Book List - Books to Pair with a Nature Maker Space

Looking to add to your elementary collection? Here are some great books about nature.

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Here’s a mix of picture books, nonfiction, and early readers that would pair perfectly with a nature maker space activity, grouped by age/reading level:

🌿 Picture Books (PreK–Grade 2)

These work well as read-alouds before or after the activity:

Nature’s Paintbox: A Seasonal Gallery of Art and Verse by Patricia Thomas – Combines poetry and art to explore nature in every season. https://amzn.to/4keH4e1
A Leaf Can Be… by Laura Purdie Salas – A lyrical look at the many roles leaves play in nature. Great for sparking interest before the walk. https://amzn.to/4kjT8Ks
Outside In by Deborah Underwood – A gentle reminder of the nature always surrounding us, even when we’re indoors. https://amzn.to/459QYbS
In the Tall, Tall Grass by Denise Fleming – Simple text and rich visuals encourage noticing small outdoor details. https://amzn.to/42XyaLz
Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson – Interactive and seasonal, this book invites kids to imagine changes in nature. https://amzn.to/3SBBcPv

🍂 Nonfiction (Grades 1–5)

Perfect for extending the learning after the collage:

Because of an Acorn by Lola M. Schaefer – Shows the interconnection of nature, from a single acorn to a thriving ecosystem. https://amzn.to/3FcVCvd
Look What I Did With a Leaf! by Morteza Sohi – Introduces leaf identification and shows kids how to use leaves to make animal art. https://amzn.to/4j7uFHp
Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Wildflowers by Libby Romero (National Geographic Kids) – A great tie-in if your students are collecting flowers or leaves. – https://amzn.to/4kicOhH
Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies – A stunning collection of poems and facts about the natural world. https://amzn.to/44yT70B

🐛 Early Readers & Easy Chapter Books

Good for independent readers or classroom connections:

My Nature Sticker Activity Book (series by Olivia Cosneau) – These sticker/activity books offer visual, interactive ways to connect with nature. https://amzn.to/3ZdLdpJ
Magic Tree House #6: Afternoon on the Amazon by Mary Pope Osborne – Brings an adventurous lens to nature, ecosystems, and the outdoors. https://amzn.to/43lbpjK
Seedlings: Nature’s Children (various titles) – High-interest, nonfiction series featuring animals, plants, and habitats. https://amzn.to/4jSqErf

Bonus: Books to Inspire Nature Journaling

If you’re extending this maker space into journaling or field guides:

Explorers’ Sketchbooks: The Art of Discovery & Adventure by Huw Lewis-Jones https://amzn.to/4jVmXBb
Keeping a Nature Journal by Clare Walker Leslie https://amzn.to/4dl5gsf

📚 Librarian Tip

Display books alongside your maker space materials to spark curiosity and deeper learning. Use book stands, baskets, or labeled bins with signs like “Read It, Then Make It!” or “Nature Inspires!” Encourage students to browse before or after they create—pairing books with hands-on projects helps reinforce vocabulary, observation skills, and background knowledge.

For extra engagement, invite students to choose a book from the display and find something on their bracelet or collage that connects to the story!

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