Visiting my local Indie Bookstore, I discovered children’s and young adult authors who share nature, plants, seasons, mindfulness, and Indigenous wisdom in their amazing books!
I purchased “Braiding Sweetgrass For Young Adults” by Robin Wall Kimmerer, adapted by Monique Gray Smith; “Breathe and Be: A Book of Mindfullness Poems” by Kate Coombs; and “Trees: A Count and Fund Primer” by Greg Paprocki.
I was inspired to head to one of my favorite drives through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. After passing the radiant colors of the Fall trees, and listening to the running water roaring down the mountain, I pulled over near a simple waterfall to dive into my little book haul!
Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults by Robin Wall Kimmerer, adapted by Monique Gray Smith, brings Indigenous wisdom and ecological science to younger audiences, emphasizing respect and reciprocity with nature. Key themes include gratitude for nature’s gifts, sustainable living, and the responsibilities we share in protecting the planet. The book is enriched with illustrations by Nicole Neidhardt, which visually capture the beauty and importance of these lessons. I totally enjoyed the young adult version with it’s additional detail, visuals, and food for thought!
“Trees” by Greg Paprocki is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that introduces young readers to the world of trees through engaging images and simple, informative text. The book explores different types of trees, thier unique features, and their importance to the environment. Each page highights various aspects of tree life, from leaves and roots to the animals that live among them, helping children understand the role trees play in supporting ecosystems and providing oxygen.
Key highlights include vibrant illustrations that capture the beauty of different tree species, accessible language that makes learning about nature fun, and an emphasis on the essential role trees have in sustaining life on earth. The book is idea for preschool and early elementary readers, providing an introduction to nature and trees that’s both accessible and captivating to young children!
“Breathe and Be: A Book of Mindfulness Poems” by Kate Coombs, illustrated by Anna Emilia Laitinen, is a calming collection of poetry designed to introduce young children to mindfulness. Each poem gently guides readers to focus on their breathing, connect with nature, and find peace in the present moment. Ideal for ages 4 to 8, Breathe and Be serves as both a relaxing read and an introduction to mindfulness techniques for children.
I recommend all three books for both children and adults! They are even more fun to enjoy in the beauty of nature! Enjoy!