst, his young friend Maggie come up with a plan that may save the egg hunt, and convince Seth that Cranberryport is the place for him afterall!

Where's My Turtle?


Barbara Bottner - 2020
    or somewhere in the house. Archer looks everywhere inside and out but can't find his turtle until he learns to think like one! However, sharp-eyed young readers will easily find the missing pet hiding thoughout the messy pages of this book.Here is an imaginative and interactive story with the added bonus of showing why it's a good idea to pick up your toys.