Childhood101

playing. learning. growing.

  • Learning Activities
    • Mathematics
    • Literacy
    • Social Emotional Learning
    • Distance Learning Resources
    • Coding for Kids
    • Science & Nature
    • Art & Craft
    • Holidays/Celebrations
    • Best Books for Kids
    • Products We Love
  • Play Ideas
    • Group Games for Kids
    • Sensory Play Ideas
    • Outdoor Play
    • Fun Play Spaces
    • Pretend Play
    • Lego Challenges
  • PRINTABLES
  • Books for Kids
    • Picture Books
    • Chapter Books
    • Graphic Novels
  • Activities By Age
    • School Age Learners
    • Pre+K Learners
    • Toddler Play
    • Baby Play
  • SHOP

Kids Books 101: Get Outdoors and Read!

This is a guest post by Megan Blandford of Writing Out Loud and Kids Book Review.

There are so many fascinating things for children (and adults!) to see, do and experience outside. But there are also times – bedtime, for example – that you simply can’t be outdoors with your kids. These are the times you can turn to books.

Stories are the perfect way to introduce your child to new concepts and ideas, or to encourage their natural enthusiasm and interest in their world. Books make the world feel safe, familiar and fascinating – and this knowledge is your child’s key to fun in the great outdoors.

Here are five fantastic picture books about the world around us:

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle:  This much-loved classic (pictured above) is the ultimate story of nature, showing the transition of a small caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly. Carle’s illustrations showcase the colours of nature like no other. After reading this, your child will be even more aware of noticing little creatures and keen to understand their ‘secret’ lives.

Leaf by Stephen Michael King: Brilliant for many reasons, none more so than the story being told in picture form only, opening up the chance for you and your child to tell the story together. This is the adventure of a boy trying to escape his haircut, heading outside instead, and resulting in a beautiful tale of seeds growing for future generations.

Rufus the Numbat by David Miller: Rufus doesn’t even know he’s on an adventure when he heads from the city back to his home in the bush. But the people he’s encountered sure do. He causes all sorts of chaos and mishap, from sending a cyclist flying to getting under the feet of a dragon at the grand parade. The greatest appeal of this story is the amazing paper sculpture illustrations and the unusual contrast between the slow, methodical text and frantic visual scenes.

Diary of a Wombat by Jackie French: If there’s any picture book author who knows about life outdoors, it’s Jackie French. Farmer, gardener, former echidna milker (true story!) and wombat-lover, she tells the tale of a week in the life of a wombat. Just one glance at Bruce Whatley’s gorgeous illustrations will have your child asking for this story NOW!

My Little World by Julia Cooke: Walking with her family, this child tries so hard to see all the things her grandmother and big brother can see. But she just can’t. The disappointment, however, soon turns to excitement when she realises that there are just as many things to discover at her height, and she revels in watching her own version of this interesting world. Complete with accurate illustrations of Australian plants and creatures, this story shows children that there are amazing things all around nature: high and low.

Enjoy reading!

PS – during the day, take the books outside for a read in between play times too!

Megan Blandford is a writer, blogger and book reviewer. She spends her time running after her adventurous toddler, laughing at her husband’s (sometimes) lame jokes, baking too many sweets and daydreaming far too often.

Christie Burnett is a teacher, presenter, writer and the mother of two. She created Childhood 101 as a place for teachers and parents to access engaging, high quality learning ideas.

Filed Under: Books

Previous post: 25 Ways to Have Fun Outdoors
Next post: 5 Easter Egg Hunt Ideas

Read the comments or scroll down to add your own:

  1. Kakka says

    April 17, 2011 at 8:05 AM

    Thanks Megan, there are some there I had not heard off and need to stock up my bookcase for when my grand-daughter comes over. xxx
    • Megan @ Writing Out Loud says

      April 17, 2011 at 9:59 AM

      Great idea, Kakka! x
  2. Dannie says

    April 17, 2011 at 8:16 AM

    I use to get my grandmother to read (The very hungry caterpillar) over and over again just cos it was my all time favourites as a child :-) I dont think i have heard of the other three books?
    • Megan @ Writing Out Loud says

      April 17, 2011 at 10:00 AM

      Dannie, the others are all fairly new releases. Worth a look if you have little ones around (or if you're just addicted to picture books, like me!).
  3. Kate from An Amazing Child says

    April 17, 2011 at 9:31 AM

    This is a wonderful list of books. And just in time for Earth Day on April 22. My son loves the Hungry Caterpillar and Diary of a Wombat. He asks for them every night and even sleeps with his own little carrot-eating wombat.
    • Megan @ Writing Out Loud says

      April 17, 2011 at 10:00 AM

      How cute, Kate!
  4. SquiggleMum says

    April 17, 2011 at 11:49 AM

    Ooh... My Little World is a new one for me. Best get my hands on a copy!! Cath xx
    • Megan @ Writing Out Loud says

      April 17, 2011 at 2:04 PM

      Cath, you will LOVE it! x
  5. Marthese says

    April 17, 2011 at 7:34 PM

    Thank you for sharing...I must admit too that some of them are new ones for me..I definitely remember he Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, but the others are all new to me...
    • Megan @ Writing Out Loud says

      April 18, 2011 at 6:36 AM

      I think everyone loves The Very Hungry Caterpillar - a true classic that will never date.
  6. abbie says

    April 17, 2011 at 8:35 PM

    That last one sounds fabulous! What a neat concept to have your children learn. We hike a lot and my girls are constantly pointing out things to me that I would have otherwise missed. Great guest post! Thanks for sharing.
    • Megan @ Writing Out Loud says

      April 18, 2011 at 6:37 AM

      Thanks Abbie! I love hiking, too, and hope my daughter will love it when she's a bit older - and I look forward to her pointing out all the things I'm missing!
Welcome
pinterestinstagramteachers pay teachersyoutubefacebook

Search

Tips & Resources


Latest

Best ideas for sensory play for toddlers

20 Best Ideas for Sensory Play for Toddlers

Looking for ideas for sensory play for toddlers? Today we have a super fun list … [Read More...]

Over 55 super ideas for sensory bins

55+ Super Sensory Bin Ideas for Kids

We are big fans of sensory play in our house! Since they were small, my girls … [Read More...]

65+ YA dystopian books for teens

21 Thrilling YA Dystopian Book Series for Teens

Inside: Our pick of the best YA dystopian books series for teens. If your … [Read More...]

The Book

Learning Resources


Activities by Age

Baby
Toddler
Preschool
School-age
Family

Copyright ©2022 · Childhood101 - All Rights Reserved ·

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • PRIVACY POLICY