"Children are born naturalists. They explore the world with all of their senses, experiment in the environment, and communicate their discoveries to those around them."
~ from the Audubon Nature Preschool
About
The Morton Arboretum provides children a place to explore and an environment that makes learning about nature fun, teaching an appreciation for nature and conservation.
The Sterling Morton Library helps by nurturing a love of nature from an early age through our collection of children's books! From how-to-garden books to animal stories and fiction, our collections can give kids a fun and interactive way to learn about trees, plants, and wildlife.
Wednesdays and Fridays from November to March, join us in the Sterling Morton Library for this popular and interactive storytime, Arbor Reading Adventures! We’ll read stories, make a craft and then head out on the grounds for an adventure walk. Themes change weekly.
Below are a few titles that we have here at The Library! To view addition titles in our collection use our online catalog.
Trees by Lemniscates
A simple introduction to trees describes seasonal changes and discusses different habitats and the contributions trees make to the environment.
Forest has a Song: Poems by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater
"The forest is inviting you to come and visit. The poems in this book, intimate and lighthearted,will take you there."
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk…and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave.
Plant Parts Smarts : Science Adventures with Charlie the Origami Bee
by Eric Braun
Charlie the origami bee may be new to the bug world, but he knows all about plants. When the other bugs lose their ball, his plant smarts come in handy. Buzz around with Charlie, and learn all about plant parts!
by Chris Stall
Information on 40-50 animals common to each region.
The Life Cycle of a Praying Mantis by Andrew Hipp
The praying mantis is a fearsome predator, eating insects many times its own size, as well as the occasional mouse, salamander, and even hummingbird! Hungry mantises may even gobble up other mantises. This book details the life cycle of these fascinating carnivores, from birth through various molts and into adulthood.
Trolls by Alicia Klepeis
For centuries, the myths of trolls have fascinated and frightened people young and old. Originating in the time of the Vikings, trolls have been constant figures of mythology since the very first troll story. Their lore has evolved and developed over time, but their representations, especially across Scandinavian culture, have lasted to the present day. This book explains the history of troll lore throughout the ages, examines other troll folktales from around the world, and even explores how the troll persists in today’s society.
Did you know that with your library card you can access the Library’s e-books? Use the number on the back of your library card to login and gain access to thousands of online texts! These also include children’s books!
Coniferous Forests by Donna Latham
Investigating a variety of biomes and today’s natural and human threats to their preservation, this interactive series challenges young readers to look at how their own actions influence the planet's health.
Wolf Island by Ian McAllister and Nicholas Read
This nonfiction picture book is illustrated with stunning wildlife photographs and tells the story of a lone wolf who swims to an island in the Great Bear Rainforest.
What Is the Structure of a Plant? By Louise Spilsbury and Hope Killcoyne
This book explains how various types of plants absorb water, light, and nutrients to grow. Basic scientific concepts are elaborated in the context of the many different types of plant structures, with illustrative diagrams and sidebars showing the many adaptations distinct species have developed for survival in their surroundings.