There’s no better way to celebrate National Nature Photography Day — which is on June 15th — than with an introduction to our favorite kid-friendly, nature-oriented books. Each of these selections tells a photographic story of the beauty and wonder of nature, educating your kids and, hopefully, sparking interest in budding photographers.
Discovering Nature’s Alphabet, by Krystina Castella and Brian Boyl
There’s something to be said for simplicity, and Castella and Boyl somehow manage to say it through images in this book, which shows, through stunning color photographs, the way the alphabet can be found in the natural shapes of trees, flowers, and rocks. Your child will become more familiar not only with the alphabet but also with their surroundings. [Rated for ages 3 and up.]
Incredible Earth!: Eye-Opening Photographs of Our Powerful Planet, by PlayBac
Eye-opening, in this case, is an understatement. Arresting, perhaps. Your eyes won’t just be open — they’ll be wide open. Showcasing some incredible locations, PlayBac illuminates some of the greatest natural sights on earth in this incredible selection of photographs. Your child will be picking up this book repeatedly, we promise. Just don’t be surprised if their next request is for a camera. Or a vacation to the bottom of the ocean floor. [Rated for ages 9 and up.]
National Geographic Animal Encyclopedia: 2,500 Animals with Photos, Maps and More!, by Lucy Spelman
When it comes to nature, you can’t really trust anyone more than National Geographic, and this animal encyclopedia is no exception. It’s packed with information and amazing photographs, leaving your kids both well-informed and captivated. There’s so much to learn about nature, and this book is the perfect introduction to the world around us. [Rated for ages 8 and up.]
The Grand Canyon (Lightning Bolt books: Famous Places), by Jeffrey Zuehlke
You don’t need to plan a family vacation to the Grand Canyon to enjoy its majestic beauty. In fact, all you have to do is click on the link and see for yourself. The photographs are fantastic representations of the canyon’s natural wonder. Although, after reading the entirety of the book, your kids might be pulling on your sleeve and begging you to see Arizona this summer. [Rated for ages 6 and up.]
Walk on the Great Barrier Reef (Nature Watch), by Caroline Arnold
The Great Barrier Reef is the perfect subject for producing photographs sure to enchant your child. With all the rich and beautiful colors, this book provides a look at the underwater world that few of us get to see first-hand. The photos are accompanied by very detailed information on various species of animals and plants living around this great wonder of our world. [Rated for ages 8 and up.]
