Best Nature Read Aloud Books for Families

The best advice if you can’t be somewhere, is to read about it instead. Reading aloud is fun and entertaining for kids of all ages and a great way to spend time as a family. Even teenagers and adults like to hear a good story.

Reading about nature and adventure can inspire families to want to have an adventure of their own. Maybe you read Swiss Family Robinson and want to experience living on an island or building a treehouse.

As a family, reading to the kids before bed is quite common, but that doesn’t mean you should stop when they get old enough to read for themselves. Reading and sharing a good book is a great way to pass the time on a rainy camping trip. You can also bring read aloud books with you on road trips, or places where you have a long wait. Some families like to read during lunch so kids can listen while they eat.

Whatever your preference, make reading time nature-time with these favourite read aloud books:

The Wild Robot Series

by Peter Brown

Great for all ages! This is one series where the sequel is better than the original. This series is so much fun for nature lovers and robot lovers alike. Everyone in the family will enjoy seeing the forest from a robot’s perspective. Without spoiling the story, the robot learns to communicate with animals and people in different ways. The realistic portrayal of a robot facing the forces of nature is not to be missed!

Fablehaven Series

by Brandon Mull

This book series is better for children who are a little older and not easily scared. There are some monsters and fantastical creatures that could be too frightening for younger and sensitive children. That being said, there is also a world full of nature preserves that are hiding fairies, satyrs, trolls, unicorns and other imaginary beings. The adventures the children and their families are exciting and provide fun conversation when out in nature. Is that a butterfly, or a fairy in disguise?

Doolittleen Series

by Hugh Lofting

An oldie but a goodie. This book series is huge and a family favourite. Almost everyone has heard of Doctor Doolittle, the healer who can speak animal languages. These are the originals and are broken down into bite sized adventures. Each chapter sees Doctor Doolittle and his animal friends exploring the world and helping when they can. The collaboration among the animals provides a great example and everyone will be eager for their next wildlife encounter. It’s also a great way to discuss the different ways people and animals communicate.

Journey to the Centre of the Earth

by Jules Verne

A classic. We enjoyed this story with kids age 5-7. Then, re-read the whole Jules Verne collection again a few years later. This journey describes an alien world right under our feet. You’ll never think of earth the same. Around the World in 80 Days takes you around the world in a hot air balloon. Written more than 100 years ago, these stories have a different flow that children seem to really like. And for people who enjoy good satire, From the Earth to the Moon is hilarious (for teens and adults).

If there are any nature read aloud books we should add to this list, let us know! A good story draws you in so you can hear and smell the forest. Reading together is a great way to share an adventure, wherever you are.

Keep reading as a family and sharing stories you enjoy. Have books around and bring books with you. Download eBooks and incorporate the stories you read into your nature walks and travels. Sometimes a good book can spark the imagination and inspire an adventure of your own. You might not make it to the center of the world, but the journey will be worth it

“Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.”

—Hans Christian Andersen

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Abundant Forest Life uses some affiliate links, which means if you decide to make a purchase we earn a commission that helps support our work, at no cost to you. All recommendations are based on our experiences and shared as part of our mission to have more families enjoy nature, abundance, and free time

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