Picture Books for Your Daypack
Books about hiking and nature to read on the trail
In August of 2020, I went on my first backpacking trip to South Mountain State Park in North Carolina with four amazing women. I was 41 years old. I had borrowed gear and trepidation about my abilities to make it through the hike. Not only was it my first backpacking trip, but I was only a mild hiker. After carrying everything I needed we camped miles away from any other humans under the Lions Gate moon. We dipped into a cool forest pool and it was about as magical as you could imagine. My heart was fully in after that night. Even though I came away from that trip with black and blue toes, I’ve kept hiking ever since.
And now I love sharing my joy for the trail with young children. One way I do this is by setting the scene! When we hike I do the prep work like finding interesting and doable walks, making snacks and bringing appropriate reading material, of course. Scroll below to see my favorite books to read when we spread out our picnic blanket trailside.
The Hike by Alison Farrell
I love all the literacy moments neatly woven into the book as the children write in their notebooks and read maps. And BIPOC representation!
Hike (Oswald) by Pete Oswald
The illustrations here are so sweet. This is a true form picture book with no words.
Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury
Classic one that will have you singing down the trail. Also noise is a great way to deter actual bears!!
Walking With Mama by Barbara White Stynes
I found this sweet title in little book store in San Francisco when mine own children were still small. Mmmm…. I love how a book can hold so much love.
Everybody Needs a Rock by Byrd Baylor and Peter Parnall
I am a huge fan of Byrd Baylor. This book treats nature and children with high regard, it’s not melted down or cute. This one takes childhood seriously.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees by Jen Green
I was so surprised when I first read this book! I was expecting a typical DK science book. And it is that but the illustrations are gorgeous AND there is a whole section about how TREES TALK TO EACH OTHER VIA MYCELIUM. I adore it.
The Water Princess by Susan Verde and Peter Reynolds
This is a divine book and a great one for people walking!
Hiking Day (Rockwell) by Anne Rockwell and Lizzy Rockwell
A couple of years ago there were a slew of great hiking books featuring BIPOC families. Hooray!! We need diverse books and Anne and Lizzy Rockwell are doing the work!
Be a Tree Maria Gianferrari and Felicia Saia
I love these kind of detailed illustrations. So cute!
A Tree is Nice by Janie May Udry and March Simone
A classic sweet read, this one.
Tiny, Perfect Things by MH Clark
Well the publishing world totally wins me over with embossed covers and sweet art. I can feel these letters under my finger right now, tiny and perfect.
Berry Song By Michaela Goade
I love hiking with a person that knows there wild berries! I honestly don’t really trust myself, but hoping to get there. Berry song might help me!
The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry
This lyrical and vibrant book brings the forest and conservation alive.
