Book Recommendations

Berry Song                                                                                                                                           
By Michaela Goade         Published 2022, Little Brown Books for Young Readers                     Reading Age 4-8

On an island at the edge of a wide, wild sea, a girl and her grandmother gather gifts from the earth. Salmon from the stream, herring eggs from the ocean, and in the forest, a world of berries.

Through the seasons, they sing to the land as the land sings to them. Brimming with joy and gratitude, in every step of their journey, they forge a deeper kinship with both the earth and the generations that came before, joining in the song that connects us all. Michaela Goade's luminous rendering of water and forest, berries and jams glows with her love of the land and offers an invitation to readers to deepen their own relationship with the earth.

Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist: The True Story of a World-Traveling Bug Hunter

By Christine Evans

Illustrated by Yasmin Imamura

Published 2019,  The Innovation Press

Reading Age 5-10

Evelyn Cheesman grew up in the 1800s crawling in dirt and collecting glow worms. As a young adult she went on to run the London Zoo’s Insect House and went on solo expeditions to collect insects.  Her many adventures led her to collect over 70,000 insect specimens and discover new species. Evelyn dared to go where most other girls of her time did not. She made her own path with amazing and inspiring results. 

Hey, Little Ant

By Phillip M. Hoose & Hannah Hoose

Illustrated by Debbie Tilley

Published 1998, Tricycle Press

Reading Age 3-7

Kids are giants compared to ants. Sure, it might seem easy enough to squish an ant, but should you? What would you do if you encountered a bug that was talking to you and asking you not to squish it? With points of view from both kid AND ant, this story gives readers lots of things to think about regarding kindness and compassion about the big and small around us.  

The Big Book of Bugs

By Yuval Zommer

Published 2016, Thames & Hudson

Reading Age 3-7

Why does a stick ant look like a stick? Why is a dragonfly named after a dragon? How do earthworms wiggle? This big book is full of bug facts for the most curious readers. With thoughtful questions, helpful answers, and beautiful illustrations this book calls attention to the fascinating world of bugs and their natural habitats.