As the temperatures turn chilly, bring nature indoors for little ones with these favorite children's books selected by Lee Ann Laskey from the Andersen Horticultural Library. Every Thursday, Laskey shares books during the Andersen Horticultural Library's virtual story time.
All of the books below are part of the Andersen Horticultural Library's extensive children's book collection. Arboretum visitors can stop by the library anytime to browse through books, although they are not available for checkout. While the Snyder Building is closed due to the pandemic, the library is accessible by ringing the doorbell on the main doors to the Snyder Building.
And if you happen to be in the market for a holiday gift, some of these titles are available at the Arboretum's Gift & Garden Store. (Members get a double discount -- 20 percent off -- from Nov. 19-Dec. 6.)
Fun Read Alouds
What's Looking at You, Kid?, by J. Patrick Lewis
A lovely book of rhymes and riddles by an acclaimed poet and storyteller.
Bee Dance, by Rick Chrustowski
A vibrant celebration of a day in the life of a bee by a Minnesota author.
The Wide-Mouthed Frog, by Keith Faulkner
An old favorite that is requested often for lots of laughs!
Loon Baby, by Molly Beth Griffin
South Minneapolis author captures the love of loons for the young and young at heart.
Great Gift Ideas
Counting Birds, by Heidi E.Y. Stemple
It's never too early to encourage the joy of birding.
Agate: What good is a Moose?, by Joy Morgan Dey
A celebration of everyone's unique gifts.
Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold, by Joyce Sidman & Rick Allen
A beautiful combination of art, science & poetry from two Minnesota talents.
North Woods Girl, by Aimee Bissonette & Claudia McGehee
A gentle reminder from a local author to appreciate family and the natural wonders around us.
Garden Books for Kids
Garden to Table: A Kids Guide to Planting, Growing and Preparing Food, by Kathryn Hengel
Filled with delicious photos describing all steps of gardening from planting to eating!
Grow Your Own For Kids, by Mitchell Beazley
Packed with fun projects and helpful tips on the joy and ease of growing your own food.
Green Bean! Green Bean!, by Patricia Thomas
A bright and cheery tribute to the magic found in a seed packet. It even has bonus material in the back!
If You Plants a Seed, by Kadir Nelson
Adorable illustrations and simple text about the value of simple acts of kindness.
Science Made Simple
What Do Roots Do?, by Kathleen Kudlinski
Cool facts and rhymes combined celebrate these unsung heroes.
A Nest is Noisy, by Dianna Hutts Aston
A gorgeous, poetic bird book that will spark the imagination.
Under the Snow, by Melissa Stewart
An award-winning science writer captures the magic of animal winter habitats.
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, by Kate Messner
A lovely, softly illustrated story revealing fascinating facts on the hidden activity underneath us.
Andersen Horticultural Library Staff Favorite
The Lost Words, by Robert Macfarlane
A large, lovely keepsake book for the whole family, with an intriguing background that highlights the value of keeping kids truly connected to nature.