Great Read Alouds: Let's Go Outside!

It’s time to go outside! Playing outside provides a sensory-rich environment where a child’s experiences inspire and challenge their body and mind, encouraging them to think differently and create while having fun. Here are some engaging books about playing outside you can read together.

Lola Plants a Garden written by Anna McQuinn & illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw

Lola is a character who is easy to relate to. She's curious and eager to learn new things. After reading a poetry book about a garden Lola is inspired to grow a garden of her own. The book is a gentle reminder of the simple joy of watching tiny green shoots produce beauty, especially in the eyes of a child. It also celebrates family and friendship.

"This fourth, sweet story about Lola delivers with brightly colored acrylic depictions of an adorable child sharing special moments with her mother, reading books, and patiently waiting for her seeds to grow. Lola's bright, cherubic face shows curiosity, joy, and determination as she completes her project. Large, clear type allows for beginning readers to share the story with their parents. Engaging and inspiring to new gardeners everywhere, Lola is a delight."—Carol Connor, Cincinnati Public Schools, OH, School Library Journal

Outside, You Notice written by Erin Alladin & illustrated by Andrea Blinick

Here’s your invitation to discover the joy of being outside and to explore the wonder of nature. The text is engaging to a young child. You are encouraged to be an observer and look closely. For a nature enthusiast, it has additional text with way-cool facts to ponder.

“The detailed text and varied images immerse readers in the feeling of being outside, fully attentive and relaxed...This lovely book is more than the sum of its parts.”―Kirkus Reviews Starred Review

“Blinick’s illustrations offer a sense of excitement and serenity, showing cheerful children with light and dark skin tones and different physical abilities...This exploration of the outdoors is fit to use for budding biologists.”―School Library Journal

What’s in Your Pocket written by Heather L. Montgomery & illustrated by Maribel Lechuga

This picture book introduces you to nine naturalists, explorers and scientists. As children, each collected nature’s treasures in their pockets. The introduction validates the awe and wonder of young children. The story seeks to build a lifelong love of nature. The author provides tips to be a responsible collector of things, including a pro-tip to empty your pockets on the porch.   

"Who hasn’t wandered a beach or forest and tucked a sparkling stone or bit of flora into their pocket? Montgomery’s terrific picture book suggests that this kind of casual curiosity can spark a lifelong love of science and nature. A series of humorous anecdotes give brief introductions to the extraordinary lives of nine scientists, plus scientific tidbits. The stories have delightfully surprising outcomes, as a worm-loving kiddo grows into primatologist Jane Goodall, and a burgeoning bug collector turns out to be Charles Darwin. Plenty of lesser-known names are included, too, from different time periods and varied backgrounds: in the seventeenth century, Maria Sibylla Merian discovers that butterflies grow from caterpillars, while a modern-day Bonnie Lei continues work on sea animals. In Lechuga’s appealing illustrations, which vividly capture the wonder of childhood explorations and the beauty of the natural world, kids poke around in tide pools, spy on slugs, and stuff their pockets full of seeds. It’s an altogether charming concept, convincingly demonstrating how childhood enthusiasms can be much more than passing fancies. Helpful back matter expands on each featured scientist and suggests additional reading, recommends field guides, and offers important guidelines for responsible collecting in the wild. Sure to inspire children—and their grown-ups—to get outside and respectfully delight in the incredible world around them."—Booklist, starred review

Run Wild by David Covell

Step outside and get moving. Run wild! We are on an adventure alongside the characters as each experiences the satisfaction of moving in nature. The text has a rhythmic flow that is both energizing and inspiring. It is equaled by the bold illustrations. There is much joy to be found in this book and in exploring the natural world.  

"Through powerful art and punchy text, Covell celebrates freedom, the out-of-doors, the joy of movement, and the importance of paying attention to the present moment."–Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Summertime! Freedom! Running through the woods and along the beach with nothing to do but enjoy the day. Author-illustrator Covell imparts an ideal image of a magical, carefree childhood day where just being alive is exciting."–Booklist