The Wood Where Magic Grows
You won't believe what Nature gets up to when you're paying attention!
Here are some of my top recommendations for readers
keen to explore the magic of nature
Fiction for 5-8
Hettie Nettle’s Handbook for Hedgewitches written and illustrated by Claire Barker
Learn everything about being a hedge witch with this wonderful guide. There are stories of the Wild Wood from Flittermouse, Spells of the month and even interviews with woodland celebrities like Jack Frost and Mother Oak. Truly enchanting and magical. A real treasure that readers, young and old, will delight in poring over.
Wildsmith by Liz Flanagan and illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton
These books have some of the most stunning covers I’ve seen and I’m delighted to say that the story inside is just as appealing. A baby dragon? I’m in! Liz Flanagan has created a page turning magical adventure with mystery and charm. And the series just goes from strength to strength.
Benji’s Emerald King Woodland Explorers Club Ewa Jozefkowicz illustrated by Gillian Flint
Young readers will love joining the Woodland Explorers Club and discovering the magic in this series and solving the mystery. Each book follows one of the members and the stories are full of friendship and adventure.
Fiction for 7+
The secret wild Alex Evelyn
I loved this story about Fern and the strange plant she befriends. A mystery is growing at the heart of this adventure and there’s so much to enjoy in this page-turner. Highly recommend.
Greenwild The World Behind the Door by Pari Thomson illustrated by Elisa Paganelli
A whole world of green magic just waiting to be discovered!
This story is a real winner for me, enchanting and exciting and the best thing is it’s just the start of the story as there are more books in the series.
Discover the world that’s bursting into life around Daisy Thistledown!
The Secret Garden Rewilded written by Anthea Simmons
A gorgeous retelling of this classic story.
Picture Books
The green ship written and illustrated by Quentin Blake
Two children clamber over a wall into a garden and discover a wonderful adventure aboard the Green Ship. Powered by nature and imagination this book is an utter triumph.
The Wild written and illustrated by Yuval Zommer
Join the Wild on a journey and remember the wonder of where it can take us and the dangers it can face. The Wild needs us as much as we need it!
Nature Art & Craft Activities
The Big Book of Nature Art written and illustrated by Yuval Zommer – a big beautifully illustrated book packed with ideas of fun things to make with little gifts from nature. From rock pets to barking bats.
Wild Child written by Dara McAnulty illustrated by Barry Falls
‘Let me take you on a journey. A wild wandering.’ A really fun and engaging book to help you explore habitats. I love the mix of prose, facts and activities in this. And it’s wonderfully illustrated by Barry Falls.
21 Things to Do With A Tree Jane Wilsher and Martin Stanev
From meeting your tree to getting to know them to drawing a portrait.
A lovely way to encourage interaction and engagement with these gentle giants
Non Fiction
The Magic and Mystery of Trees Jen Green & Claire McElfatrick
Jam-packed with information about the world of trees, with a combination of eye-catching illustrations and photographs to engage young readers. There’s so much to discover as you wander through these pages and I particularly loved the sections on how trees live together like a family.
Hello Trees A Little Guide to Nature Nina Chakrabarki
A pocket-sized reference for young readers, with simple well laid out information to excite their interest and sow the seeds for learning more about trees
Around the World in 80 Trees Ben Lerwill illustrated by Kaja Kajfež
Discover trees around the world, from the sturdy oak to the Thimmamma banyan. A real celebration of the diversity of these giants, with loads of fun facts and interesting information.
I Love This Tree Anna Claybourne and illustrated by Andy Elkerton
Following the author’s journey to discover more about trees, inspired by the sweet chestnut tree she walks past every day. Answering loads of questions and taking a closer look at the lives of trees this is a great and engaging read.
For Grown Ups
Rewilding Children’s Imaginations – 99 creative activities inspired by nature and folktales from around the world Pia Jones Sarah Pimenta Tamsin Cooke.
The first part of this is a really interesting dive into why Nature is so important for our development and health, how folklore and oral story telling can support children and the role artmarking plays in connecting us to the natural world. This is followed by some fantastic nature activities drawing on folktales around the world
Forest School Adventure Outdoor skills and play for children
Naomi Walmsley and Dan Westall
A handy book packed with ideas for activities from making dens to tying knots to outdoor cooking