Top 10 books about nature by Gill Lewis

February 23rd 2020

Children's author Gill Lewis has always been fascinated by animals, and before she began writing full-time, she worked as a vet, which took her to many places from the wilds of Africa to the Arctic. Living in Somerset with her young family and crew of pets, she is now known for her bestselling books Sky Dancer, Sky Hawk and The Closest Thing to Flying, along with the Puppy Academy series. 

Gill's latest book Willow Wildthing and the Swamp Monster (illustrated by Rebecca Bagley) tells the story of Willow. Willow has just moved with her family to a new house in a new town where she doesn't know anyone, but when she meets a group of children who call themselves The Wild Things, that's when her adventures begin! Willow Wildthing and the Swamp Monster is a Peters' Recommended Read and Book of the Week. 

In this guest post to celebrate the launch of Willow Wildthing, Gill tells us about her top ten children's books with a nature theme.

Non-fiction

The Lost Words by Jackie Morris and Robert Macfarlane

This is the most extraordinary book that has the power to re-wild our language and our hearts and minds. Jackie Morris’s illustrations capture the soul of each wild thing and bind it to ours’ with Robert Macfarlane’s words.

A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies and Mark Herald

A magical mix of non-fiction, poetry and wonderful artwork for young and old alike to inspire curiosity about the natural world. This book makes you notice small everyday wonders.

The Lost Book of Adventure by Teddy Keen

This is a wonderful book that combines adventure, storytelling and imagination with enough practical tips to be able to set out for an adventure from your front door.

The Street Beneath my Feet by Yuval Zommer and Charlotte Gullian

As a fossil-mad child I often wondered about what lay beneath my feet. This is a wonderful pictorial guide to the extraordinary underworld.

2020 Nature Month by Month A Children’s Almanac Anna Wilson

A beautiful book that will inspire families to get out and about in 2020. It’s a fun guide for activities and things to look out for throughout the year.

Fiction

Where the River Runs Gold by Sita Brahmachari

This is a thought-provoking dystopian tale set in a world where the natural world has collapsed, and where the bees are missing. It is a story of hope and courage with the re-wilding theme running throughout.

The Blue Hare by Hugh Webster

A compelling story, told through the eyes of two mountain hare leverets, engages readers with the Scottish moorland landscape and the man-made threats that endanger wildlife.

The Wilderness War by Julia Green

When local wild-space is threatened, Noah and his friends must try to save the woods where they love to play. This book is a call to action to inspire young people to stand up for wildlife and wild-space on their own patch, be it urban or rural space.

Beetle Boy by M.G Leonard

This mad-cap adventure with heroes and villains introduces readers to the incredible world of beetles. If you are not a fan of mini-beasts, you will be by the end of this trilogy.

Race to the Frozen North by Catherine Johnson

If you are an adventurer at heart you will love this short story about Matthew Henson, an American explorer who accompanied Peary on his voyages to the Arctic. Henson’s achievements as explorer, expert navigator, dogsledder and possibly the first person to set foot on the North Pole were largely ignored in his lifetime because of the colour of his skin. 

Willow Wildthing and the Swamp Monster is available to buy now.