10 Beautiful Books to Spark Science and Curiosity
Preschoolers and early primary kids are naturally curious about the world around them – the wind, the trees, the birds in the garden, the mud on their boots. One of the simplest and most beautiful ways to encourage early science learning is through books.
Want a free printable to go with your storytime? You can grab my Science Book Club Starter Pack here, filled with a monthly tracker, journal page, and colour-your-own bookmarks. [Link to Starter Pack landing page]
Books about the World Around Us for Kids
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This collection includes fiction and nonfiction titles perfect for ages 3 to 6. Whether you’re building a nature shelf, creating a story basket, or just looking for read-alouds to pair with outdoor adventures, these books are a wonderful place to start.
Fiction Picks – Stories That Inspire Wonder
These are the pick of my favourite picture books for this age range that inspire awe and wonder.
Tree: A Peek-Through Picture Book by Britta Teckentrup
Tree: A Peek-Through Picture Book by Britta Teckentrup is a beautifully illustrated journey through the seasons, with peek-through pages that children love. A great starting point for observing trees and seasonal change.
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Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies
If you love poetry then Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies is perfect. It’s a lyrical and gorgeously illustrated collection of nature poems that celebrates the everyday outdoors; from flowers blooming, birds nesting, and more.
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Little Green Donkey by Anuska Allepuz
Little Green Donkey by Anuska Allepuz is a fun storybook that gets kids thinking about plants and healthy eating it’s great to pair with gardening or veggie growing activities.
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Read Next: Garden Schooling – a fun way to garden and learn with your kids.
The Listening Walk by Paul Showers
This is one of my favourite read and then do books. The Listening Walk by Paul Showers is a simple but powerful prompt to explore the world through sound. Great before a nature walk, especially in spring or autumn.
Nonfiction Picks – Early Science Through Observation
I’ve always had a selection of fiction and non-fiction books in my book collection for the kids, ever since they were little. Science although great through picture and storybooks is supplemented with some fantastic non-fiction books. Check out my selection below.
What Is Science? by Rebecca Kai Dotlich
What is Science? by Rebecca Kai Dotlich is a great gentle introduction to the idea that science is all around us, in the air, the water, the soil, and even in our questions.
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My Five Senses by Aliki
My Five Senses by Aliki is a classic introduction to observation and how we explore the world. Ideal for pairing with sensory walks or sorting activities.
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Nature All Around: Trees by Pamela Hickman
The Nature All Around us series are one of the best age-appropriate nonfiction books for early years nature science. And Nature All Around: Trees by Pamela Hickman is beautiful – it covers everything you should ever want to know about trees all in once place.
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The Big Book of Blooms by Yuval Zommer
Another series that we love, the Big Book of… by Yuval Zommer. The Big Book of Blooms is visually engaging and packed with little snippets about how plants and flowers grow and adapt, it’s a great springboard for gardening or flower-spotting.
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More Nature and Science Book Selections for You
If you’re looking for more seasonal nature books to rotate throughout the year, check out these book lists I’ve already shared.
- Summer Nature Stories for Kids
- Autumn Nature Stories for Kids
- Winter Nature Stories for Kids
- Spring Nature Stories for Kids
Want to Explore These Themes All Year?
The books in this list are part of our very first theme in the Rainy Day Science Book Club!
Each month, we explore science through story, hands-on activities, and nature play, all designed for ages 3–6.
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