There are so many amazing books out there! These are abridged book lists from my unit studies. I am constantly finding more books after publishing so this will become more of a running list. They are excellent books and I work hard to ensure that there is cultural diversity in my choices. I think I may have missed my calling as a children’s book librarian sometimes!
Don’t be overwhelmed by this crazy long book list- you don’t need all of these books I just like to present options. Make use of your local library and only buy favorites that you’ll use again and again. Thriftbooks is another great option for inexpensive books, especially ones that are out of print
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PK=Pre K, E= Elementary, UE= Upper Elementary, M= Middle Grades, H= High school, A=Adult
Autumn Books
Winter Books
Very cute basic introduction to what different animals do in the winter to survive. Not a lot of specific information, but a good introduction, especially for younger friends to hidden winter animal life.
A great level up from When Winter Comes, children discover signs of various animals in the snow and try to guess how they were made. Some non-fiction animal info at the end.
Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner
One of my favorite winter books, a story and lots of non-fiction information at the end about the subnivean zone (under the show) Great for Hibernation Celebration too!
Winter Sleep: A Hibernation Story by Sean Taylor
Another beautifully illustrated hibernation book packed with non-fiction info. Great for Hibernation Celebration too!
Grandmother Winter by Phyllis Root
A lesser known book (you might only be able to find it used) but a really, really beautiful winter folktale. Great for Solstice and Hibernation Celebration too.
Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold by Joyce Sidman
I love Joyce Sidman’s books of poetry, the poems are lovely and accessible for kids, the illustrations are beautiful and there is non-fiction information about all of the animals and plants described. This one focuses on winter plants and animals.
Winter World: The Ingenuity of Animal Survival by Bernd Heinrich
This is a phenomenal adult/ high school level book with more information than you ever dreamed of about the winter woods. A great resource.
Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper
One of the only kids books I’ve ever found that addresses the sound dampening qualities of snow, this also serves as a “listening walk” narrative. The end of the story is about connecting with family and culture, A great read.
Keepers of the Night: Native American Stories and Nocturnal Activities for Children by Michael J. Caduto and Joseph Bruchac
I adore the whole Keeper series, this one in particular. There are stories, activities and tons of background information. I find that Caduto and Bruchac do an amazing job of filtering traditional folktales for a more modern sensibility, but there is one tale in this book that is a bit gory for my sensitive kiddo.
Once Upon a Northern Night by Jean E. Pendziwol
Beautiful book that takes place at night during the winter. If you only get one winter nighttime picture book- this is it.
In the Dark: The Science of What Happens at Night by Lisa Deresti Betik
This is a great overview of a number of subjects, upper elementary and up reading level, but enough pictures for younger friends.
When the Stars Come Out: Exploring the Magic and Mysteries of the Nighttime by Nicola Edwards
This is a great overview of a number of subjects, upper elementary and up reading level, but enough pictures for younger friends.
Wild Nights Out: The Magic of Exploring the Outdoors After Dark by Chris Salisbury
This grown-up book is a fantastic read about existing in the night and facilitating outdoor nighttime experiences.
When the World is Dreaming by Rita Gray
We love this book so much! It starts with an 18th c Japanese haiku and much of the text is written in haiku or verse. It imagines what different animals dream about as a young girl walks through the woods. So beautiful and so many opportunities for learning (poetry, storytelling, nature, drawing from imagination)
My Friend Sleep by Laura Baker and Hannah Peck
Younger years picture books, simple text and great imaginative illustrations.
Poppy and Sam and the Search for Sleep by Cathon
This cute graphic novel talks about both sleep and hibernation, and could be a great bridge to a hibernation study. The graphic novel format will be more challenging for older readers than the first two choices.
I Am a Story by Dan Yaccarino
A very simple beautiful book charting the evolution of the story. Great jumping off point for different ways to tell stories (the book is simple, but could lead to some complex projects for older students)
The Return of the Light: Twelve Tales from Around the World for the Winter Solstice by Carolyn McVickar Edwards
Stories to tell around the fire. Just text, no images.
Keepers of the Night: Native American Stories and Nocturnal Activities for Children by Michael J. Caduto and Joseph Bruchac
I adore the whole Keeper series, this one in particular. There are stories, activities and tons of background information. I find that Caduto and Bruchac do an amazing job of filtering traditional folktales for a more modern sensibility, but there is one tale in this book that is a bit gory for my sensitive kiddo.
Winter Tales by Dawn Casey
Stories to tell around the fire.
Nordic Tales: Folktales from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark by Ulla Thynell
Stories to tell around the fire.
Among the Night People by Clara Dillingham Pierson
Stories to tell around the fire. First published in 1902- these stories all focus on nocturnal animals or phenomena.
*General warning that traditional folktales (which many of the above are) often have varying levels of gore- check them out before you read them if you have sensitive friends.
Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner
One of my favorite winter books, a story and lots of non-fiction information at the end about the subnivean zone (under the show)
Winter Sleep: A Hibernation Story by Sean Taylor
Another beautifully illustrated hibernation book packed with non-fiction info.
Grandmother Winter by Phyllis Root
A lesser known book (you might only be able to find it used) but a really, really beautiful winter folktale.
Dormouse Dreams by Karma Wilson
When the World is Dreaming by Rita Gray
Haikus about different animals dream- I love this book as a jumping off point for poetry and a creative way to think about hibernation.
Mr. Postmouse’s Rounds by Marianne Dubuc
This isn’t actually a book about hibernation,, but an amazing resource for different fantastical animal homes,
Snuggle Down Deep by Diane Ohanesian
A cute book for little ones with repeated rhyming text.
Hiders Seekers Finders Keepers: How Animals Adapt to Winter by Jessica Kulekjian
Great non fiction information and a cute story.
Winter Is the Warmest Season by Lauren Stringer
Grandmother Winter by Phyllis Root
A lesser known book (you might only be able to find it used) but a really, really beautiful winter folktale. One of my absolute favorites.
The Solstice Badger by Robin McFadden
This is my favorite Winter Solstice book, it’s a modern folktale and so beautifully written.
The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper
A poetic take on the customs and traditions of the solstice.
The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice by Wendy Pfeffer
Great book for non-fiction information and traditions of the Winter Solstice.
The Longest Night by Marion Dane Bauer
Another beautiful folktale about the animals trying to encourage the sun to some back and the smallest of them succeeding.
The Winter Solstice by Ellen Jackson
I generally don’t like the Jackson books as much as the Pfeffer ones and they are out of print and tough to find, but this one is solid and has some interesting information. Grab it if you find a good price, but don’t sweat it if you don’t.
Sun Bread by Elisa Kleven
A book about making sun bread to bring back the sun- recipe included.
Night Tree by Eve Bunting
A classic book about decorating a tree with edibles for the animals in winter.
The After-Christmas Tree by Linda Wagner Tyler
This version uses a discarded Christmas tree to create habitat for animals and decorates it with edibles much like the Night Tree.
The Tomten by Astrid Lindgren
There are many great books about the tomten- this one is a classic.
Trouble with Trolls by Jan Brett
Another classic, Jan Brett has a number of mischievous troll books.
Sky Gazing: A Guide to the Moon, Sun, Planets, Stars, Eclipses, and Constellations by Meg Thacher
This is my favorite resource on the night sky. It’s chock full of information (I feel like I learned things as an adult,) has hands on activities and is accessible with lots of pictures for younger kids.
Star Stories: Constellation Tales From Around the World by Anita Ganeri and Andy Wilx
Beautifully illustrated folktales and stories about constellations.
What We See in the Stars: An Illustrated Tour of the Night Sky by Kelsey Oseid
Beautifully illustrated constellation stories.
The Cat’s Guide to the Night Sky by Stuart Atkinson
Another cute night sky cook- this one is strong on seasonal constellations.
SkySisters by Jan Bourdeau Waboose
A beautiful story of sisters watching the aurora borealis with a native perspective of the phenomenon.
Through the Night Sky: A collection of amazing adventures under the stars by DK
Interesting facts about night and night time animals from all over the world. Beautiful Illustrations.
Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman
I love Joyce Sidman’s books of poetry, the poems are lovely and accessible for kids, the illustrations are beautiful and there is non-fiction information about all of the animals and plants described. This one focuses on nocturnal animals.
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
A timeless classic about a young girl and her father looking for owls at night. A great one to read before a night time walk.
Owling: Enter the World of the Mysterious Birds of the Night
Great book packed with info- primarily focuses on North American Owls. General information about owls, specific information about a variety of species and a section on finding and observing owls. Fairly dense non-fiction.
Owls by Gail Gibbons
Great easy reader with a surprising amount of information.
The Barn Owls by Tony Johnston
This one focuses on the barn owl specifically.
Messages from an Owl by Max R. Terman
Adult/High school level– a zoologist raises, releases and studies a great horned owl.
Hello Moon by Julie Downing
Pre-K level. Simple, sweet introduction to some nocturnal animals, this one stands out because it describes night time as magical rather than scary. (Not set in winter)
Good Night Bat, Good Morning Squirrel
This one is silly, but we really enjoyed it. Nocturnal and diurnal friends leaving notes to each other, only they don’t start as friends. It would be funf to pair with a writing exercise- I love all the surfaces they write notes on (leaves, mushrooms, bark, etc)
Non-fiction, but presented in a lyrical and lovely way.
The Bat Book by Charlotte Milner
Beautifully designed book packed with information- elementary reading level.
Bat Citizens: Defending the Ninjas of the Night by Rob Laidlaw
Lots of information, more of a graphic novel format. elementary
The Bat (Disgusting Critters) by Elise Gravel
Silly fun graphic novel with non fiction information and adorable illustrations
Packed with non-fiction facts, great illustrations and a fun interactive glow in the dark feature, I can see this book keeping multiple age groups engaged.
Moonlight Animals by Elizabeth Golding
A fun “flashlight book with hidden pictures.
Winter Trees by Carole GerberA great story about identifying trees in winter suitable for younger friends.
Winter Tree Finder: A Manual for Identifying Deciduous Trees in Winter (Eastern US) (Nature Study Guides)by May T. Watts
A classic dichotomous key for identifying winter trees- the book is tiny and fits in backpack.
Identification of Trees and Shrubs in Winter Using Buds and Twigs by Bernd Schulz
This is out of print and harder to find, but is an awesome field guide for winter bud id. (You can also find a lot of info online if you aren’t ready to invest in a field guide)
Plants in Winter (Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out) by Joanna Cole
Non-fiction information about what happens to plants in the winter.
Tog
gle Content
The Winter Bird by Kate Banks (PK-E)
A nightingale who usually migrates stays behind for winter with a little help from friends.
Spring Books
Busy Spring Nature Wakes Up by Sean Taylor and Alex Morss
A fantastic book about the changes that happen in nature as spring begins with tons of nonfiction information to extend the learning. Love this one.
Snowman-Cold=Puddle Spring Equations by Laura Purdi Salas (E)
Ok I know I’m saying I love all of these books, but seriously I do, This is great one to talk about math and poetry and the start of spring. My 8 yr old was drawn to it like a magnet.
Mamma is it Summer Yet? By NIkki McClure
I adore this book, and in fairness I adore all of Nikki McClure’s book and illustration style. This is smart “signs of spring” type book in lyrical prose. I love that the child is building a stick fort while watching the squirrel build a shelter and that there is a flower watching picnic.
The First Blade of Sweetgrass by Suzanne Greenlaw and Gabriel Frey
A young native girl learns about the history of sweetgrass collection.Some Wabanaki vocabulary and science about the plants included.
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer (M-A)
The older version of the above book, this story takes a look at the American Indian traditions around sweetgrass and the teachings of the plant. A beautiful read.
How the Robin Saved Spring by Debbie Oulellet (E)
A beautiful folktale about spring. A great jumping off point for “why does spring happen” story writing.
Birdsongs by Betsy Franco (PK-E)
I love this book, it’s very simple but engaging with illustrations from Steve Jenkins. It focuses on the different sounds bids make in a poetic way.
Mamma Built a Little Nest by Jennifer Ward (PK-E)
This book looks at different types of nests and nesting materials with fantastic illustrations.
Bird Builds a Nest by Martin Jenkins (PK-E)
This book follows one bird in its journey to build a cup shaped nest.
Birdsong by Julie Flett (UE)
This book is set through the seasons (not just spring) and celebrates how a young girl connects with her aging neighbor through bird watching. Very sweet, but a sad ending. The author is Cree and there is also discussion of American Indian culture. A beautiful book.
A Nest Is Noisy and An Egg is Quiet by Dianna Hutts Aston (PK-E)
These two are classics
Flights of Fancy by Peter Tate (A) Folklore and myth about birds.
Possum and the Peeper by Anne Hunter (PK-E)
I love all of the possum books, this one is all about the signs of spring and while they aren’t specifically mentioned, shows an array of spring ephemerals in the illustrations.
Wake up Woods by Gillian Harris (E-M)
The quintessential spring ephemeral book for kids (in the US) beautiful illustrations, but fairly dense text.
The Golden Glow by Benjamin Flouw
This book doesn’t specifically call flowers spring ephemerals, but the protagonist searches for a special rare flower and then decides its best to leave it where it can be happy.
Worm Weather by Jean Taft (PK)
Cute book about playing in the rain.
On a Magical Do- Nothing Day by Beatrice Alemagna (E)
A child tears himself away from his screen and has run playing outdoors in the rain.
Sometimes Rain by Meg Fleming (PK-E)
This isn’t strictly about rain, but precipitation in general. The illustrations (by Diana Sudyka) are some of my favorite.
Watersong by Tim McCanna (PK)
A great way to connect music and rain, this focuses on the sounds rain can make. Nonfiction information in the back of the book.
Rhythm of the Rain by Grahame Baker Smith (PK-E)
This book follows the rain through the water cycle. Beautifully illustrated.
Who Likes Rain by Wong Herbert Yee (PK-E)
A young girl enjoying the rain.
Wiggling Worms at Work by Wendy Pfeffer
You really can’t go wrong with Wendy Pfeffer– another great nonfiction resource.
The Worm by Elise Gravel (E-UE)
I love this whole series (disgusting creatures) of graphic novel style books packing with nonfiction info and my kids love them too.
The Worm and the Bird by Coralie Bickford-Smith (E-A)
This is a bit of an odd story, but is one of the most beautiful books I have ever laid eyes on. There is a kind of existential narrative, but it’s still approachable for kids.
Mud by Mary Lyn Ray (PK-E)
A New Beginning, Celebrating the Spring Equinox by Wendy Pfeffer
An excellent nonfiction resource on the spring equinox and the traditions around the world.
From the author of the Solstice Badger, another amazing thoughtful modern folktale.
Spring Equinox Celebrating the Greening of the Earth by Ellen Jackson
These books are out of print and nice to have if you can find them at a reasonable price, but not worth some of the outrageous prices I see them listed for online.
Spring Blossoms by Carole Gerber (E)
I love Gerber’s tree series, this one is all about what trees are doing in the spring time.
In Blossom by Yooju Cheon (PK-E)
While flower watching isn’t specifically named, the whole story takes place while picnicking under a cherry tree. Themes about social emotional learning as well. Very sweet.
Japanese Traditions by Setsu Broderick (E)
One of the only books I could find with Hanami information for kids, this is year round description of different seasonal festivals in Japan.
The Secret Pool by Kimberly Ridley (E-UE)
A lyrical narrative and nonfiction information make this book the best of both worlds for me.
Frog Heaven the Ecology of a Vernal Pool by Doud Wechsler (E-M)
An excellent non-fiction resource on vernal pools for kids.
Salamander Rain by Kristin Joy Pratt-Serafini (E)
This book reads like a nature journal kept by fictitious kids and is chock full of information.
Creek Critters by Jennifer Keats Curtis with the Stroud Water Research Center (E-M)
This a picture book but has very detailed information macroinvertebrates as well as downloadable resources to help you identify them in creeks and streams.
Under and Over the Pond by Kate Messner (E)
A fantastic resource for ponds and the creatures that inhabit them.
999 Frogs Wake Up by Ken Kimura (PK-E)
A silly book about frogs and counting there are seasonally accurate animals.
A Wood Frog’s Life by John Himmelman (E)
A nonfiction account of the wood frog.
Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems by Joyce Sidman
Pond and water poetry- a caldecott honor book
Watchers at the Pond by Franklin Russel (M-A)
The going on at a pond from different viewpoints.
How to Create a Wildlife Pond by Kate Bradbury (H-A)
This is a non-fiction book about setting up a wildlife friendly pond in your own space. Could be a great project for an older learner.
Salamander Sky by Katy Farber (E)
A young girl describes her experience of helping salamanders on the Big Night
Big Night for Salamanders by Sarah Marwil Lamstein (E)
A young boy helps salamanders cross the road during the big night.
Mossy by Jan Brett (PK-E)
A story of a turtle with a fantastic mossy shell
Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses by Robin Wall Kimmerer (M-A)
An amazing cultural and natural history of mosses. This book is a gem.
Forest Magic: A Guidebook for Little Woodland Explorers by Sarah Grindler (PK-E)
Not specifically about moss, but some discussion of it.
The Magical World of Moss Gardening by Annie Martin (M-A)
A fantastic book to get you hooked on moss gardening.
Summer Books
All in a Day by Cynthia Rylant (PK-E)
It’s the illustrations by Nikki McClure that make this book for me- this book celebrates the fleeting nature of a summer day.
Summer World by Bernd Heinrich (H-A)
The summer companion to Heinrich’s “Winter World” this is jam packed with naturalist observations in a fun easy to read format.
Beneath the Sun by Melissa Stewart (PK-E)
Different ways that animals cope with hot summer conditions
On the Way to the Beach by Henry Cole (PK-E)
A walk through different summer habitats and some of the plants and animals to look for.
Wonder Walkers by Micha Archer (PK-E)
A poetic walk outdoors to spark wonder.
The Longest Day: Celebrating the Summer Solstice by Wendy Pfeffer (E-M)
A great introduction to the Solstice.
Summer Solstice by Ellen Jackson (E-M)
This book is out of print and can be hard to find, it’s a nice resource if you find it at a good price, but not worth the exorbitant prices it often commands online.
Little Night/ Nochecita by Yumi Morales (PK-E)
A perfect book to read on the longest day, a magical realist tale of little night getting ready for bedtime and wanting to play in the long hours of sunshine. English and Spanish
The Midsummer Mouse by Reg Down (UE-M)
A fairy and various woodland creatures get ready for Midsummer.