Curated Children's Books to Read
We miss seeing you at the museum to explore our connections with nature in person. One of our favorite sources of inspiration as we create programs are well-written and illustrated children鈥檚 books. They contain a wealth of information presented in appealing and approachable ways. We always learn something new from a good book and hope that you do too as you share these resources with children.
Each book has a recommended age range. If the people in the books are racially diverse, we have noted that with a d (but most of the books do not have any humans in them). We will post book recommendations periodically. If you鈥檇 like a recommendation on a particular topic, please ask at museumed@colorado.edu.
Books about gardening
Written by Lola M Schaefer, illustrated by Lindsay George
Explore through the seasons how fruits and vegetables begin as flowers. Lift flaps to join a diverse cast of young gardeners as they discover the fruits of their garden work. 4鈥10 years old
Written by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal
It鈥檚 all green up in the garden, but there is a busy world down in the dirt that is explored by a young girl and her grandmother in this book. 4鈥8 years old
Written by Mary McKenna Siddals, illustrated by Ashley Wolff
Be an 鈥榚nvironmental chef鈥 after reading this charming story with collage illustrations. 2鈥6 years old.
Written by Wendy Pfeffer, illustrated by Steve Jenkins
Another informative book illustrated by one of our favorite Boulder children鈥檚 book authors. 4鈥8 years old.
Face to Face with Caterpillars
Written by Darlyne A. Murawski
Spend enough time in the garden and you are bound to find yourself face to face with a moth or butterfly that is in its caterpillar stage of life. This book has lots of great photos. 3鈥10 years old.
Books about eggs
The words and illustrations convey the wonder of eggs鈥攃ontainers in which a developing creature breathes, is nourished, and grows鈥攆rom a multitude of creatures. Ages 6-10
By Irene Kelly
Books on topics related to CU Museum online exhibits
Written and illustrated by Helen Cowcher
Bright, delightful images of penguins and seals. 5鈥8 yrs.
Written by Ann Cooper, illustrated by Marjorie Leggett (both local to Boulder)
Stories, folklore, and activities. 8鈥12yrs
Written and illustrated by Keith Baker.
Colorful shapes and snakes. 4鈥8yrs
Some lovely books on topics underrepresented in children鈥檚 books
Written by Elena Fin, illustrated by Rossella Trionfetti
Bright and fun tales of plants in the wild and to raise at home. 8 yrs and up
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Written by Margret Wise Brown, illustrated by Christian Robinson
We are often asked about the dead animals in the museum. This book provides a gentle engagement with the concept for young children. 4鈥8 yrs
Written by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Emily Sutton
鈥溾he tiniest lives doing some of the biggest jobs鈥濃攁 concept children can easily relate to! 5鈥8 yrs
Books that explore evolution
Written and illustrated by Bob Barner
Bright and colorful images with simple text for younger, and more complex explanations for older, children. 2-8 years old
Written by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Beckie Prange
Written and illustrated by Carolyn Fisher
Written by Laurence Pringle, illustrated by Steve Jenkins
Written and illustrated by Hannah Bonner