Finding the right book for your kids can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. You want something that grabs their attention, but also something that leaves them with a little extra spark of curiosity. As a mom, I remember that struggle all too well. My daughter was always into reading, thankfully, but my son was what is often referred to as a “reluctant reader.”
With Earth Day just around the corner and Mother’s Day right on its heels, I’ve been spending some time with a stack of new titles that perfectly bridge that gap. From interactive “search and find” adventures that get toddlers excited about the outdoors to eye-opening true stories about protecting our oceans, these reads are about more than just turning pages; they’re about noticing the world around us.
I’ve also tucked in a few Mother’s Day gems that celebrate the “Mamasauruses” and “Unicorn Moms” in our lives (with some illustrations that genuinely had me laughing out loud). Whether you’re looking for a peaceful bedtime read or a guide to why some people actually eat bugs for a snack, here are some of my top picks.
Interactive Nature & Earth Day Discoveries
Fun to Find! Let’s Go Outside
By Krissy Bonning-Gould; Illustrated by Gareth Williams.
If you have a toddler or preschooler who can’t sit still, this is a lifesaver. It’s an interactive “search and find” that takes you through the beach, a farm, and a campsite and more.
What I love is the layout. All the objects kids need to find are illustrated right along the bottom of the pages. It’s a fantastic bonding activity to do together, but it’s also intuitive enough that children can enjoy it on their own once they get the hang of it.
Why We Celebrate Earth Day: Everything to Know About Your Favorite Holiday
By Kelly Anne Mclellan; Illustrated by Javiera Mac-Lean.
This is the perfect “Intro to Earth Day” book. It covers not only why we have Earth Day, but also the history behind the holiday in a way that is actually easy for kids to understand. This book even looks at how Earth Day is celebrated globally.
I really appreciated the glossary for building vocabulary, but my absolute favorite part is the craft ideas found in the back of the book. It’s the perfect way to turn reading time into a hands-on afternoon project like making upcycled bird feeders.
Wildspeak
By Sangma Francis; Illustrated by Lexi Vangsnes.
As silly as it might sound, I found this to be such a relaxing read. I’m not really sure why specifically.
Within the pages of this book you’ll find illustrated children exploring fields and wide-open spaces. What really stood out to me was the use of a variety of great vocabulary words to describe the wild world. It introduces kids to terms like “eddies” and “scree.”
I think this is a great bedtime book. It’s gentle enough to inspire dreams of “exploring the wild world” and pique a child’s interest in the nature right outside their door.
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A Visit with the Birds: A Hands-on Nature Book
By Sara Levine; Illustrated by Ashley Barron.
This colorful book is literally bird watching in book form. It asks readers to find specific birds, count them, and even pick their favorites. It’s a wonderful way to encourage kids to take notice of the beautiful variety of birds that are all around them.
After a few reads, don’t be surprised if your little ones start spotting robins and sparrows everywhere you go!
Deep Dives: Climate, Culture, and… Creepy Crawlies?
Global
By Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin; Illustrated by Giovanni Rigano.
Many children are big fans of the comic book style, and Global uses that format to tell a very important story.
We follow Sami, who is dealing with rising ocean levels in the Indian Ocean, and Yuki, who is watching the ice melt in Northern Canada. It’s a powerful way to show how global warming has a real, negative impact on people and animals all over the world through a gripping “cli-fi” (climate fiction) lens.
The Girl Who Heard the Music
By Marni Eogleson and Mahani Teave; Illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguens,
This is the inspiring true story of Mahani Teave, an award-winning pianist from Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island.
Mahani wanted to help save her beloved island home from the trash that floats through the ocean and washes up on its shores. We learn how she helped the community find a positive use for that trash by using 85,000 recycled bottles and cans to help build a music school on a remote island.
Bug Snacks: How Eating Insects Can Change the World
By Jess French; Pictures by Zoe Ingram.
Just the thought of eating bugs sounds absolutely disgusting to most of us (I’ve personally never tried one), but for many people around the world, it’s a normal part of daily life.
This book is a deep dive into bug habitats, bug farming, and even includes real recipes. Yes, you read that right, recipes that include BUGS.
While I haven’t toyed with the idea of cooking them yet, for adventurous families, it could be a very interesting activity to learn about sustainable source of protein.
Sweet Reads for Mother’s Day
I Love to Watch You Grow (Sesame Street)
You can’t go wrong with these beloved characters.
In this story, a mom tells her daughter all the ways she loves watching her grow, from the way she plays and laughs to the way she makes messes. It’s a sweet reminder for Mother’s Day that shows children just how much a mom loves everything about them and everything they do each day.
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How to Catch a Mamasaurus
By Alice Walstead and Andy Elkerton.
This book is part of the New York Times bestselling series of “How to Catch a…” books. I have read a few and I have always enjoyed them.
This rhyming book is just as much fun for adults to read as it is for kids. It goes through all the wonderful things “Mamasaurus” does, celebrating her “superpowers” in a way that is cute, catchy, and very relatable. It’s a fast-paced, energetic tribute that kids will want to hear over and over.
I Turned My Mom Into a Unicorn
By Brenda Li
The illustrations in this one cracked me up!
Ted is tired of his mom nagging him to brush his teeth and go to bed, so he wishes she were a fun unicorn instead. He gets his wish, but he soon realizes that a “fun” unicorn mom might be too much.
This story is a hilarious, colorful, and silly way to remind kids that Mom is always looking out for what’s best for them, even if it doesn’t seem that way all the time.
If you are interested in learning more about any of these books you can find them at local bookstores or online retailers such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
of these sounds like a hit for your home library? Let me know in the comments. I always love to hear from readers.
Kimberly
*I received free copies of these books in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
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