How do frogs breathe underwater? How much water does a tree drink in a day? Why do hedgehogs curl up in a ball? What would happen if we cut down all the trees?

Children ask great questions! They are explorers. They smell the flowers, spot teeny tiny bugs, stop to watch bunnies, butterflies, and deer, and love to climb into the arms of a tree. Plants and animals call to kids. Thank goodness they do. Teachers, all of them. There is so much to learn from nature.

Ecology, the study of how organisms interact with each other and their environment, offers our children the answers they seek. Good books and time outside offer ecology lessons in the form of story and play. When children learn about nature, they’re more likely to love and appreciate all that it has to offer. When children love something, they are more likely to learn. There is no better way to teach children about the natural world than to read and play. Candlewick Press’ spring collection of picture books help kids do both. Check out our favorite new books below. Used together or apart, you can explore ecology with young children, one page at a time.

Fabulous Frogs by Martin Jenkins

Learn about some of the 5000 frog species- what they eat, where they live, and who builds nests in the trees. A book filled with everything you’d ever want to know about frogs.

Activity- Make a Frog Fort or Toad Abode.

If you have a water source in your backyard, create a place nearby for frogs to hide. If not, a toad abode is a great way to invite Frog’s cousin, Toad, to stick around.

Materials- 

• Small Terracotta or plastic flower pot
• Moss or dried grass
• Glue gun (and help if crafters are small)
• Rocks, sticks, nuts, seeds- any decore found outside

Directions-

• • Gather materials. There are probably great supplies in your backyard!
  • Glue moss, grasses, and natural items to the outside of the pot. The inside can also be lined with moss and grass. Think like a frog or toad- what might feel comfy.
  • Place near water or woods, away from foot traffic, and check back often to see if anyone visits.

Snowboy and the Last Tree Standing by Hiawyan Oram

Follow Snowboy as he decides if he will help Greedy Greenbackboy cut down all the trees and catch all the fish. A tale to remind us we can all make a difference.

Activity- Protect and Love Trees.

Plant a tree, use cloth napkins, recycle and buy recycled products, use both sides of a sheet of paper, visit forests, climb trees, be careful what you spray on your yard or better yet, don’t spray anything. Talk to your kids about why we need trees and how your family is helping them live and grow.

Prickly Hedgehogs! by Jane McGuinness

Learn about hedgehogs- where they live, what they eat, what they do in winter, and why we need to help protect them. A book for children who love to learn about different animals.

Activity- Paint Hedgehog Rocks

A little paint, paintbrushes, and smooth oval rocks are all you need! Once dry, spray with a coat of sealer and place them somewhere special in your yard or garden.

The Things That I LOVE about Trees by Chris Butterworth

Follow a tree from season to season. Learn about why trees need pollinators, why their new leaves are green, how bark protects a tree, and what time of year they grow. Filled with facts and story, this book also includes games children can play with trees.

Activity- Make Tree Necklaces.

Trees like jewelry too. String popcorn, seeds, flower petals, leaves, and nuts. Give your trees a new look and a little love.

Drawn from Nature by Helen Ahpornsiri

Created by pressed plants, every incredible illustration in this book invites children into facts about plants and animals. Separated by seasons, children learn about the many wonders that grow and change in our natural world.

Activity- Use pressed flowers to create a plant or animal you love. 

Look at how the author of Drawn from Nature created her illustrations. Using dried, pressed plants and flowers, see what animals you can re-create. Get inspiration by sitting outside. What animals and insects are in your backyard?

We love using our Candlewick Press books to explore ecology and think you will love them too! Order from Candlewick Press and save 25% with discount code CANDLEWICK at checkout AND be sure to enter the two giveaways below for a chance at a free Candlewick book!

Win Free Candlewick Press Books!

1. Enter to win one of the Candlewick books in this post! Open to US residents 18 and older, leave a comment letting me know which book your child would love or what they love to learn about in nature. 

Begins April 2 at 7 am. Closes April 23 at 7 pm. FIVE winners will be chosen by a random number generator and notified by email. CLOSED- Winners will be notified via email.

2. Enter to win a Judy Moody paperback from Candlewick.