11 May 2009
Nature has inspired countless children's stories, everything from Aesop's Fables to Alice in Wonderland to Where the Wild Things Are.
This week is Children's Book Week, and a few staff members at the National Wildlife Federation have shared the books that sparked their imaginations as children -- specifically books about nature, animals and the outdoors.
Fictional friends -- like Peter Rabbit, the Very Hungry Caterpillar and Jonathan Livingston Seagull -- connect kids with the outdoors, even when they're enjoying some indoor reading time.
My Side of the Mountain  by Jean Craighead George
As soon as I read this book I wanted to live in a tree, eat acorn pancakes, and pal around with peregrine falcons. On last check, I haven't outgrown any of it.
Todd Christopher is Director of Green Hour.
|
|
 The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
I loved this book with its magical fairy-like illustrations by Arthur Rackham. The tale of animals having adventures in nature was so compelling and even now when I see a tree with twisted limbs, I think of that book and the marvelous Arthur Rackham woods.
Libby Schleichert is Senior Editor for Ranger Rick magazine.
|
|
 I'm in Charge of Celebrations (Aladdin Picture Books) by Byrd Baylor
The narrator of this book invents unique celebrations based on significant experiences with the natural world -- a wonderful idea for anyone who wants a more personal and joyful relationship with the planet!
Kate Hofmann is an Editor for Ranger Rick magazine.
|
|
 Barbapapa's Ark by Annette Tison and Talus Taylor
This was one of my favorite books as a 6-year-old! Barbapapa and his family of multicolored, shape-changing blobs help the world's animals escape from the pollution, habitat destruction and cruelty of humans by building a space-ark and leaving Earth. Only then do humans realize how much the miss and need animals in their lives. The animals return when humans promise to treat them and Earth better.
David Mizejewski is a Naturalist, Author and Media Personality for NWF.
|
|
 Watership Down: A Novel by Richard Adams
My memory of this novel, which I read for my 8th-grade English class, is very vivid: me, up all night, completely absorbed in the adventures of a rabbit community under threat from humans and bulldozers.
Anne Keisman is Online Media Coordinator for Green Hour.
|
What's your favorite children's book about nature? Leave a comment below, or tweet it to @GreenHour.
