This month leaders from around the world landed on our shores for COP26 and with the eyes of the earth upon us, our thoughts, more than ever, turned to the importance of celebrating and protecting the natural world.

At Floris Books HQ they believe that it’s vital to plant the seed early and love shaking their pompoms to champion their books that do just that. In this rousing roundup, we share the best of their inspiring and beautiful picture books which help encourage wee ones to grow a love and appreciation for nature.

FROM SUNNY, SUSTAINABLE DAYS

 Spin a Scarf of Sunshine – Dawn Casey and Stila Lim

Nari lives on a small farm with hens and bees and apple trees, and cares for a little lamb of her own. The seasons turn and Nari’s lamb grows into a fine sheep with a fleece that is ready to shear. Nari and her family use traditional skills to transform the fleece into a cosy scarf, as they shear, spin, dye and knit. But as Nari grows older her beloved scarf becomes tattered – it is ready to be recycled into compost for the farm with the help of some friendly worms.

Stila Lim’s luminous illustrations will inspire children and adults alike to explore the simple beauty around them and connect them to the idea of sustainable living and knowing where our clothing comes from.

Listen to author Dawn Casey read an extract.

Learn how to knit your own wee lamb on our blog!

TO ILLUMINATING, EVOCATIVE NIGHTS

The Night Walk – Marie Dorléans

Mama opened our bedroom door. “Come on, you two,” she whispered. “We need to go now, to get there on time.”

Excited, the sleepy family step outside into a beautiful summer evening. They’ve entered a night-time world, quiet and shadowy, filled with fresh smells and amazing sights. Is this what they miss when they’re asleep?

Translated from French, the original edition of this book won the prestigious Prix Landerneau in the best children’s picture book category. It shares the dreamy story of a family’s exciting journey through the night. Beautiful and evocative, this stunning book celebrates the importance of family time and the awe-inspiring power of the natural world.

Check out the video trailer here.

AND MESMORISING STARRY SKIES

 The Depth of the Lake and the Height of the Sky – Kim Jihyun

Finally, and without a single word uttered, Kim Jihyun’s wordless wonder The Depth of the Lake and the Height of the Sky tells the heartfelt and uplifting story of a child’s independent discovery of the natural world.

A boy and his dog set off from his grandparents’ home in the countryside to explore. At each bend in the trail the boy discovers something astounding, from towering trees to a still, silent lake. He can’t resist diving down, down into the cool water and greeting the fish below. Then later, when boy and dog have been warmed by the gentle sunshine, they wander back, contentedly, to their family. But before they go to sleep, nature gives them one last dazzling show: they look up, up to a night sky awash with stars.

Take a sneak peek inside the book and marvel at some of the incredible illustrations.

Eager from more? Discover all of the beautiful Floris picture books here.