Nature Books for Kids
Literacy changes lives, and we’re dedicated to making quality books accessible to every young reader. This collection connects young readers ages 5 to 9 with the wonders of the natural world. Each book explores forests, oceans, gardens, and wildlife through engaging stories that foster environmental awareness.
Don't Burn The Book!
Ned needs fuel, but his furnace is fading - can The Book help him grow a whole forest from tiny seeds? With bone dust, busy feet, and a bit of glee, Ned plants, waits, and watches trees shoot up at top speed. But when the flames roar high, why is The Book suddenly backing away? This decodable reader practises the ’ee’ sound in words like ’tree,’ ‘seed,’ ‘speed,’ and ‘glee.’
Catch That Dragonfly!
The homework assignment of a lifetime: catch a real insect and study it up close! But when Kim picks the fastest bug in the playground, can two kids really outsmart a dragonfly that darts at lightning pace? Every time they get close, it zips away like it notices their every move. What clever trick might finally work? This decodable reader practises the soft c sound in words like ‘centre,’ ‘circle,’ ’notice,’ and ‘silence.’
Down by the Sea
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I Can See the Sea!
May has never seen the sea - only fog and hills. When her teacher Jack knocks on her door promising a place where she can finally see it, will a hill, a rock, or even a tall tree be high enough? And what surprise does Jack have tucked in his bag? This decodable reader practises the ‘kn’ sound in words like ‘knock,’ ‘knees,’ ‘knew,’ and ‘knuckles.’
I Grew That!
Meet a young farmer with big dreams and even bigger baskets! He digs straight lines, scatters seeds, and shoos away hungry birds, all so his family can share a special meal. But can one boy really grow an entire dinner by himself? And what happens when surprise visitors sneak into his garden? This decodable reader practises suffix words such as ‘proudly,’ ‘kindly,’ ‘hopeful,’ ’thankful,’ and ’lovely.’
I Smell Amazing!
Deep in the jungle lives Rafa, a huge red flower with bumpy, spotted petals and a smell so strong it can curl your toes! The orchids gnash their teeth, the roses turn up their noses, and the butterflies fly right past. But why do clouds of gnats adore her? And could Rafa’s stinky cologne actually be her greatest gift of all? This decodable reader practises the gn phonogram in words like ‘sign,’ ‘design,’ ‘reigns,’ and ‘gnaw.’
Minecraft Ecology: Deserts
Could you survive a day in the blazing Minecraft desert? Sand stretches in every direction, the sun climbs to a dizzying height, and the air feels weirdly still. Where do husks hide when the heat gets too strong? How do rabbits stay cool, and what hidden treasures wait beneath the dunes? Grab a shovel, pack a map, and seize the chance to explore this foreign land! This decodable reader practises the ’ei’ phonogram in words such as ‘weird,’ ‘height,’ ’neither,’ and ‘seize.’
The Bees Want Them Back!
Ned’s shed is finished, but something feels missing - can a trip to the beach, a shovel, and a bit of squishy blue clay really turn a plain little shed into something special? And when Ned reaches for a fistful of flowers, why do the bees suddenly want them back? Join Ned and The Book on a colourful, buzzing adventure. This decodable reader practises the ‘ph’ sound in words like ‘oomph,’ ‘phenomenal,’ ‘phew,’ and ‘spheres.’
A Broken Bridge
When Amahle’s family hits a run of bad luck and the flood washes away the bridge to market, she sets out to fix it herself. But the river is watching. What happens when two shining figures rise from the water at sunset, and can one determined girl accept the strange task they point her toward? This Bookbot level practises soft ‘c’ words like ‘once’, ‘since’, ’notice’, ‘peace’, and ‘silence’.
Catch That Cat!
Spring has arrived, and the garden is bursting with birds, bright petals, and the promise of Holi colours! But a certain sneaky black cat has Plans of his own. Can Girl keep an eye on Mum’s new dress, Grandad’s tiny seedlings, and a very curious squirrel all at once? When a furry blur shoots out the door, everyone has to move fast! This decodable reader practises le/al/el/il words such as ‘gentle,’ ‘squirrel,’ ‘metal,’ ‘sparkle,’ and ‘bundle.’
Frequently Asked Questions
How do nature books combine reading practice with science learning?
Nature books introduce concepts like habitats, seasons, and life cycles through stories, so children build scientific vocabulary and background knowledge while practising decoding. The National Council of Teachers of English emphasises that reading across content areas is essential for literacy development, and nature books are one of the most accessible ways to bring informational content into a child’s reading diet.
Why are children drawn to nature books?
Children are naturally curious about the world around them — why leaves change colour, where animals sleep, how storms form. Snow, Burns and Griffin (1998) found that reading about topics children find meaningful builds the background knowledge that supports comprehension growth across all subjects. Nature books channel that curiosity into reading practice.
Do these nature books use decodable text?
Yes. Each book uses decodable text matched to a specific phonics level, so children sound out words using patterns they have already learned. The nature content provides meaningful context for that practice — a child decoding a word like nest or pond is learning both a phonics skill and a science concept.
What formats are these nature books available in?
Nature books are available to read on the Bookbot website, with many titles free to access. Depending on the title, you may also find options such as PDF downloads, printable versions, audiobooks, or read-aloud mode with word-by-word highlighting. Learn more about the benefits of reading aloud.
What reading levels are available?
The nature collection ranges from simple CVC words (like sun, bug, mud) for beginning readers through consonant blends, digraphs, and multi-syllable patterns. You can filter by grade level or check the scope and sequence to find the right starting point.