Language, listening, creativity, concentration, and vocabulary are just a few of the cognitive skills that kids build when adults read them stories out loud. When the books are about nature, the benefits multiply — children get inspired to appreciate animals, plants, and the natural environment. They also build an ethic of caring for the earth.

Hit the library, and check out some of the favorite children’s titles that Scenic Hudson staff members find themselves breaking out again and again.

Owl Moon, by Jane Yolen

(Rec: Joe Kiernan, senior parks project manager)

This was one of my daughter’s favorites. The pictures are simple yet rich with color and hidden critters to find. A father takes his young daughter out “owling” under a full moon on a cold winter’s night. The story is told from the daughter’s perspective and paints an endearing scene of a young girl learning to appreciate and experience the natural world with her father, something more typically seen with fathers and sons.

Big Red Barn, by Margaret Wise Brown

(Rec: Annie Christian, land project manager/agricultural specialist) 

Big Red Barn is like the book version of many favorite children’s songs. The book centers the rising sun, the wind pushing the weathervane, and flowers growing on the edges of the fields, giving the reader a sense of time connected to natural rhythms. A 3-year old will love the puppies, piglets, and donkeys, and also delight in the butterflies resting on cornstalks and bats flying out of the barn at dusk. This little farm is in harmony with the natural world, and helps ease kids into sleepytime.

Fatima’s Great Outdoors, by Ambreen Tariq 

(Rec: Amy Brown, social media manager)

Ambreen Tariq — an author, activist, and founder of @BrownPeopleCamping — tells the endearing story of young Fatima and her family’s first time camping. Fatima struggles with bullies and assignments at school but finds her place in the great outdoors as she helps her family build a tent, lights a fire, and overcomes her fear of spiders. The touching story of family connection is brought to life with beautiful illustrations by Stevie Lewis that help illuminate how adventures in nature are for everyone.

The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss

(Rec: Othoniel Vazquez Dominguez, senior GIS analyst & landscape ecologist)

If you are looking for a story that is fun and has an uplifting message, The Lorax is a great pick. You will follow a character called the Lorax in his efforts to protect the Truffula trees from being cut down by the Once-ler, a greedy businessman. With colorful illustrations and Dr. Seuss’s characteristic rhyming, the story is easy for kids to enjoy and understand the message about taking care of nature. The Lorax is great for families to read together and an awesome way to talk about why preserving nature and other environmental issues matters.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s First Fall, by Eric Carle

(Recommended by Griselle Cabrera-Ramos, director of finance)

My partner, son, and I love The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s First Fall. This was a great book to read, especially because we are enjoying the change in season here in the Hudson Valley. The book wonderfully illustrated the vibrant colors of fall and how nature prepares itself for winter. We loved seeing and reading about the animals foraging for food and building warm homes. We looked outside and saw the squirrels in our backyard doing just that! This is a book that reminded us why fall is one of our most favorite times of year. It’s the perfect time to enjoy a trip to the farm or a brisk walk through an autumn-kissed trail. 

Earth Squad: 50 People Who Are Saving the Planet, by Alexandra Zissu

(Rec: Lynn Freehill-Maye, Viewfinder managing editor)

If your kids are old enough to help clean up litter, understand recycling, and celebrate Earth Day, you may be looking for a little further inspiration. Earth Squad just might be it. Author Alexandra Zissu (who is Hudson Valley-based) introduces kids to more than four dozen environmental heroes in this book, which includes bright, appealing illustrations. The “Earth Squad” members are from all ages and backgrounds, and several — including Pete Seeger — come from the region. You and your kids will come away energized to do more for the earth!

Animal Tracks, by Arthur Dorros

(Rec: Emily Hague, assistant director of land conservation) 

Animal Tracks is a whimsical, accessible foray into the basics of ecology. The inquisitive style encourages kids to notice details, and yields surprises from page to page. We started reading it at age 2 on a camping trip, and our son has requested it ever since — there’s always more to notice! The book also acknowledges the signs that humans leave behind, and where to look for animal signs in urban environments. This teaches children that we are part of our natural surroundings, not separate. To top it off, it has some fun activities in the back. It’s one of those books that isn’t boring to read on repeat — highly recommend!